Catherine Loughnan

I am the One Nation candidate for Williamstown and fully support One Nation’s policies and values.

I believe Victoria needs a genuine alternative to the major parties, which have failed to deliver responsible financial management, adequate infrastructure and essential services for our communities.

My commitment is to represent the people of Williamstown and the western suburbs, putting local residents, families and small businesses first.

I am standing as a One Nation candidate, not as an independent. Voters can refer to One Nation’s official how-to-vote information for preference recommendations.

Data centres are becoming increasingly important to Australia’s digital economy, creating opportunities for investment, employment and technological development. However, their expansion must be balanced against the legitimate concerns of surrounding communities.

My principal concern is the cumulative demand these facilities place on electricity, water, land and essential infrastructure. I support consideration of a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data centre approvals in areas where infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts and community concerns have not been adequately assessed.

Such a pause should allow independent assessments of electricity demand, water consumption, environmental impacts and the long-term effects on surrounding residential communities.

Data centre operators should demonstrate credible plans for meeting their substantial energy requirements without imposing additional financial burdens on households and small businesses.

I support evaluating a combination of reliable energy technologies, including renewable generation, storage and other technically viable sources. Nuclear energy may also be considered in longer-term national energy discussions, subject to legal, safety and economic requirements.

Any proposed development must meet strict planning and environmental standards, involve meaningful community consultation and demonstrate measurable local benefits.

The concerns raised by residents about the proposed Spotswood development deserve to be heard and properly investigated.

Local communities should have a meaningful say in developments that will directly affect their neighbourhoods. Economic development is welcome, but it must never come at the expense of community wellbeing.

Melbourne’s western suburbs have experienced substantial population growth, yet transport infrastructure and services have not consistently kept pace with community needs.

Residents deserve public transport that is reliable, accessible, affordable and safe. I would advocate for the reopening of Paisley Street railway station to better service Altona North residents, improved train frequency and reliability, stronger bus connections between residential neighbourhoods and railway stations, and improved accessibility for elderly passengers and people with disabilities.

I would also support continued scrutiny of major transport commitments serving Melbourne’s growing western suburbs, to ensure projects are delivered transparently and provide measurable benefits.

Safety around railway stations, lighting, pedestrian access and commuter facilities also requires attention.

Improving transport is not simply about building additional infrastructure. It is about ensuring existing services operate efficiently, connect communities and reduce the time people spend travelling to work, education and essential appointments.

Melbourne’s west deserves transport investment that reflects its population, economic contribution and future growth.

Air quality is an important issue for Melbourne’s west, particularly for communities living alongside major industrial areas, freight corridors and busy roads.

Residents deserve to know what they are breathing and whether industrial developments are affecting their health and quality of life. I would advocate for stronger independent air-quality monitoring, transparent reporting of industrial emissions and proper enforcement of environmental standards.

We also need to carefully assess the cumulative impact of industrial developments, transport movements and proposed data centres on local communities.

Environmental protection should not come at the expense of economic development, but neither should residents be expected to accept deteriorating air quality as the price of living in the west.

Homelessness and housing affordability require coordinated, practical and compassionate responses.

Rising rents, financial pressures and limited housing availability have placed considerable strain on individuals and families throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs.

I support stronger crisis accommodation services, improved access to transitional housing and practical assistance for people experiencing housing insecurity.

Long-term solutions must also increase appropriate housing supply while ensuring new residential developments are supported by adequate roads, transport, schools, healthcare and essential services.

Planning decisions should reflect infrastructure capacity and community needs rather than simply increasing housing density without corresponding investment.

We must ensure established suburbs retain their character and that existing residents are not left dealing with the consequences of poorly planned development.

I also recognise that homelessness may involve complex circumstances, including unemployment, family violence, disability, financial hardship and mental health difficulties.

Effective responses therefore require cooperation between government, community organisations, housing providers and frontline support services.

Every person deserves dignity, safety and a reasonable opportunity to secure stable accommodation.

I recognise that abortion is a deeply personal, sensitive and complex issue involving ethical, medical and individual considerations.

People hold different views based on their personal beliefs, experiences and circumstances, and those differences deserve respectful discussion.

My approach emphasises compassion, informed decision-making, access to appropriate healthcare and practical support for women and families facing difficult pregnancies.

I believe greater attention should be directed towards accessible maternal healthcare, counselling, family assistance and social services, particularly for women experiencing financial hardship or difficult personal circumstances.

It is important that women receive accurate medical information, appropriate professional care and support without intimidation, discrimination or judgement.

Any proposed legislative changes should be considered carefully, taking account of medical evidence, existing legal protections, ethical concerns and their practical consequences. I believe this issue should be approached with dignity, sensitivity and respect for those directly affected.

People deserve to feel safe in their homes, on public transport and in their neighbourhoods.

One Nation’s Victorian policy proposes a 24-hour Bail Court, tougher bail rules for repeat offenders, increased judicial capacity and faster processing of serious criminal matters.

The policy also proposes changes to youth sentencing for serious violent offending and measures intended to reduce the administrative burden on police so officers can spend more time on frontline duties.

Prevention is also important. Police, courts, schools, families and community organisations all have roles in addressing offending and reducing the risk of reoffending.

As the One Nation candidate for Williamstown, I would seek regular engagement with local police and residents to understand the particular crime and safety concerns affecting our community.

Our communities deserve stronger protections, accountability for offenders and support for victims of crime.

I encourage residents to read the One Nation Victorian policy book, which provides further information about our policies and proposed measures to restore community safety.