THE Victorian State election is only days away. The Mail contacted each of the candidates for the Eildon electorate earlier in the campaign period with a questionnaire on their policies and stances on important issues for the election.
Bruce Argyle, Healesville
Independent
What is your history in the community?
Save Healesville Hospital Action Group; past president of Healesville Chamber of Commerce; director, Bendigo Healesville Community Bank; deputy chair, Kinglake Ranges Foundation; president of Toastmasters; Yarra Ranges Tourism member; Healesville Historical Society member; Uniting Church member; Yarra Valley Grapegrowers member (plus several other state-wide and national community and not for profit groups).
What is your history in politics?
None, just supporting worthwhile local causes. Encouraged by local leaders to stand.
What is your stance on public transport?
The State Government needs to significantly expand bus services both to Melbourne and across the Eildon electorate: this requires extra funding.
Healthcare?
Healesville Hospital requires significant additional funding – $5 million per annum – to provide a full service and should be independent and community controlled. Break down boundaries of care that currently exist in the Hume region to use Shepparton based services rather than those in Northern Metro. Work with men’s sheds to deliver mental health outreach services. Work with the community to develop programs that build resilience in our young people. Support funding for Mansfield Hospital redevelopment. Improve ambulance coverage and response times.
Climate change and the environment?
I recognise climate change is occurring and will work with Sustainability Victoria and industry to promote renewable energy programs. I will use my mediation skills to work for peace between the timber industry and conservationists and always try to represent the moderate majority.
Support the work of Landcare and Catchment Management Authorities.
Road safety?
Spend money on upgrading local and VicRoads roads and improving drainage and building new footpaths. Encourage VicRoads to consult with communities around speed limits.
Endangered species?
No one wants to see an endangered species disappear. I will help to preserve habitats.
Support Healesville Sanctuary to fund research and breeding programs.
The timber industry and the Great Forest National Park campaign?
Encourage common sense approach to both the use and protection of natural resources.
The broader community should be consulted.
Education (including university and TAFE)?
Some schools need extra funding for capital works, like Yarra Junction Primary and Mansfield Secondary. Support the provision of Tafe courses and links with schools and RTOs in the electorate. Increase funding to neighbourhood and community houses.
An educational precinct in Lilydale is a necessity and Swinburne site should be revived in a form that really helps local young people and local employers with well-trained people.Improve links between education providers at post secondary level.
Childcare and kindergarten?
State Government should be working on the federal government to increase subsidies to reduce the cost of access for low income families.
Employment?
Support VECCI’s push to reduce payroll tax as a stimulus to employment. Establish new tourism initiatives such as off road cycle paths connecting Warburton to Healesville via the Coranderrk Aqueduct; Healesville to Yarra Glen via the Yarra River; Yarra Glen to Lilydale via the rail trail. Construct community aquatic centres. Ensure our money is spent on employing locals, using local traders and contractors rather than Melbourne based companies. Support education providers with good links to local employers to understand their needs.
Agriculture and farming?
Support VFF’s election priorities. Farmers need to be better represented – their voice isn’t heard well in government at the moment. Provide support for initiatives that facilitate more young farmers coming onto the land. Farmers should hold right of veto over mining and petroleum activities on their land.
Other?
N/A.
What issues in particular do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate in this year’s election?
Integrity, improved community services and facilities, public transport and quality, accessible education and a better deal for Eildon from the State Government.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
Raised expectations about what to expect from the State Government. To have built important community facilities and infrastructure. To have set a high standard of community consultation and democracy. Proving that an Independent can be an effective voice in State Government. Consultation and campaigning for issues that matter to our local people. Representing the community regardless of issues and who it is. For the Healesville Hospital to have better services and independent community control. For the Warburton Highway speed limits to have common sense to have more uniform and reasonable limits. A redevelopment of the Mansfield Hospital. Aquatic centre funding. Increase number of new CFA fire trucks to each station. Galeena Beek in Healesville returned to Aboriginal control. Off-road cycle paths connecting Warburton to Healesville to Yarra Glen to Lilydale. Expand Yarra Glen Memorial Hall facilities and new toilets. Support for Murrindindi Shire infrastructure maintenance.
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
As a real local I care about our own community and as an Independent, backed by the local community and its leaders, I won’t be dictated to by any political party machine – I will always be able to campaign for and work constructively for our community without bias and without fear. I’ll take direction from the local community and provide a strong representative voice at a state level. Dare to be an Independent thinker!
Sally Brennan, Gladysdale
Labor
What is your history in the community?
I have worked in our community for 25 years in health, education and community services. I have been in my role as CEO of Upper Yarra Community House for the past 23 years and I have overseen the development of children’s services, accredited training and skills for work, aged care services in the home, and alternative education programs for young people. I have seen first hand every day the damaging changes inflicted on our community by this government, and this is why I feel compelled to take a stand. I have been the secretary of the Yarra Junction Football Netball Club for eight years, as well as a founding committee member for ECOSS and other committees over the years. I am one of three Victorian directors of Community Colleges Australia, a former member of the Local Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group and I’m also on the Outer Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network.
What is your history in politics?
I come from a family whose long history in politics and social enquiry is on the public record, and I have worked closely with government at all levels for many years.
What is your stance on public transport?
Public transport needs to be more accessible and more affordable. A lot of people travel to Melbourne to work, and in the district of Eildon there are initiatives that will hugely assist individuals to do this. The commitment by Labor to capping Zone 1 and 2 fares at Zone 1 prices is important and will make a huge difference to regular travellers from Healesville and Upper Yarra areas. Labor’s commitment to ensuring local community involvement in the development, improvement and delivery of local bus routes will mean that local people get a say in how local services are developed.There is also a $1 billion commitment by Labor to improving country roads, making road travel safer for those areas where public transport is limited.
Healthcare?
Health care has taken a real battering under the Coalition. Services need to be locally based and reflective of community need. Ambulances services need urgent attention, with worsening response times putting live at risk; cuts to Eastern Community Legal Service threaten services to women experiencing violence in the home; one school in a particularly vulnerable part of the community told me that from July next year at least 60 per cent of services supporting their families won’t exist any more as a result of funding cuts. Labor will conduct a state-wide census of hospital bed and theatre capacity, and provide recommendations and strategies to improve the capacity of our hospitals in order to reduce the elective surgery waiting list, free up overcrowded emergency departments and reduce the time ambulances spend in hospital car parks. I fully support the independent business case being conducted for Healesville Hospital, and have assisted in the process by personally asking the Shadow Minister for Health to ask the question of the Minister for Health in Parliament about why the data needed for the business case continues to be withheld. Eastern Health’s performance is also under significant pressure. The health service is facing $74.9 million in Liberal cuts over the next four years. The federal funding cuts include the loss of 300 sub acute beds across the state.
Climate change and the environment?
Climate change is the single most important global issue of our time, and urgent action needs to be taken now so that our grandchildren and great grandchildren have a planet. The reduction of emissions needs to start in our homes and in the practices of industry, and there is a very important role that governments must play in facilitating this. All the historic records now show that the world is gaining heat, with most of it going into the oceans. It’s hard to argue with history. The effect of this at a local level for the people of Eildon, according to the CSIRO, is that by 2050 there will be virtually no snow on Mt Buller and a hugely increased Forest Fire Danger Index.I am personally and politically committed to working with members of the community, the science community and government to continue to design and develop local solutions to this global issue.
Road safety?
In the course of my work at UYCH I’ve been actively involved in developing strategies for addressing road safety in young people, particularly around behaviour change in young drivers, and in my role have secured the P Drivers Project for delivery in our region. Also in my role as secretary of the Yarra Junction Football Netball Club we have taken seriously our Good Sports Level 3 status, and recently won the Regional Good Sports Award for our approach to alcohol and young people. Places like sporting clubs, where young people congregate, must ensure that they have good governance rules around serving alcohol to young people particular under age kids, and continuing to serve alcohol to people who’ve had enough. You might not be too popular at the time but these are the actions that save lives and set an example. Labor’s commitment of $1 billion to regional roads will also greatly assist in making country roads safer.
Endangered species?
There are no circumstances where is it acceptable to act in a way that endangers the sustainability of our native species. It is vital that habitats are protected through a lawful process such as VEAC, and adhered to.
The timber industry and the Great Forest National Park campaign?
This issue has many layers to it, and deserves close scrutiny. The timber industry is important to Victoria and certainly to Eildon, and it provides jobs both directly and indirectly to a large number of people. Equally, the GFNP proposal provides a strategy for addressing the damage to our native species brought about by the 2009 bushfires and highlights where urgent action is required before irreversible damage is done. It is essential that the issues remain clear and unclouded, and that any future strategies are thoughtful and well considered. A significant part of this issue is about science and the integrity of the research, and this has to be presented honestly and not coloured to promote a particular ideology. But it’s also about what happens at an operational level, especially by VicForests. It might require a thorough review of these operational issues, with the brief including the long-term effects of things like clear fell logging on water tables and habitat. Farmers are currently affected, jobs are affected, native species are affected so lets bring it back to the table and identify what is best for all stakeholders. Bring the intelligence and commitment to a solution to the table, not propaganda and ideological head banging. Labor has been working with stakeholders about the natural heritage of this area. Daniel Andrews has visited the area and discussed with a range of key organisations and experts the need for appropriate protection of our threatened species.
Education (including university and TAFE)?
In this electorate there are school buildings riddled with white ants and asbestos, buildings that are being condemned in school playgrounds after their pleas to government for help were ignored, buildings sinking into the ground, buildings that are literally coming apart at the seams. These schools have been doing the best they can within their maintenance budgets, but this is way beyond this. Under the circumstances it’s hard to justify funding cuts of amounting to $600 million state-wide. I’ve also seen schools that have progressive and energetic school councils that see their schools as community hubs, and a vital part of the linking learning platform designed to improve outcomes for both pre-school and school children. I’ve managed to secure $2 million for Yarra Junction Primary School already, and I’ve identified, along with school councils and principals, many other schools with significant needs.In 2010 the federal Labor government asked David Gonski and a panel of acknowledged experts in the field of education to examine the current school funding arrangements in Australia. The panel was required to make a set of recommendations to the federal, state and territory governments for the development of a fair, financially sustainable and effective system that would produce excellent educational outcomes for all of the 3.5 million children currently studying in this country. Labor is fully committed to implementing the recommendations of this report. I am highly appreciative of the work undertaken by this panel and will do everything in my power to ensure that their recommendations are implemented.In the 23 years that I’ve worked in education and training I have never seen the decimation to the sector that we are currently witnessing. To see 1.2 billion dollars cut from the TAFE sector, to see first hand our proud history of quality provision to learners from all walks of life shredded is extremely concerning. These have been the most savage cuts to TAFE ever seen, and have included drastic and random subsidy cuts three times since the Coalition came to government. Changes to eligibility and cuts to subsidy rates have meant that students struggle now to find a course, and then struggle to find the fees to pay for it. The district of Eildon does not have a TAFE presence, and community based providers are doing their best to address the needs. There are however huge swathes of the region that are unserviced, and this is unacceptable. The first step that a Labor Government will take in Eildon will be to re-open the facilities at the Swinburne campus in Lilydale for TAFE and higher education, which will greatly improve access to training for the lower part of Eildon.
Childcare and kindergarten?
In my role at UYCH I’ve been responsible for the development of comprehensive childcare services delivered locally. Access to locally based, quality childcare is essential to a vibrant and sustainable workforce. Without it, families cannot support themselves in the workplace. It should be recognised by government as a fundamental factor in building a strong economy, and it needs to be supported.We need to continue to fight for 15 hours of kindergarten funding, which was cut by the Abbott government. The National Partnership Agreement was a significant Labor reform designed to increase kindergarten hours and the professional qualifications of staff. It also provided major infrastructure funding to increase kindergarten hours. The commitment of funding for one more year by this government is ridiculous and pointless, and not a commitment at all.
Employment?
Jobs and growth sit front and centre of the Labor platform. Unemployment has risen from 4.8 per cent to 6.4 per cent during the life of the Coalition government, Victoria’s unemployment rate has been higher now than the national rate every month for the last twelve months. Youth unemployment is at crisis level in regional Victoria, especially in areas of the district of Eildon where it sits at between 21 per cent and 26 per cent. A major commitment by Labor in addressing youth unemployment will the reinstatement of vital funding for Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs). LLENs are made up of a range of groups and organisations including education, training providers, business, industry, community agencies, and parent and family organisations. Labor’s commitment will see $32 million over four years injected back into the LLENs programs continuing to support young people at risk of disengaging, or who have already disengaged from education and training. The one-year roll over commitment made by the Coalition seems cynical under the circumstances. Small businesses are the lifeblood of rural economies, including hospitality and tourism, and they need to be supported to employ their local people in a sustainable way. They also need adequate infrastructure, like mobile phone coverage and internet access. Supporting innovation will create jobs, Labor will reinvigorate the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to target priority infrastructure projects in the regions, and will work with communities and councils to put in place individual plans to grow jobs for regional communities.16. One of the outstanding features of this district of Eildon is the diversity and depth of the agriculture and farming industries. I’ve seen some spectacular and clever examples of innovation, some on a small local scale and others with the potential to be international players. Victoria’s agricultural sector produces $9 billion worth of exports annually, higher than any other state, and 29 per cent of all farm exports. We need to be supporting young people to think about farming as a career, and opening up the enormous diversity of opportunity that farming offers as a career. Labor will invest in the food and fibre industries, and also in research, development and extension programs to boost food and fibre production. I would support and enact the facilitation of partnerships that lead to the development of commodities, so that local industries work together to value add. There are people out there with the ideas and the drive, it’s the role of government to support them, and not get in their way.
Agriculture and farming?
One of the outstanding features of this district of Eildon is the diversity and depth of the agriculture and farming industries. I’ve seen some spectacular and clever examples of innovation, some on a small local scale and others with the potential to be international players. Victoria’s agricultural sector produces $9 billion worth of exports annually, higher than any other state, and 29% of all farm exports. We need to be supporting young people to think about farming as a career, and opening up the enormous diversity of opportunity that farming offers as a career. Labor will invest in the food and fibre industries, and also in research, development and extension programs to boost food and fibre production. I would support and enact the facilitation of partnerships that lead to the development of commodities, so that local industries work together to value add. There are people out there with the ideas and the drive, it’s the role of government to support them, and not get in their way.
Other?
N/A
What issues in particular do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate in this year’s election?
I think there is a range of issues important for Eildon, and these vary throughout the electorate. One of the first actions I would take if elected would be to set up the Eildon Advisory Committee made up of community representatives from all over the electorate. The purpose of this committee would be to ensure that all community members have equal access to their local member, that their voices are heard and that all issues are taken seriously. There are big issues like worsening ambulance response times, access to Tafe, access to health services, roads and public transport that are reasonably generic, and require urgent attention. An Eildon advisory committee would ensure that there is balance, a strong community voice and would hold your local member to account. I would also establish various sub-groups of the Eildon advisory committee to represent particular areas of importance, such as those identified by the Aboriginal community, young people, farmers, industry areas, health services, the environment and others.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
That every voice however small or isolated is heard; that there is no corner of this electoral district that is not understood and visible to government; that the member for Eildon is known to everyone as someone who will listen, understand, facilitate and deliver; that initiatives and decision making within the electorate involve community representation and input, and that the outcomes of decisions are understood and transparent; that there is no such thing as an unimportant issue. To eradicate the existing levels of disadvantage experienced by members of the community in Eildon.
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
I have a history of success in working with government at all levels for the benefit of and in collaboration with the broader community, and have been doing so for 25 years. I live and work locally, and I’m right across the issues that affect ordinary people. I’m a doer not a self-promoter, and I believe that whilst there are some complex issues in Eildon, success can be achieved through open and honest dialogue, goodwill and working together. I’m committed to this approach.
Jim Child, Wesburn
The Nationals
What is your history in the community?
Local government: Elected to the Upper Yarra Shire in 1982, Shire President 1985. Elected to the Yarra Ranges Council in 2012, Mayor 2012-13. Director and Deputy Chair of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, franchisee of the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank.
What is your history in politics?
None, I’ve never been a member of a political party until now. In regards to the 29 November state election.
What is your stance on public transport?
I will advocate for improved transport and connectivity for the Eildon electorate. The Nationals support the construction of the East-West Link, vital to the communities and businesses in the Eildon electorate. I will be advocating for further upgrades to bus stops across the region to make them DDA compliant, safe and accessible. In relation to bus services there is: a lack of service coverage in the outer, non-urban areas; insufficient frequency of services, particularly in the outer, non-urban areas and during off-peak periods; lack of weekend and evening services; poor bus-to-bus and bus-to-rail connectivity; poor bus service coverage and frequency hits those most vulnerable and isolated in the community hardest.
Healthcare?
By keeping the economy strong the Coalition Government are able to invest in key infrastructure projects, build and upgrade schools and hospitals, and give families the support and services they need. I will advocate for Eildon’s fair share of the healthcare budget. 2014-15 health funding will be $14.9 billion with an additional $1.4 billion over four years to support hospitals including Healesville, Mansfield and Alexandra. $38 million has been provided to tackle ICE and other drug use in targeted areas. $2.7 million will be invested to raise awareness of the dangers of ICE and $2 million for ICE Prevention Grants. $35 million will be provided to assist health facilities across the state, including acute hospitals, dental health services, mental health services and aged care services, to update and replace vital medical equipment.
Climate change and the environment?
I support the prudent conservation of our natural resources and environment.
The Coalition Government is investing in services to facilitate support for liveability and the environment in rural and regional Victoria.
Road safety?
I’m committed to this most important issue. I’m pleased to announce safety improvements totalling $6.8m aimed at reducing crashes on roads in the Eildon electorate. This is in addition to the $3.2m safety improvements works taking place on the Warburton Highway at Launching Place and will include an extra $552k for works at Hooks Road, Warburton, to address crashes occurring as a result of a narrow, tight curve and unprotected trees and $580k for safety measures on Healesville-Kinglake Road at Chum Creek.
Endangered species?
The Coalition Government has accepted and committed to implement the 13 recommendations of the Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group that support the recovery of Victoria’s faunal emblem. Coalition Government funding of $3.2 million will enable a conservation area to be established at the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve to protect biodiversity and habitat for Leadbeater’s possum and the helmeted honeyeater, Victoria’s faunal emblems.
The timber industry and the Great Forest National Park campaign?
The Victorian Coalition Government supports a sustainable native timber industry. I do not support The Great Forest National Park “Lock Up” Campaign as it is at odds with Coalition Government policy. Our existing state forests and national parks systems serve us well, providing recreational, sporting and tourism pursuits for all.
Education (including university and TAFE)?
I fully support the Coalition in delivering a record $5.5 billion directly to Victorian government schools in 2015 – a $258m or 4.6 per cent increase. I will make sure the Eildon electorate gets its share. I’m fully committed to the Gonski funding deal with the Commonwealth, the Victorian Government coalition has guaranteed an additional $5.4 billion in needs – based funding from the State Government.. I will support a modern, diverse and vibrant training sector that is skilling Victorians for the future. The Coalition Government is delivering more funding for training than Labor provided, more enrolments in training than under Labor, more enrolments in the metro area, more enrolments in the regions, more enrolments for disadvantaged students and training in areas of skills shortages.
Childcare and kindergarten?
Our child care system should be responsive to the needs of today’s families and today’s economy, be safe and provide a nurturing environment for children, but which also meets the working needs of families. Victoria already leads the nation in early childhood education and care, and by improving access to services, we are making Victoria an even better place for families to raise their children. The coalition will continue to invest in early years infrastructure that will have a direct impact on improving learning and development outcomes for children.
Employment?
I, through the Nationals and the Coalition, will deliver the Warburton Mountain Bike Hub that has the potential to give 175 jobs and a sustainable economic return to the Warburton Valley in excess of $20m annually. I will continue to advocate on behalf of the Eildon electorate, as I have in the past, for those opportunities to provide jobs and sustainable ongoing economic returns.To give greater choice for people about where to live, work or start a business in Eildon. Opportunities I’m endeavouring to bring to fruition to secure employment outcomes – Gas to Warburton – Contracts signed; Warburton Mountain Bike Destination – 175 jobs; Coldstream Recycle Water Security Project – 1000 jobs.
Agriculture and farming?
As a member of the Nationals and a board member of Agribusiness Yarra Valley, I’m passionate about the success of our agriculture and farming sector in the Eildon electorate. I will continue my advocacy roll for this sector through the Nationals driven Food to Asia Action Plan and the Regional Growth Fund.
Other?
A vote for me and the Coalition will deliver the Warburton Mountain Bike Hub that has the potential to give 175 jobs and a sustainable economic return to the Warburton Valley in excess of $20m annually.
What issues in particular do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate in this year’s election?
A strong economy, jobs, small business success, a strong agriculture and farming sector, education and training and health.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
I will deliver the Warburton Mountain Bike Hub, employing our young people and returning a long term sustainable financial return to the Eildon district.
To have the Eildon electorate recognised for its tourism, agribusiness, a place to get a job and a place to live and raise a family.
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
I will strive to grow a strong economy. By keeping the economy strong the Coalition Government will be able to invest in key infrastructure projects, build and upgrade schools and hospitals, and give families the support and services they need. I’m totally committed to putting locals first, supporting tourism, agribusiness, small business and communities in the Eildon electorate. We must invest in those projects that give jobs and sustainable economic returns.
Jane Judd, Chum Creek
Independent
What is your history in the community?
Healesville Health & Community Services Committee.
Founder of Healesville Action Group in 1987 – Successes were bus service to Badger Creek, provision of child care, advocacy for Youth Services resulting in ROK- parent youth support holding discos memo hall and Shire of Healesville first Youth Worker, Foster grandparent scheme.
10 years- First Manager of Yarra Valley Family Service Castella St, Lilydale now Anglicare Yarra Ranges ,developed full range of welfare services within the Yarra valley including building a donation based Emergency Relief program with local churches, forerunner to HICCI in Healesville (FF), still going today , including Christmas shop in partnership with the Kmart Wishing Tree
1999-2012 Manager Yarra Valley Family Community Health-key achievements building services like the bulk billing GP clinic, Family Violence Program and Aboriginal Health Team.
12 years Shire of Yarra Ranges Health and Wellbeing Committee.
10 Years leadership roles within Outer East Primary care Partnerships.
What is your history in politics?
Joined the Australian Labor party in 1975 after dismissal, left ALP 5 years ago.
What is your stance on public transport?
If we had better, cheaper public transport, sane people would leave their cars at home like they do in Nordic countries.
East-West Link – I am in favour of spending the $17.9 billion dollars on a rail link NOT an East-West tunnel. Our communities benefits if we encourage use of public transport at every level. Why spend billions on a costly expansion to our freeways which are filled with single drivers in a car. That is insanity.
Carpooling – we need to investigate European style car-pooling systems where owners are rewarded with discounts car ownership programs.
A joined-up system – locally we need a more flexible timetable for buses, tele buses and more community transport options across the 10,000 square kilometres. Services need to be joined up, such as Mansfield buses with train to Seymour for northern areas.
Taxis – greater access to Taxis too – it’s hard for young people to get home after a night out, access for elderly and disabled is very limited.
Healthcare?
Having worked in senior management for 15 years, I am well informed about these complex issues, recently completing a Fellowship with ACHSM in this area. Simply put, service planning is essentially needs-based. Health care services must be designed to deliver the services the community needs, not the services providers want to deliver.
In Eildon electorate, an area of 10,000 square kilometres, there is one maternity Service and that’s in Mansfield. We must work to revive maternity at Healesville, as we had a 24 per cent increase in births in 2012, and lets adopt the Know your Midwife model like in the UK.
Healesville need an urgent care capacity like Alexandra, Yea and Mansfield hospitals currently have.
Healesville Hospital needs a building designed to meet our needs and $7.8 million, while substantial, is simply not enough. It’s trying to turn a series of old buildings into a new one. Look at Alexandra and see what $20 million delivered to a population of 3000 not the 28,000 our hospital can serve.
Climate change and the environment?
I am not a sceptic and the Science is clear- we must be responsible as custodians of the earth to protect our environment from man-made damage for future generations. Think Global Act Local. Our natural environment is an indescribable treasure and resource we can use creatively to strengthen our local economies, with employment within environmental roles and tourism generating recreational pursuits . Extra revenue meeting local needs for our community too.
Road safety?
We need safer roads, safe cars/vehicles and safe drivers. Programs which deliver on these goals get my support. Not all roads are suitable for all purposes.
Imagine if the train lines to Yea and Healesville still existed, and we used these to freight local products to market afterhours, instead of clogging our roads with heavy vehicles. Lack of vision about the value and use of train infrastructure is responsible for the loss of the trains to our towns and political bloody mindedness saw its senseless spiteful removal by the Government in power at the time.
Endangered species?
Protecting biodiversity is fundamental and we must make efforts to protect endangered species across the world and locally. It simply is our responsibility to take measures to protect our environment. Ecological systems are complex. We are all paying for the historical arrogance of past generations who thought they could fix the balance by introducing solutions like cane toads, rabbits, foxes and other introduced species.
The timber industry /Great Forest National Park Campaign?
Our forests are the lungs of the planet, whether they are in Indonesia, the Amazon or in Victoria. The GFNP does not lock our users. Its purpose is not to deny employment to hard workers. This issue sadly polarises our community.
It demonises some who have provided a life of service to our community and ignores inconvenient facts on both sides of the debate. The timber workers built this town and houses across Victoria when timber was the product of choice. I hear claim after counter claim and get confused. It’s like being given a book with half the pages missing and then asked to summarise the story. It’s a specialised area- let’s leave decisions to people of integrity we can trust on the proviso that we address people’s needs first to remove fear and anxiety. No one likes living with an axe above their head and that’s how timber workers and all the associate industries like transport feel just now.
It is incumbent on any community/government to ensure the transition of families affected by changes, brought about in the public good, are NOT disadvantaged in any way. Employment is essential to survival, self-respect and good health. Timber industry workers knowledge should be harvested and used to find solutions to the intractable disputes which divide towns and families. Threatening people doesn’t help either.
Education (including university and TAFE)?
All infrastructure, like schools need a constant rolling upgrade, not left for 50 years and then everything needs doing at the same time. Schools in Eildon have been neglected for many years, learning environments have changed, but our schools like many have lagged behind.
It is every government’s responsibility to balance the books and plan ahead, by progressive and needs based allocation of funding to keep schools, trains and roads in a fit state to meet their purpose.
A program of ongoing investment in our kindergartens andschools should be beyond politics as it is in the public good and bears dividends for us all, whether the school is in Broad meadows or Yarra Junction. Stop playing politics with the education of our children! All parents want the best for their children. Surely on that we can agree. We need a bipartisan approach to deliver across the state, access to excellent facilities, educational curriculums and support systems from early years to tertiary education.
I benefited from a free university education, graduating from secondary school in 1972. My education at Monash University was free. This gave me credentials (B.A., B.S.W., Dip Ed) to work as a professional on progressively higher salaries as I proved my capacity. I was brought up in a family that valued hard work and being productive. It was my values and personality that enabled me to work full time and raise my four children as a single mother. I did not need income support from the tax payer but many do. For 22 years I have also paid taxes according to my income. The investment the tax payer made in giving me this opportunity has been paid back tenfold. I will never stop feeling grateful for my education and all the doors this opportunity continues to provide. Thank you Gough Whitlam.Education is the window to employment and independence. It should be in all our interests to help every child achieve their potential and provide access to local and accessible tertiary training and education. The closure of Swinburne was a disgrace and any government that did this, does not deserve any support. Short sighted doesn’t begin to explain the destruction of TAFE.
Childcare/Kindergarten?
Kindergarten and child care services are essential services, combining access to these services in one facility is a positive step. I value community child care services over child care for profit. Child care workers are underpaid and provide vital support services to working and single parent families alike. If we value children, like we say we do, we would pay those that look after then a decent wage and provide free training and education to ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need, to care for our most vulnerable- the young, who can’t speak up for themselves.
Employment?
To balance State and federal budgets, the number one priority must be creating jobs for all who want to work. Under-employment is a concern, unemployment is a tragedy, a lost future. Job creation is the responsibility of every level of government, as is creating a business environment that enables job creation, with incentives to employ older and younger workers. Everyone should try living on unemployment benefits for a few months. My admiration for those that manage knows no bounds.
Agriculture and farming?
We need to support the 8 per cent of people in the Eildon electorate that work in Agriculture and though farming. We need to protect the ownership of our farms and prevent overseas interests stealing this essential resource. We have prime agricultural land, part of this nation’s food bowl status. Faced by things they can’t control, access to water is essential, rainfall is not always where it needs to be. It’s a job 24/7 and support for farmers is a no-brainer to me.
New and old industries can co-exist… farm gate sales and linkages which help urbanites understand the farming processes is an untapped potential.
Other?
Growing older and aged care – the quality of our society can be judged by how we treat our elderly, who are so vulnerable to fraudster. Our life expectancy has grown but many elderly people now live with crippling disability, multiple chronic diseases, with a poor quality of life. We need dying with dignity legislation to stop needless suffering. Consider what is important to you and decide and define this by making advanced care plans, not for resuscitation orders etc. Formalise arrangements early and take control, have a power of attorney for financial and medical needs, and consider who would make a guardian if needed. My recent experiences have taught me that it’s never too early to tell your children what you want.
Communities need greater awareness about diseases of ageing like dementia and the disintegration of personality as it progresses. Families need support at this time, facing the loss of loved ones, on many levels. My admiration goes out to all those working in residential aged care. They get paid a pittance and have a very hard, at times thankless job. It’s a vocation and having witnesses their work, their patience and tenderness is a gift to those with dementia and chronic and crippling diseases.
What issues in particular do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate in this year’s election?
If you are fed up and feel disillusioned with politics and political parties, vote for an Independent candidate. It’s about time we sent a message to politicians to consult us more. Give us a voice and craft programs that we want and need. Not those they seek to impose on us.
We are sick of the oppositional, scaremongering and the politics of division. We want both parties to deliver quality services, based on need, well research and evidence based, in a systematic way.
We want capital investment planned by retiring old trains to a schedule, building and rebuilding our schools to an agreed schedule. Don’t leave new school without on-going maintenance because there are no votes in it for you. Like the grooming behaviours used by abusers, we reject the shallow pork barrelling announcements which seek to buy our vote. These announcement which have dominated local papers in recent months, with a growing crescendo this week, do not make up for the 3000 jobs lost from the public sector alone in the last 3 years.
Change the culture of public sector management which denies people employed in health, education, essential services, the right of free speech lest they lose their job or get intimated or bullied in the workplace.
We live in a democracy not an autocracy. Freedom of speech and association is everyone right. Bullying employees into silence is unacceptable. Preventing local staff from being friends of a face book page, seeking to get better health services, is simply wrong. We all admire the local health worker and to suggest otherwise is deceptive. I am lobbying for them, not against them and fortunately most know that.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
Restore trust in an elected representative and demand bipartisan vision, after consultation with the community, about what is important to them.
Identify enablers which will strengthen local township economies and as a region overall.
Capitalise on our assets and enable them to use to the betterment of us all- that’s our people and our environment.
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
My campaign might be short and sharp, but my history working for this community spans 30 years. Thirty year of significant achievement delivering high quality health and welfare services, advocating for local needs and building relationships and partnerships across many services.
I work hard, have a passion for people and I believe it’s time for a fundamental change in how politicians treat us, because whether we like it or not, politics is the big picture where decisions are made that really affect our lives. Vote 1 Jane Judd – it’s Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Choice, use it wisely.
Jeffery Leake
Australian Country Alliance
What is your history in the community?
I have, personally, lived in the Yarra Valley at Woori Yallock for over 16 years and am a small business owner.
What is your history in politics?
Candidate for the house of Representatives in 2013 Federal Election (Casey electorate).
What is your stance on public transport?
A reliable Victorian rail network, including the expansion of, and protection of, rural rail assets and passenger services. Plus a complete review of rural bus services with improvements to be made where required.
Healthcare, including mental health services?
Equality of access to healthcare, with policies targeted at attracting medical practitioners and staff to regional areas. Everybody is should have access to the same level of health services. Yet some communities have more than they need and others struggle. Areas near ski fields fare well while those further away do not.
More needs to be done to attract medical professionals to rural communities. We would support any initiative that is aimed at addressing this disparity.
An overhaul of Victoria’s failing mental health services.
The importance of mental health services wasn’t recognised until over the last 20 or 30 years. We know it is an issue and it is vital to address this in urban and regional areas especially for those struggling through tough economic times.
Climate change and the environment?
I believe we in Victoria have an opportunity to take advantage of many of the new cutting edge non-polluting renewable power generation systems in use around the world such as concentrated solar and we should be looking at this and other systems to move away from coal burning power stations and to stay away from any suggestion of nuclear power generation.
Road safety?
Still more emphasis needs to be paid to younger drivers road safety. Additional training, much tighter testing (drivers need to know how to drive…..not just how to pass a test).
I think it is also time to start formulating strategies for re-testing older drivers to ensure that their physical faculties are still up to the job of operating a motor vehicle.
Endangered species?
I have no knowledge of numbers currently in the wild but I would be interested in population numbers in the Eildon electorate from over the past decade or two.
Without definite figures then all we are doing is working in the dark and making knee jerk decisions without solid evidence.
The timber industry and the Great Forest National Park campaign?
Maintain, and where possible restore, a sustainable timber industry based on best practice and including commercial thinning in catchment areas. This will benefit rural economies, provide employment opportunities and assist in the reduction of bush fire risk.
Those who chain themselves to logging trucks are doing several things. Firstly, they are ignoring that the timber industry is sustainable. Secondly they ignore using timber means locking away carbon. Thirdly they ignore the fact that thinning in water catchments means a reduced risk of fire activity in the area which can have a significant adverse impact on the communities which depend on those water resources. They ignore the many families, businesses and communities that can’t survive without logging. They also ignore the fact that what they are doing is illegal and destructive. The expense to people and businesses engaged in logging of security and repairs to equipment is not inconsequential by any means and it’s time for the law to step in, if necessary, and protect these workers from irresponsible and illegal actions.
We will do everything we can to support and grow the timber industry.
Education – including university and TAFE?
Ensure that education is classed as an “essential service” in all budget and policy considerations.
Governments say they support centres of excellence and growing a smarter Australia yet the education sector, especially TAFE services, have undergone cut after cut in recent years.
Budget decisions do need to be made. However, the status of service afforded by governments is confusing. ACA would clarify this by ensuring that education is classified as an essential service in all budget and policy considerations. This means the importance of education would be given the same treatment as decisions relating to our police, fire and ambulance services.Education is not about enabling our governments grab headlines. It is about our families and the future of our local communities.Improved access to affordable education in regional communities.
Education is a key to each and every local community yet this is not reflected in current government allocations.
It is the government’s job to ensure affordable access to education is.
The expansion of training and education facilities in regional areas, with a focus on subjects of relevance to the needs of local business, community and students.
Employment?
Employment, and increasing employment, is a direct product of education, support for business and training for our young people. I believe that by stimulating these three areas employment will increase and will behave as a catalyst to further employment.
Agriculture and farming?
Clearer food labelling of all food products to ensure that the source of ingredients, as well as the country of manufacture, is clearly displayed.
We continue to support consumer choice but believe food labelling laws need some tweaking.
Better staffing of quarantine services with stronger enforcement of restrictions on imported food products to protect both consumers and food producers.
Australia has high standards which are good for us. Our borders are our only real line of defence against products that come into our country and do us harm. We support better staffing and resources for our quarantine services to make sure that whatever is imported, meets our standards.
We also believe that enforcement is a strong deterrent. Stronger enforcement will have no impact on those who import and comply with our requirements but it will have a real impact on those trying to work their ways around our laws.
Better funding of agricultural research and improved availability of new technology to farmers. Better access to research and technology will help arm our farmers with new ways of doing things in an increasingly global market. When they do well they employ people and buy products, the benefits of which work their way right through Australia’s economy.
ACA supports better funding for agriculture research and ensuring new technology is showcased to our farmers.
Support for the live export trade and for any policy initiatives that improve associated infrastructure and animal welfare standards.
Previous government’s reaction to the live trade export at the whim of animal rights groups was deplorable. It compromised our businesses, our communities and our economy.
Any decent farmer will tell you that the welfare of their animals is paramount to the health of their business. It’s basic logic. ACA supports good animal welfare practices which sit well with our need to export. These standards need to be set by government and not influenced by self-interest groups.
Better, and more equitable, management of water resources and entitlements.
ACA has a long history of supporting irrigators and the right to manage dams on farms. Water resources continue to be scarce on occasion and it is incumbent on the government to ensure those resources are managed equitably.
Rather than rely on the knowledge and expertise of bureaucrats who live and work in the city, ACA would support a broader look at how our water resources and entitlements should be managed.
Other?
Efficient and effective Government – decentralisation of state government agencies, and in particular those whose primary focus is in regional areas (DEPI and Parks Victoria).
It would be nice to think that those making decisions on our urban and regional resource have some connection with them. They rarely do yet they advise their portfolio Minister who ends up making laws and regulations. Is it any wonder then that some of the decisions made frustrate us immensely?
It might be horribly outrageous for them, but our government agencies need to be located where the action is. To do otherwise limits their knowledge of what they regulate to what they are seeing on TV. Their proximity to the city also exposes them to influence from groups with political agendas that bureaucrats should not be exposed to.
DEPI and Parks Victoria are two obvious examples of agencies that need to go bush.
A complete review of the organisational structures of local government, including the powers of the CEO and senior staff and processes for controlling capital expenditure.
The responsibilities that come with governing our communities should not be underestimated. While the role of councillors is important, the shallow nature of the interest in running means the talent pool is shallow. This leaves us with some local councils being run by the CEO and other senior staff with little oversight and almost no-one to provide guidance on their priorities.
For example, some councils – in fact many of them – continue to rolling rating increases well above CPI. The better councils are forced to prioritise with budgets constrained by some external benchmark that the rest of the community abides by.
A complete review of the structures of local government will help clarify what is and is not expected of councillors and the powers and responsibilities of senior council staff, especially when it comes to capital expenditure programs.
What issues do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate?
Two of the biggest issues in the Eildon electorate, and others, are Education and Drugs.
Educational opportunities are decreasing with the closure of Swinburne and other venues and for the people of Eildon these are the central hubs for sourcing education and therefore improvement of their lives.
Drugs are already a major problem in rural Victoria and much more has to be achieved in this respect. For too long we have been far too lenient with the producers and pushers of these drugs on our young and it’s time for a stand.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
If I could manage to get Swinburne Lilydale or somewhere that could provide the same services to the Eildon electorate open I would consider my term in government a success
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
For far too long this state, and country for that matter, has been governed in a wholly wasteful and selfish manner by people who are not accountable for their waste or the outcome of their policies.
Government should act for the betterment of the lives of all its citizens and not just the privileged minority.
Wastage is ridiculously high and taxes have to follow to feed this wastage and it is well and truly time for charity to begin at home.
If elected in November I promise to act solely for the interests of my constituents and will not be swayed from my efforts to bring them a better, fairer standard of living.
Cindy McLeish, Yea
Liberal
What is your history in the community?
My family settled in Yea, in the heart of the Eildon electorate 170 years ago, and I was born and raised here. I have an intimate knowledge of the electorate. I am passionate about the Eildon electorate and relish the opportunity to make life better for locals.
What is your history in politics?
As a Liberal State Member of Parliament for the past four years I have been a strong voice in the Napthine Government.What is your stance on public transport?
The Napthine Government is committed to building a better Eildon and will make its policies available prior to the election.
Healthcare?
The Napthine Government is greatly concerned about the growing use of ice and other drugs and the impact on our communities. I applaud the expansion of drug and alcohol treatment services to tackle this problem. In my next term, and as part of the Napthine team, I look forward to the completion of the Healesville Hospital redevelopment project.
Climate change and the environment?
N/A
Road safety?
Good local roads and highways are vital links in the Yarra Valley. I have advocated strongly in this area and it is pleasing to see major works and safety improvements underway on the Melba and Warburton highways.
Endangered species?
I am proud of the Napthine Government’s $3.2 million investment to establish the Yellingbo Conservation Reserve with improved habitat for two of our state’s most species, the Leadbeater possum and the helmeted honeyeater.
The timber industry and the Great Forest National Park campaign?
The forestry industry in our area is an important one. The Napthine Government will continue to support sustainable forestry.
Education (including university and TAFE)?
Good schools, kindergartens and health services are crucial to support families and keep local communities growing. Delivering school upgrades so our children have access to the best possible education is a priority.
Childcare and kindergarten?
N/A
Employment?
Recognising that tourism enables regional areas to diversify their economies and generate new employment opportunities that use a broad range of skills, thereby providing local jobs I have advocated strongly for tourism promotion of the Yarra Valley. Continued investment in the local economy and support for small businesses is imperative.
Agriculture and farming?
The agriculture and food security industries are critical to the economies of regional and rural Victoria. The Napthine Government is providing support to enable internationally competitive primary industries to thrive.
Other?
Improvement of emergency services has been high on my agenda. The redevelopment of the Healesville ambulance station will be an important asset to the community.
What issues in particular do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate in this year’s election?
The boost to Healesville’s firefighting capacity which will see the provision of a new $1.7 million Healesville CFA station under a re-elected Napthine Government is a significant investment and demonstration of our commitment to support volunteer firefighters as they undertake their vital work. The Healesville SES amenities upgrade saw an investment of $100,000.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
The contracts have been signed for the long awaited gas connection to Warburton and I am excited about the completion of that process. I expect the mountain bike trail to be up and running at Warburton increasing visitor numbers to the Yarra Valley.
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
I am proud of this government’s record. We plugged the pipe. We have fixed Labor’s mess. We are now building a better Victoria. Victoria is the stand-out state for job creation and confidence in our community.
Marie Sellstrom, Merrijig
The Greens
What is your history in the community?
Mansfield Hospital Board, Bindaree Aged Care Auxiliary, Mansfield Ambulance Auxiliary, Merrijig Community Hall Committee, Gadhaba Local Indigenous Network.
What is your history in politics?
Member of the Greens.
What is your stance on public transport?
Public Transport: Service regional towns with reliable and safe public transport that keeps pace with growth in demand, with a span of hours that covers economic and social activity linking bus to rail services.
Healthcare?
Co-location and improved access to affordable allied health, health screening, GPs and specialist services in areas of need especially in rural Victoria and outer metropolitan areas. Effective home-based health and mental health care support, with special consideration for the elderly and disabled. Increase preventative health programs.
Climate change and the environment?
Climate change requires local, national and global action by reducing emissions. The Greens will re-instate the Victorian Renewable Energy Target as part of a package that gives renewable energy investors the certainty they need to create jobs in regional Victoria and tackle dangerous climate change. A healthy environment is fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities, the land, and productive farms. The Greens will support environmentally focused community groups to identify and repair areas of environmental concern.
Road safety?
Eliminate dangerous level crossings in urban areas and review all rail crossings in regional and rural areas to ensure all have adequate warning systems. Evidence based speed limits to be clearly visible on urban, metropolitan and rural roads.
Endangered species?
The Greens support science-based large scale programs for habitat protection of all endangered indigenous fauna. The Leadbeater’s possum, Victoria’s state emblem, needs the protection of its habitat in the great ash forests of the eastern Central Highlands if it is to survive.
The timber industry and the Great Forest National Park campaign?
The timber industry/ Great Forest National Park Campaign: The great Forest National Park should be established for four reasons – to allow regrowth of the Australia’s tallest trees and support the survival of many species including Leadbeater’s possum that live in the hollows of older trees;to protect the key water sources of Victoria. The great forested catchments supply most of Melbourne’s drinking water and much of the water in the Goulburn Broken system north of the Divide; support for communities by encouraging tourism and related business; protecting communities from future bushfires by retaining wet forest and allowing it to mature to a natural fire-resistant state with a cool, moist understorey and ground-cover.
Education (including university and TAFE)?
Increased support for students with literacy and numeracy difficulties including more trained specialist staff using evidence based techniques. A program to replace or retro-fit ageing school buildings which make learning difficult during extreme heat and cold. Restoration and accessibility of Tafe and a program to upgrade substandard Tafe facilities.
Childcare and kindergarten?
Childcare should be provided by people who are appropriately paid and who understand and respect the religion, culture and language of the children in their care. Early childhood education provides an essential basis to learning and should be free and culturally appropriate. Two years of free pre-school education should be available to all children delivered by registered, fully qualified educators.
Employment?
Eildon has a landscape which is stunningly beautiful and agriculturally productive with vibrant communities. Employment opportunities are created through growth in tourism, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy technologies. A training system must be provided which caters for changing skill needs in the economy. Greater flexibility in workplace arrangements should allow for employees to better balance work and family, social and community involvement.
Agriculture and farming?
The Greens support initiatives that increase local product quality and nutrition, provide fair prices for farmers and promote Victorian produce to the Australian community. The Greens believe prime agricultural land, water and infrastructure should be protected from urban expansion, mining and other competing uses.
Other?
The Greens will prioritise prevention of family violence by increasing crisis support and housing services, ensuring a safe and supportive justice system, increasing accountability of men for their violence and prioritise family violence within government.
What issues in particular do you think will be the most important for the Eildon electorate in this year’s election?
Health, education, renewable energy, public transport, the Great Forest National Park.
If elected, what would you like to have achieved before the next election?
Increase in targeted preventative health and health services in areas of demonstrated need.Increase in support for early intervention for students with literacy and numeracy difficulties. The provision of university, vocational and community education on the Lilydale Campus of Swinburne University of Technology. A significant increase in the provision and access to renewable energies.The establishment of the Great Forests National Park. More effective public transport systems to rural centres. The reinstatement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
In four sentences or less, why should people vote for you in the 29 November election?
The Greens provide a genuine alternative to the major parties. I have community service and experience in addition to experience in senior management. I will be accessible to all areas of the Eildon electorate on a regular basis to listen to the views of the community and provide honest and transparent representation in Parliament.
The Mail attempted to contact Family First candidate, David Prentice, but no response was received.
A candidates’ forum was held last Friday in Healesville, hosted by the Mail and Yarra Valley FM 99.1.
For a report on the forum, visit mail.starcommunity.com.au. Audio from the forum will be broadcast this evening (Wednesday 26 November) from 7pm on Yarra Valley FM.
