THE federal election will take place this weekend, 21 May. The Bayside News put questions to all candidates in Dunkley and Isaacs to find out what their priorities for their electorates are.
DUNKLEY
Peta Murphy (Labor)
Why are you running for election?
This election really matters. Our community deserves a truly local member committed to our community, who has integrity and wants to be part of a government with a plan for a better future.
I believe I am that person, and locals can see that from the work I have done over the last three years. I will continue to put our needs up in the lights in Canberra, from investment in local infrastructure, to ensuring there are enough bulk billing GPs, access to quality education for everyone and addressing gender inequality.
What is the most urgent issue affecting people in your electorate?
There is no doubt that the rising costs of living, climate inaction and a lack of integrity in the current government are uppermost in people’s minds. I will continue to lead by example, bringing honesty, integrity, and a commitment to fairness to everything I do.
Labor will make it easier to get ahead with cheaper child care, fee-free TAFE and 20,000 new university places, take meaningful action on climate change and introduce a National Anti-Corruption Commission.
What is the most important infrastructure project you would like to see completed in your electorate?
Just some of the direct investments that I and federal Labor will make locally include: upgrades to Frankston Basketball Stadium, Emil Madsen Reserve, Langwarrin Skate Park, Nairm Marr Djambana, Sandfield Reserve, a local facility for the Sikh Volunteers Australia; the Frankston Arts Trail, new equipment for Langwarrin and Lyrebird Community Centres, and a community battery for Carrum Downs.
Darren Bergwerf (Independent)
Why are you running for election?
I am running for the election to save our country from communism and to stand up for the people and their rights. I want my four children and all the children of Dunkley and across Australia to have a free and fair society to live their lives and be able to create and prosper as we have been able to. I am all about exposing the corruption and illegitimacy of our government and many other institutions in this country. To improve our national security by bringing our manufacturing back and taking back control of our power, water, and all essential services.
What is the most urgent issue affecting people in your electorate?
The most urgent issue for the people of this electorate is the criminal activity of our state and federal governments. The discrimination of the community members who have chosen not to receive an experimental procedure. To exclude people from society and not allow them to work because of their free choice of whether to have a medical produre (sic) or not is a blatant disregard for our basic human rights. This effects all of us.
What is the most important infrastructure project you would like to see completed in your electorate?
The most important infrastructure project that needs to be completed is the electrification of the train line to Sommerville (sic), as a minimum and to have the train line and station elevated in Frankston. This will open up Beach Street to allow more exits to relieve traffic congestion. Also redeveloping the elevated train station with a multi level car park.
Kathryn Woods (Australian Federation Party)
Why are you running for election?
I’m a Frankston local who wants to help unite Australians, to create a hopeful future for everyone. I would work to restore our jobs, rights and freedoms. I am passionate about being the change you wish to see in the world, providing solutions and genuine representation that empowers Dunkley locals. The Australian Federation Party promotes a process of democratic reform to make governments accountable. Each candidate signs six pledges to:
- Hold monthly town hall meetings;
- Run regular democracy training sessions;
- Vote for our community not the party;
- Not rush legislation without consultation with our community;
- Legislative Review groups in each electorate;
- Use an app to allow people to vote on proposed legislation.
What is the most urgent issue affecting people in your electorate?
Address the rising costs of living & housing. End the mandates that have caused thousands to lose their jobs and divided families and friends.
Climate action: seven year shift to renewable, decentralised energy; regenerative agriculture to draw down carbon, growing a sustainable hemp-based product industry to provide timber (hemp-crete), paper, fibre, food, medicine & biofuels. Protect old growth forests.
Support & invest in small & medium businesses to innovate, grow & manufacture value-added products for higher returns.
Reform Education: equal funding & opportunities for each student, support homeschoolers.
Healthcare: affordable and accessible. Dental covered by medicare, education on nutrition, wholistic medicine & lifestyle to help prevent degenerative diseases.
What is the most important infrastructure project you would like to see completed in your electorate?
An expanded emergency department at Frankston Hospital, and critical care unit for less severe injuries.
Community housing villages for low income households & those experiencing homelessness.
Any other infrastructure projects that the community of Dunkley sees as a priority, probably the Frankston Basketball Stadium, lighting for the Frankston Skate Park, bike trails, facilities for kids, youth, families & elderly. Funding for Indigenous gathering place Nairm Marr Djambana.
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ISAACS
Sarah O’Donnell (Liberal Democrat)
Why are you running for election?
I am running for election because I want to see true representation of our community. I strongly feel that the people of Isaacs are not being listened to. We receive very little genuine community consultation.
What is the most urgent issue affecting people in your electorate?
Small business regulations. More than half of our people are employed by small business. The prosperity of the Isaacs community is directly connected to the ability of local businesses to prosper and generate sustainable employment.
What is the most important infrastructure project you would like to see completed in your electorate?
Level crossing removal must be done in consultation with communities and businesses it affects. This is been sorely lacking under the current governments.
Alex Breskin (The Greens)
Why are you running for election?
Australia deserves better than the Liberal party that wants nothing but to cut on everything, and a Labor party that has been following closely behind. I believe politics should be better than this, and that’s why I’m running with The Greens which have a clear policy platform that is going to help people who need it, whether it’s through real action on climate, or through a housing guarantee, through a social security system that will eradicate poverty, and that is serious about education by improving schools and abolishing student debts.
What is the most urgent issue affecting people in your electorate?
The most urgent problem on people’s minds right now is the climate crisis. People are incredibly worried about our politicians simply not addressing the elephant in the room after one once-in-a-lifetime disaster after another. Coupled that with the rise in cost of living, the ongoing covid pandemic affecting their capacity to work and earn a living and the lack of government support, there’s serious want for real leadership from Canberra.
What is the most important infrastructure project you would like to see completed in your electorate?
Melbourne is running out of water, and the most important infrastructure projects I’ve seen so far has been the Dingley Purple Pipeline Project to bring recycled water to the electorate. This project would see a pipeline from Melbourne’s Eastern Treatment Plant in Carrum built to Dingley which would allow recycled water to be used to safely irrigate high-value horticulture crops, parks, sporting fields and green open space – rather than using potable water. With climate change making stormwater and groundwater less reliable, projects like this are essential for our future water needs.
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Candidates from the Liberals, One Nation, United Australia Party, and Animal Justice Party did not respond to questions.
