Election Special

Brett Patrikeos

Niddrie District
Party:
The West Party

As the West Party candidate for the Niddrie electorate, I am running to ensure the inner west is never taken for granted again.

A proud resident of the inner west for over a decade, I am stepping up to demand the attention, investment, and respect that Niddrie has lacked for the past 15 years.

I am not a career politician. I bring over 25 years of real-world experience in senior and executive technology roles. Having built my career on managing complex projects and fixing broken systems, I am ready to apply practical, operational solutions to the challenges facing our local community.

For too long, the major parties have governed for the East, leaving Niddrie to deal with a cost of living crisis, degrading infrastructure, and inadequate public transport. With Niddrie now in the spotlight as the Premier’s seat, the West Party and I are here to hold the government accountable and ensure local families are finally put first.

My campaign for Niddrie is built on concrete, common-sense solutions:

  • Buses Before Promises: With the promised Keilor East train station delayed until 2031, I will deliver 20-minute bus frequencies and extended evening services to keep Niddrie moving while we wait.
  • Safer Communities: Niddrie deserves accessible law enforcement. I will fight to reopen the Avondale Heights police station’s public counter with 24/7 staffing, supported by robust youth prevention programs.
  • Roads & Congestion: I will clear daily bottlenecks and repair the degrading road surfaces along Keilor Road, Milleara Road, and Buckley Street.
  • Schools & Community Services: I will secure urgent capital upgrades for Niddrie’s public schools and guarantee crucial funding for our local clubs.
  • Responsible Development & Nature: I will stand against overdevelopment along transport corridors, insist on adequate parking for all new residences, and protect the Maribyrnong River parklands and our local tree canopy.
  • Healthcare Access: To slash emergency wait times, I will advocate for permanently boosting inpatient beds at Sunshine Hospital and expanding bulk-billed Urgent Care Clinics. Things must change. It is time for Niddrie to receive fair treatment and dedicated local representation. If you live in the west, vote West.

Question 1: Are you aligned with any political parties (for independents) and to where are your preferences going?

No. My preferences are yet to be decided. The West Party candidates have full autonomy on their preferences on a seat by seat basis.

Question 2: What is your position on data centres in the western suburbs? Do you think there should be a moratorium? Should they be independently powered by wind, solar, coal, or nuclear?

The use of the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) planning shortcuts must be stopped immediately and proper planning restrictions restored for Data Centres. Data Centres should be neutral to the environment and give back to the communities they are located in.

Question 3: How will you improve public transport options in the west?

Implement Better Buses for the West. More modern buses, more frequent services and better linkages to trains and shopping hubs. No more broken promises and delays, we need action now.

Question 4: What will you do to reduce air pollution in the western suburbs?

Force the use exhaust stacks on the West Gate tunnel to be filtered as per the original design and commitment. Better public transport options will decrease cars on the road. Making the west greener with more tree canopy cover to provide cleaner air.

Question 5: How do you propose to deal with homelessness and housing affordability in the West?

There must be more focus on public housing from the State Government. Also, better services provide at local levels for mental health and persons at risk.

Question 6: What is your policy on abortion?

Leave current laws as they are.

Question 7: What should be done to combat crime?

It needs to be multi-faceted.

  1. More visible policing (deterrent)
  2. 24 x 7 public access to police stations in the West (refuge).
  3. Programs in place at schools for youth to provide education around the negative impacts of crime and the provide better alternatives such as sport, trades and positive engagement (prevention).

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