BENAMBRA VOTES: 2022 Victorian State Election

From: Wodonga.

Occupation/ profession or other: Paramedic.

Health always features prominently in my consideration for regional communities, as it is the keystone for prosperity and happiness.

While infrastructure and access to health services are vitally important, so too is education in the primary prevention of many of the diseases which afflict so many in our population. Amplifying this message will improve well-being, reduce misery and suffering and diminish the demand for acute services.

This knowledge is readily available from community health peak bodies but needs a concerted and sustained commitment from government to ensure that everyone has access to it and support exists for people to adopt it into their lifestyle.

Education is, of course, crucial to the future success of our young people, and tailoring this to provide a choice for them to remain in their community by gaining meaningful work is a goal worthy of passionate pursuit.

From:

Occupation/ profession or other:

Unfortunately, despite efforts to make contact with Mr Rossiter we were unable to gain a response prior to the publishing deadline.

From: Beechworth.

Occupation/ profession or other: Engineering Manager.

The Greens will fix the housing and homelessness crisis in Victoria and our region by building the social housing we need (100,000 homes over 10 years); requiring developers to provide more affordable housing, and capping rent increases in line with wages growth.

We will take the action required to address Climate Change, powering our state with 100% renewable energy by 2030 and protecting household energy bills from future fossil fuel price shocks. Recognising our community deserves better services and infrastructure, The Greens will:

· Invest more in local public schools so that everyone has access to high quality education and genuinely free public schooling.

· Invest $5 billion more in our state’s health system, with more access to free GPs, nurses, and allied healthcare, and better pay for healthcare workers.

· Provide our region with its fair share of transport and infrastructure funding, so our communities are liveable, safe, and accessible for all.

From: Staghorn Flat, Wodonga.

Occupation/ profession or other: Bachelor of Arts majoring in sociology and psychology and Masters of International Relations. Bushfire recovery and tourism roles, work in research and road construction and work experience at state and federal political levels.

I will be an effective local member fighting for a new regional hospital on a greenfield site as a top priority for the whole of Benambra. I will advocate for increased regional/rural road funding (eg. Gooramadda Road) and disaster management funding to deal with floods and fire damage, and better transport and connectivity for Wahgunyah and Rutherglen to the wider region.

I will be loud and clear in calling for better housing options in Rutherglen and Wahgunyah, and more accessible and affordable childcare options to help with the cost of living.

I will support local food producers and businesses to build our local economy and increase food security. I will work with the government of the day to ensure schools are properly funded.

As an Independent I will consult with the community and take their voice to Parliament. I can work across the political divide for effective results for Benambra.

Unfortunately, despite efforts to make contact with Ms Stratton we were unable to gain a response prior to the publishing deadline.

From: Wodonga.

Occupation/ profession or other: Member for Benambra

This is a critical election – if you’re frustrated and angry at how Labor has treated country Victoria and want change, then vote Liberal.

•We are the only party to commit money, $300 million, more if needed, to a single site, greenfield build for a new regional hospital.

•Put $2 million into the redevelopment of Barkly Park.

•Build a new, $2.8 million CFA sheds for Chiltern.

•Fix our roads with $1 billion a year for a decade, almost double the current spend.

We will aim to reduce the cost of living –

•Half price V/Line tickets, free if it’s replaced by a bus

•$100 off the annual water bill by capping fixed charges

•School kids will get a $200 voucher to offset the cost of sport, scouts, dance or any recreational activity

•We’ll dump 7 taxes, including the tradies tax & electric vehicle tax

•We’ll use Victoria’s natural gas supplies to reduce the gas bill.

From: Wodonga.

Occupation/ profession or other: Plasterer, union organiser.

Mark is passionate about Victoria’s regional areas, their communities and volunteers.

Mark wants to focus on providing better services for the region to ensure ongoing growth, proper education, health and the support locals deserve.

Unfortunately, despite efforts to make contact with Mr O’Brien we were unable to gain a response prior to the publishing deadline.