STAFF WRITERS

 

THE most ironically named candidate ever? (On par perhaps with local Liberal Randall Green).

Greens members have preselected semi-retired teacher Terence Steele as their candidate for the hotly contested seat of Monash in the upcoming federal election.

The Greens gained a 2.7 per cent swing in Monash at the last election, with Mat Morgan choosing not to re-contest after being elected to Bass Coast Shire Council late last year.

Mr Steele and The Greens are hoping to hold a significant share of the vote again at this election, knowing that Greens preference flows could play a significant role on election night.

Mr Steele and his wife Linda have owned a small patch in South Gippsland for more than 20 years.

“The beautiful region that we call home is under threat from climate inaction by both major parties. I became aware of the devastating effects as an avid gardener and recognised that to affect real change, I needed to get involved,” he said.

“In a wealthy country like ours, we should have world-class public health, education, and affordable housing. I joined the Greens movement for a fairer future so my children and grandchildren can live in a better world, The Greens are also the only party fighting to save our farms from fracking.

“We are facing the very real threat of a Dutton government bringing nuclear to Gippsland, I was present at the first ever anti-nuclear demonstration in Australia and The Greens will be doing everything we can to keep Dutton and his dangerous agenda out of government.”

A spokesperson from the Bass Coast Greens has acknowledged that the extensive field campaign being run by independent Deb Leonard has resulted in some regular Greens volunteers moving over to her campaign, saying: “The Greens have demonstrated in Parliament that we’re capable of working constructively with the cross-bench and ‘teal’ MPs to secure better outcomes for everyday people. Here in Monash, we’ll be focussing on keeping Dutton’s Liberal candidate out of office, and are happy to see a strong independent candidate putting up a good fight”.

 

MEANWHILE, independent candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard made her first major policy announcements recently.

Speaking to a packed audience in Drouin, her policies have been shaped directly by feedback from local residents. Ensuring the new West Gippsland Hospital is funded and built without further delay was announced as one of her policy priorities.

Ms Leonard said: “Enough is enough – the major parties make promises, but still nothing gets done”.

“Baw Baw Shire is among the fastest growing regions in Australia and our hospital is simply inadequate to cope. For decades our regional area has been ignored by successive governments. It’s time for that to change.

“Unlike party politicians who are constrained by party lines, I will work constructively with both state and federal governments to deliver this critical infrastructure for our community – to ensure the new West Gippsland Hospital and healthcare services meet the needs of our growing community.”

After the speeches were over, the 100-plus supporters hit the streets of Drouin to doorknock and spread the word about the campaign. A choir of volunteers also performed outside Woolworths as Ms Leonard handed out flyers to passers by.

Integrity and transparency in politics was also announced as a policy to the crowd.

“I’m announcing my integrity policy first because it is the critical foundation for better outcomes for communities – no matter what the issue,” Ms Leonard said.

“If you want to fix a house, start with the foundation. If we want to address the cost of living crisis, housing, climate, and funding for roads – we need to fix integrity in government first. Because when politicians act with integrity, taxpayer money goes where it’s needed, not into some secret deal, a mate’s pocket or where the parties think it will win them the most votes.

“Integrity isn’t just about cleaning up politics – it’s about building a foundation to ensure decisions are made fairly and transparently, and in the best interests of the community.

“Now, more than ever, it is important that we fight for integrity in politics.”

Legislation has been passed by the major parties to entrench the two-party system through political donation laws that would heighten barriers for independents and minor parties.

Ms Leonard said it was through thousands of surveys, conversations with the public and more than 3500 doors knocked across the electorate so far that these policy priorities were formed. Other leading issues of concern for people are: cost-of-living, housing, roads, climate action, coastal erosion, NDIS, and farming.

Funding for infrastructure is also key to Ms Leonard’s platform.

“Our region has been missing out when it comes to federal funding for roads, recreational facilities and infrastructure,” she said.

“Again, this comes back to the integrity in politics issue. As a safe seat, we’ve been ignored when it comes to funding, while parties direct funds to marginal seats.

“As an independent, I don’t have to play party politics. I am solely focused on our electorate, and ensuring we get our fair share of federal funding.

“My policies on these issues won’t be vague promises, but practical solutions to make a real difference to the lives of families across our region.”