NEW Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson has moved into the offices vacated by former Carrum Liberal MP Donna Bauer at 374 Nepean Highway after winning the seat of Mordialloc for Labor at November’s state election.
The 26-year-old former staffer for Isaacs federal Labor MP Mark Dreyfus defeated former Liberal MP Lorraine Wreford by a 4.2 per cent margin as Labor won government from the Coalition.
Mr Richardson said he is keen to “hear what’s on everyone’s agenda” in the months ahead.
He will visit community groups, schools and businesses as Mordialloc’s member of parliament and said his “door is open” to all constituents.
Feedback from the community has been positive, according to Mr Richardson.
“People are saying ‘we like your ideas and we want to give you a go’,” he said.
Mr Richardson said restoring funding to the TAFE system and easing congestion on public transport are top priorities for the incoming Labor state government.
He used his maiden speech in Parliament late last year to “thank the electors of Mordialloc for entrusting me to be their representative. I am determined to be a strong local advocate for my community.”
The new MP’s focus on education is based on his own experience.
He told parliament he is “the first in my family to attend university, where I studied law and commerce.”
“I believe every person has the right to a quality education regardless of their individual circumstances. Education is not only the pillar of equality and fairness, but an economic prosperity issue.
“Now is an important time to be investing in the skills and training of our people… I am thrilled with Labor’s policies on TAFE, with the $320 million TAFE rescue fund and the restoration of community service obligations.”
Improving public transport, especially along the Frankston train line, has been a bugbear that has plagued previous Labor and Liberal National Coalition governments.
Mr Richardson said it would take time to fix Melbourne’s public transport system to improve travel times for commuters.
“We need to look longer term and it shouldn’t be so partisan.”
After an electorate boundaries redistribution, the Mordialloc district now includes Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Edithvale, Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Bangholme, Mordialloc, Parkdale and parts of Mentone and Cheltenham.
