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."