THE Southern Gazette gave the candidates for the seat of Victoria Park a chance to explain why voters should support them.
Greens candidate Ryan Quinn: From the conversations I’ve had with our community at their doorstep, it’s clear that the residents of Victoria Park are ready for a change. Alongside my colleague Lynn MacLaren South Metropolitan MLC, we will push for a 100 per cent transition to renewable energy across WA by 2030, creating new employment opportunities. We will oppose the sale of Western Power and introduce a solar panel and battery storage package for low-income households, reducing electricity costs. Together we will fight to protect our precious places, seek to implement the Greens’ Urban Forest Strategy, and fight for transparency in government to expose dodgy deals. For a genuine alternative, vote Greens.
MORE: Where to vote in the WA State Election
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Australian Christians candidate Mark Staer: The Jesus of the Bible, on whose birth our calendar year has been based, commands His people to “treat others the way we’d like to be treated” and “to love your neighbour as yourself”. However, Jesus lifts the bar higher with, “love your enemy, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you”. Jesus did not just say it; he demonstrated it. Voting for Australian Christians is to stand up for values that enhance our nation, its families and its children. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Choose to Respect.
Labor candidate Ben Wyatt: It has been an extraordinary privilege to have represented the electorate of Victoria Park for the last 11 years. A McGowan Labor Government will make WA jobs our number one priority. Our Plan for Jobs will create over 50,000 jobs in WA, by investing in industries like tourism and manufacturing. As part of METRONET, WA Labor will remove the dangerous rail crossing at Oats Street. This will separate the road from the rail, reduce congestion and allow for the redevelopment of Oats Street Train Station. This is the most significant commitment to infrastructure in Victoria Park in many years.
Micro Business Party candidate Jennifer Noye: Local families, local businesses and young people have missed out on the major benefits of the “boom”. The major parties have long ago sold out the Australian workforce and small businesses in favour of large donations from big companies and interest groups. I think we can do better by making sure all new private and government projects use local workers and businesses first. I strongly support entrepreneurship and will advocate for support services. This would include more grants for new businesses and working with existing businesses to place younger workers in employment. My focus will be on supporting initiatives that better engage with you people, including supporting youth employment.
Liberal candidate Julian Jacobs: I’m determined to provide a strong voice, backed up by strong action, for Victoria Park’s residents and businesses. Living in Lathlain for the past seven years, I know our electorate’s vibrancy. I’m also aware of problems needing to be improved by our elected member of parliament. I’ve personally experienced the great and bad in our area recently. I often frequent our wonderful small businesses, I’ve played my 75th WAFL game for the Mighty Demons, but also had property stolen at my home. We need more action than talk in parliament, to get the jobs done. I will provide that action.