Ipswich, Blair voters’ guide: Federal election 2022
Labor MP Shayne Neumann has outlined his new agenda for the Blair region. See the full list of his commitments.
Ipswich
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Labor’s Shayne Neumann thanked his constituents for re-electing him as the Federal Member for Blair.
“I’m Ipswich through and through, and it’s a great honour to represent this rural and regional seat in Queensland for a sixth straight term,” he said.
“I want to thank my many local volunteers and supporters also, who campaigned so hard to help elect an Albanese Government.”
He outlined his agenda for the region under the Albanese government.
“I am keen to deliver my local election commitments as soon as possible, and I will continue to work hard and fight for a better future for our community.
“I know Blair is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, so we need to be investing in jobs and infrastructure for the future,” he said.
The Labor government has made $82 million in local commitments for the Western Corridor, including a number of initiatives in the Greater Springfield area that Neumann will jointly deliver with Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick.
Neumann’s commitments for Blair include a $20 million upgrade to the North Ipswich Stadium, a $4 million upgrade to the Ipswich Showgrounds, $10 million towards the next stage of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade, $3 million for flood recovery, along with a range of commitments towards health and local infrastructure.
EARLIER
SHAYNE NEUMANN RETAINS SEAT
Labor MP Shayne Neumann has retained the safe seat of Blair.
With nearly all of the votes counted, the Ipswich local has won the seat with about 56 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.
By Sunday morning, he had about 27,000 votes while the LNP‘s Sam Biggins had about 21,300.
Mr Neumann was elected to federal parliament in 2007 and has represented his electorate since.
ELECTION DAY
Election day has arrived, and it’s been a wet start to the morning at booths across Blair.
Voters undeterred by the weather have enjoyed the light foot traffic after the packed lines at the pre-polls.
Plenty of volunteers have come out this morning to make the day a little brighter with sausage sizzles and bake sales.
Grab an umbrella and head to your nearest polling booth to place your votes – in what will likely be a quick and easy voting experience.
ELECTION PROMISES
From cuts in medication costs to funding for local sporting organisations, a number of campaign announcements have been made in the lead-up to the 2022 federal election.
See the full list of announcements:
JUNIOR FOOTBALL IN RIPLEY (MAY 17)
LNP candidate for Blair Sam Biggins has announced an election commitment of $1 million to go towards upgrading Ripley Valley Football Club’s Ironbark Park playing fields.
“This will enable further growth of sport in the Ripley Valley area, Queensland’s fastest growing urban corridor, in particular providing a clubhouse and change rooms for senior female and junior players to ensure compliance with the league regulations,” Mr Biggins said.
“New members will no longer need to be turned away or women’s games not hosted because of the lack of infrastructure.”
If elected, a Labor government will also invest $1 million in the Ripley Valley Football Club to upgrade its clubhouse and facilities, allowing it to expand and take on more local players.
“These much-needed upgrades to facilities will allow the club to expand in line with community demands, and greatly help them to provide affordable sport and adequate female facilities for this rapidly growing area,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
The announcements builds on a number of other sporting Labor commitments across Ipswich, including $20 million for North Ipswich Stadium upgrades, $2 million for a Community Sports Hub and new basketball courts at Ipswich State High School, and $2 million for an Ipswich Basketball stadium expansion.
The grassroots soccer club was established in 2018 by a group of football fans and is based at Ironbark Park in South Ripley. It now boasts more than 300 members across 20-odd teams in the Football Queensland Competition.
REDBANK PLAINS TOY LIBRARY (MAY 17)
The ALP has promised to invest $20,000 in a toy library at the Redbank Plains Community Centre for local families and playgroups to enjoy.
“I have heard from the Ipswich City Council and local schools that far too many children are unprepared to start school,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
“It’s important that all children are given access to learning and play experiences as part of getting ready to attend school.”
Mr Neumann thanked Ipswich councillors for Division One Sheila Ireland and Jacob Madsen for their advocacy and preparedness to work with Labor in ensuring local children “get the best start in life”.
INVESTMENT IN BIOTECH FIRM CYTIVA (MAY 16)
Labor has announced it will invest $12.5 million in biotech firm Cytiva to grow the advanced manufacturing of high-value medicines in Ipswich and support up to 1000 jobs.
The funding would be used to purchase hi-tech manufacturing equipment at Cytiva’s Springfield BioPark site for the production of key raw materials in biological drugs and therapies including vaccines, antibodies, proteins, mRNA, gene, and cell therapies.
The project is expected to support up to 500 direct jobs and 1000 indirect ongoing jobs once complete.
Industry and Innovation Shadow Minister Ed Husic said the investment in Cytiva would have long-term health and economic benefits for Ipswich and Australia, providing opportunities for the broader industry through domestic supply chains, clinical trials, and research and development.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the funding was “a huge win for Ipswich and Springfield”.
“This is all about creating more secure local jobs and growing industries right here in the Western Corridor,” he said.
SUPPORT FOR SPRINGFIELD’S INDIAN COMMUNITY (MAY 16)
Federal Labor has committed $3.5 million toward the building costs of ‘India House’ at Springfield; a hub proposed to house community activities, programs and services and serve as a meeting place for local Indian community and business associations and clubs.
Community organisations such as the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland, Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin, and Australia India Business Council would be able to operate from the centre.
“Springfield is a truly multicultural community and Labor is proud to support the local Indian community in sharing and celebrating this diversity through this investment in India House,” Multicultural Affairs Shadow Minister Andrew Giles said.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said India House would support the efforts of the local Indian community help to preserve Indian culture.
It comes after the LNP announced the same investment of $3.5 million in building the Australia India House at Springfield.
“This investment is about building a better Blair!” LNP candidate for Blair Sam Biggins said.
SECOND RIVER CROSSING (MAY 16)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $2.5 million funding commitment on Monday May 16 to conduct a detailed business case for a second Bremer River Crossing for Ipswich Central if re-elected.
“Ipswich is a thriving and aspirational city which is growing and needs more infrastructure, which is exactly why we’re backing Sam Biggins’ local plan and if the project stacks up we will fund it,” the Prime Minister said.
LNP candidate for Blair Sam Biggins said he will “fight tooth and nail for a second river crossing” if elected.
“Sam Biggins has a plan for Ipswich’s future and he’s made it very clear how important this second crossing of the Bremer is for families and businesses in the local area,” the Prime Minister said.
This announcement follows the Ipswich City Council’s latest push to proceed with plans for a second river crossing.
The council estimated a second river crossing would save the local economy $34 million in productivity costs.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said “the Coalition’s strong economic management is what makes us able to fund major infrastructure projects when they are needed.”
“A second river crossing for Ipswich will keep things moving as the population keeps growing, allowing economic growth and jobs to continue to rise.”
SUPPORTING LOCAL NEWS (MAY 14)
The ALP has committed to delivering a $29 million local news and community broadcasting transition package to help regional, local, and community media providers.
The party announced it would establish a $15 million fund to assist eligible newspaper publishers in absorbing newsprint price increases: $10 million for eligible regional newspaper publishers and $5 million for eligible local newspaper publishers.
An additional $12 million from 2023-24 would be provided to the Community Broadcasting Program to help it identify a sustainable funding basis for the future.
“Labor’s commitment will maintain community broadcasting funding so the sector can continue to support their communities with local news, emergency broadcasting and local content, including Australian music, as well as with post-Covid recovery and post-natural disaster initiatives,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
CHEAPER CHILDCARE (MAY 12)
If instated, Labor’s cheaper childcare policy is expected to “unlock more skilled and experienced workers” in Ipswich and ensure local families have “more money in their pocket”.
Modelling from the Grattan Institute has indicated Labor’s plan would increase the hours worked by secondary earners with young children by eight per cent, helping address the critical skills shortages that currently exist.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said that reducing childcare costs would remove one of parents’ biggest barriers to working more.
“Families in Blair are being held back by the cost of child care – Australia’s child care costs are some of the highest in the world,” he said.
“Australian women work 2.3 days a week on average. Grattan’s research estimates Labor’s policy will lead to part-time workers increasing their hours by 0.4 days on average — a huge injection of skilled workers into the economy.
“Labor’s Cheaper Child Care policy will put more skilled and experienced workers back in the workplace, open doors to career advancement and help women accumulate superannuation.”
PLAYGROUP FUNDING (MAY 12)
The ALP has promised to invest $11 million in helping playgroups recover from Covid-19 and expand across Australia.
The funding would allow Playgroups Australia and Toy Libraries Australia to grow their membership, offer free playgroups, and set up new playgroups in regional areas.
It would also see facilities upgraded, intergenerational playgroups expanded, and new materials such as toys and books purchased for playgroups and toy libraries across the country.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the new funding would help families across Ipswich.
“Playgroups help new mums forge new friendships and share experiences, and dads alike,” he said.
“And the evidence shows children who go to playgroups do better on the key development indicators.
“Labor wants to help playgroups bounce back from Covid-19, and to reach more families here in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.
“We also want older generations to share in the joy of playgroups by supporting the expansion of playgroups into aged care.”
FIXING TEACHER SHORTAGES (MAY 9)
Labor has committed to “raise the status of the teaching profession, fix teacher shortages, and improve student results” if elected.
It would do so by paying 5000 students who achieve an ATAR of 80 or above a bursary of up to $12,000 per year to study an initial teacher education degree, and by boosting the High Achieving Teachers program to support 1500 qualified professionals in other fields such as mathematicians and scientists.
The party said it would also work with the Queensland government through the next National School Reform agreement to make sure teachers have a better career path with more opportunities to become recognised and rewarded as experts.
It promised to invest $146.5 million to deliver the plan over four years.
“Labor’s plan will incentivise the best graduates to join the teaching profession, leading to a brighter future for our students and for the nation,” incumbent Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
“One of the most important things we can do to stop the slide and boost student results is to lift teaching standards.
“I want students competing to get into teaching like they do to get into medicine or law.”
STREAM SPORT LIVE AND FREE (MAY 9)
The ALP is of the belief all Australians should have the chance to enjoy sporting events live and free on their TV and, as such, has committed to reviewing the anti-siphoning scheme and conducting consultative review processes that provide relevant stakeholders an opportunity to share their views.
It also wants to ensure local TV services which broadcast Australian content, sports, news, and emergency broadcasting are easy to find on connected TV platforms, such as smart TVs.
“Every Australian should get to see major sporting events,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
“For a whole lot of people in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area, free to air TV is essential to seeing those moments which lift us up as a nation, that inspire us, that help define who we are.
“Major sporting events should be on free to air TV. You can’t be what you can’t see.”
HEAD TO HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE (MAY 7)
Federal Labor has committed $14 million over for years for the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network to fund and establish a new Head to Health adult mental health centre in Ipswich.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the West Moreton region has “very high” rates of mental illness, with one in seven adults experiencing mental health issues — more than both the Queensland and national averages.
“Primary care is the first port of call for many of these people, with around one in six (or 50,000) people seeing their local GP about a mental health issue, including to develop a mental health care plan,” he said.
“Importantly, a new Head to Health facility will provide much-needed support to allow for people to be cared for in the community as much as possible, which will help take the pressure off the hospital system.”
The Ipswich Head to Health centre will be established this month with services to include free face-to-face consultations and appointments, as well as telehealth. Full service delivery is expected to commence in early 2023.
It was funded through the current Morrison government’s $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Plan announced in the 2021-22 budget, which has also committed $14 million over four years to establish and operate the centre.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison government’s highest priorities.
“We are committed to further expanding mental health services to ensure Australians can get support, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
The investment brings the current government’s health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2022-23 to a record high of $6.8 billion.
NEW USES FOR PFAS-AFFECTED PROPERTIES (MAY 6)
The ALP has said it will, if elected, conduct an independent review of opportunities for land and property that has been impacted by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination.
Defence began phasing out the legacy firefighting foam which contains the chemicals in 2004 and is currently undertaking a national program to review, investigate, and implement its approach to managing PFAS impacts on and around some of its bases across the country.
But Labor said its review would specifically explore use and voluntary repurposing of contaminated land in an “equitable and efficient” manner.
“This has been a big issue in our community of Ipswich, which is home to RAAF Base Amberley,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
“Many residents of affected areas have been unhappy with the way the Morrison government and Defence have treated them, and they want a fully independent and comprehensive examination.
“Labor has listened to these communities and we will undertake an independent review that will examine future opportunities for use of PFAS affected land.”
DEFENCE JOBS AND RECRUITMENT (MAY 6)
Labor has committed to conduct a comprehensive review of Australian Defence Force recruitment and retention mechanisms to ensure the armed forces have the personnel they need.
It is set to focus on current and potential new recruitment and retention initiatives, the ADF gap year program, and the effectiveness of external recruitment practices, among other priorities.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the commitment builds on his party’s $519.2 million plan to strengthen the services defence personnel, veterans, and their families count on.
“This package includes $60.1 million to expand the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, so our troops can own their home sooner,” he said.
REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES (MAY 3)
The ALP has promised to restore affordable telehealth psychiatric consultations for people living in regional and rural Australia.
“Labor will also match the government’s announcement of an additional $146 million for initiatives to deliver more doctors in rural and regional Australia,” a Labor spokesman said.
“Only Labor can be trusted to protect and strengthen Medicare and deliver world class medical care regardless of where you live.”
MEDICATION COSTS (MAY 1)
Under an Albanese Labor government, Ipswich residents have been promised a saving of $12.50 on medical scripts.
The ALP has committed to reduce the maximum co-payment under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by 29 per cent, from $42.50 to a maximum of $30.
This means a person taking one medication a month could save $150 each year, while those taking two medications a month could save up to $300.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the changes would strengthen Medicare and the PBS and ease cost of living pressures on Ipswich residents.
“We know out-of-pocket health care costs are too high in Australia and among the highest in the OECD countries,” he said.
“Cutting the cost of medications will help people in my electorate of Blair who rely on these.”
The changes to the PBS would take effect from January 1 next year and save Australians an estimated $190 million in out-of-pocket costs.
All existing safety net provisions would continue and scripts that currently count towards a patient’s safety net would continue to do so.
IPSWICH BASKETBALL (APRIL 28)
The LNP has committed $3.9 million to extend Ipswich Basketball Association’s existing facilities, which should allow for growth in membership and the number of local club games able to be delivered.
As the third-fastest growing association in Queensland, and one that is essential to Ipswich region communities, the Coalition’s candidates said it was imperative its facilities are improved.
They said the upgrade would help Ipswich Basketball meet the demands of the growing popularity of basketball in the region.
LNP candidate for Blair Sam Biggins said it would also allow the club to host both state and national championship events and enable collaboration with other sporting codes such as netball.
SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL STATE SCHOOL (APRIL 28)
The ALP promised to invest $100,000 in new facilities for Prep students at the Springfield Central State School if it is elected.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the school has grown exponentially — from two Prep classes to six — since opening its doors in 2011, and upgrades would allow its students to participate in a range of activities “crucial” to their development and wellbeing.
“Labor’s investment in the school will enable them to build an age-appropriate, futuristic outdoor learning space, giving children greater access to the outdoor environment and fresh air,” Mr Neumann said.
The investment would also, according to the party, ensure the school can provide more hygienic facilities for the young students.
“This funding will provide Covid-safe toileting, hand washing and water refilling facilities,” Oxley MP Milton Dick said.
DISASTER RESPONSE (APRIL 28)
If elected, the Labor government has committed to boost funding for veteran-led disaster response organisation Disaster Relief Australia, which has been working since 2016 to provide relief to communities in the wake of disasters.
The group would receive $38.1 million over three years — for deployment, recruitment, equipment, and training — allowing it to add an additional 5200 volunteer veterans to its ranks and establish a National Veteran Volunteer Service.
“As well as boosting our disaster recovery capacity, DRA’s National Veteran Volunteer Service is a highly effective veteran transition program, giving our former defence personnel a sense of purpose and camaraderie,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
“I’m pleased to see that the Morrison LNP Government has followed Labor’s lead and agreed to match Labor’s funding commitment.”
SAFETY FOR FREIGHT OPERATORS (APRIL 28)
The Liberal and Nationals government has committed to improve the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle routes if re-elected by investing $56.2 million in 28 new projects under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Changes to the program guidelines would mean rural and regional projects could apply for funding to cover up to 80 per cent of the total project cost for the first time.
“These projects aim to reduce road accidents involving heavy vehicles by targeting driver fatigue and making our roads more efficient for freight operators,” Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said.
“The Coalition is investing more in regional roads than ever before as part of our record $120 billion ten-year infrastructure investment program.”
The Liberal and Nationals government is providing more than $650 million through the HVSPP from 2013-14 to 2025-26, with an ongoing commitment of $65 million per year.
THE VETERANS’ CRISIS (APRIL 27)
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said a Labor government would address the “national disgrace” that is the “the crisis in Veterans’ Affairs” which is affecting many veterans and their families across Ipswich.
“Federal Labor has announced a $519.2 million plan to repair a decade of damage and neglect, and strengthen the services veterans and their families count on,” he said.
“This is great news for my electorate of Blair, which is home to RAAF Base Amberley and one of the largest defence and veteran communities in the country.”
Labor’s plan includes cutting waiting times by boosting Department of Veterans’ Affairs staffing, delivering 10 new ‘veteran hubs’, boosting Defence home ownership, increasing the totally and permanently incapacitated veterans pension, funding a veteran employment program, and developing a defence and veteran family support strategy.
BULK BILLED URGENT MEDICAL CARE (APRIL 26)
The ALP has committed to investing more than $130 million over four years to establish 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the country — including one in Ipswich.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the clinic would take the pressure off hospital emergency departments by providing an alternative option for families needing urgent care.
“The clinic will treat sprains and broken bones, stitches and glue for cuts, wound care, insect bites, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns,” he said.
“Care will be bulk billed, meaning families won’t be out-of-pocket for having a loved one attended to, just like if they’d gone to a public hospital.
“Importantly, it will be open seven days a week from at least 8am to 10pm — the time when the majority of non-life-threatening injuries occur.”
RESTORING THE BREMER RIVER (APRIL 21)
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said a Labor government would provide $3 million to support the work of Ipswich City Council for flood recovery and resilience projects along the Bremer River and its tributaries.
“This project would see a Labor Government partner with Ipswich City Council to improve flood resilience, water quality and environmental values in the city’s urban waterways,” he said.
The council reportedly presented a “strong project” to achieve this, costing a total of $4 million with $3 million potentially coming from a federal Labor government.
“The council’s project will improve resilience of the catchment to flood impacts,” Mr Neumann said.
“In turn this will allow the community better access to the natural areas and waterways.”
IPSWICH SHOWGROUNDS (APRIL 14)
An Albanese Labor government will invest $4 million in upgrading the Ipswich Showgrounds, including $2.5 million for general upgrades as part of stage three of its redevelopment and $1.5 million for improving amenities which will be used in case of disaster by the emergency relief centre.
“These upgrades will include toilets, showers and privacy for locals when emergencies strike,” Blair MP Shayne Neumann said.
“In addition, the stage three redevelopment of the Showgrounds is an important step towards the Show Society’s ambitious plans for an Ipswich Events and Exhibition Centre.
“This will have facilities to transform the centre into a purpose-built emergency relief centre for use by the entire region.”
BETTER MOBILE COVERAGE ON ROADS (APRIL 6)
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said should Labor be elected, one of its first priorities will be to establish a five-year $400 million fund to expand multi-carrier mobile coverage along roads, as well as for regional homes and businesses.
He said he receives complaints about telecommunication issues from residents across Blair, from Springfield to Somerset Dam and Rosewood to Ripley.
“One of our first priorities in 2022, should we be elected, is to undertake an independent audit of mobile coverage as a guide for future priorities,” he said.
“Our plan will appoint a partner company capable of placing mobile signal measurement devices on Australia Post’s transport assets, to gather the best information possible.”
Labor would also commit $200 million to continue investing in local connectivity projects.
“A Labor government will provide a $30 million farm connectivity program to enable more farmers to extend connectivity in their fields to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology,” Mr Neumann said.
DEAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES (APRIL 5)
The ALP has committed to helping Ipswich small businesses by providing “certainty in times of crisis”, ensuring they are paid on time, cutting “unnecessary” red tape, and removing “superfluous” bank fees.
The deal includes a guarantee that the party will consider the specific needs of small businesses in times of crisis, ensure payment within 30 days, reduce the time small businesses spend doing taxes, and reduce small business transaction costs at the point of payment.
It is expected to save up to $804 million a year in merchant fees.
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the “targeted plan” would give small business owners confidence as they recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, floods, and bushfires.
AGED CARE (APRIL 1)
Blair MP Shayne Neumann said older people who are living in aged care homes across Ipswich have been “neglected” but, if elected, the Labor government will amend this and the aged care system.
“We will make aged care a place people want to work, knowing that they will be respected and valued for the important work they do,” he said.
The government’s five-point plan includes having a registered nurse on site around the clock in residential care, increasing residents access to direct care to 215 minutes per day, formally supporting a pay rise for aged care workers, providing better food for residents, and asking for more transparency in the system.
PRE-POLL EXIT SURVEY
Hundreds of Ipswich residents took to pre-polling booths on Monday May 9, wasting no time in filling out ballots and casting their early votes in the upcoming federal election.
Voters from across the city arrived at Ipswich’s main voting centre at 143 Brisbane St in dribs and drabs throughout the day, much like the rain, indicating strong support for LNP candidate Sam Biggins.
Of the 100 people anonymously surveyed by The Queensland Times outside the booth between 8am and 2pm, 40 per cent said they had given their first preference to Mr Biggins.
Incumbent Labor MP Shayne Neumann earned support from 36 respondents and Greens candidate Danielle Mutton earned support from 12.
One Nation’s Liz Suduk finished fourth with seven votes.
It comes as the major parties commit between $20 million and $40 million to projects in the seat of Blair, where some in the Coalition believe they have a chance at a surprise win.
Since the budget, about $20 million in projects — including for Head to Health services, Lowood-Minden Rd upgrades, and Ipswich Basketball facility upgrades — has been pledged by the LNP in Blair, compared with about $44 million from Labor.
The ALP has committed to funding projects ranging from Head to Health services and Springfield Central State School Prep upgrades to urgent care improvements and Ipswich Showgrounds upgrades.
Leichhardt resident Helen Livesey, 62, said she voted for the ALP on Monday, as she always has at election time.
“I chose them because of their economic policies and that they’re going to do more for us as a country,” she said.
“I think, politically, there’s been a lot of things with women’s issues, the culture in parliament. And I also think the culture in general in society, the economy is suffering, we’re suffering, and we need a change.
“We need a new way of government and a new beginning.”
Early voting centres at Ipswich City Mall, Riverlink Medical Centre, Winston Glades Shopping Centre, and Springfield’s World Knowledge Centre will remain open until election day on Saturday, May 21.
Find a full list of pre-polling booth locations and opening hours here.
WHAT IPSWICH VOTERS WANT IN A CANDIDATE
Voters across Ipswich have a range of personal priorities — from cutting cost-of-living expenses to improving aged care facilities — that their ideal candidate would address.
In a bid to determine which candidate would best represent them, a number of Ipswich residents attended a ‘Meet the Candidates’ morning at Winston Glades Shopping Centre on Wednesday, May 4.
Sadliers Crossing resident and ex-public servant Jo McConnell, 61, said she was looking for a Blair candidate who was focused on “making a better future for women, particularly working women”.
“I’m absolutely appalled at what’s happened in Australia over the last couple of years around sexual harassment in the workplace,” she said.
“And the figures on domestic and family violence are sickening. Absolutely sickening.”
Ms McConnell said she refused to vote for a person who did not understand the importance of addressing sexual assault and harassment.
“I think that sometimes, to vote, you need to look at what’s affecting you,” she said.
“But you also need to look beyond yourself to see what would make a better future socially.”
Mark McConnell said he and his wife Jo were fortunate to have been able to work and build a nest egg, but they worried for their children who believe they might never be able to buy a home.
“The other thing is climate change. You worry about what sort of planet you’re leaving your kids,” he said.
“And the other thing that strikes me is transparency.”
Meanwhile, Nicole, who asked that her surname be withheld, from Raceview said she wanted to vote for a candidate who would advocate for improvements to aged care and the Medicare system.
“Priority for me would be … improvements in aged care, restoration of Medicare for people over 65, and improvement in Australian High Commissions overseas who have let my family down on a number of occasions,” she said.
Nicole’s concerns are personal, as her mum was very sick with terminal cancer and her family were unable to get her into a suitable aged care facility before she sadly passed.
She said she also had issues with the carers and disability pensions, both of which her ideal candidate for Blair would address.
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