By Jaidyn Kennedy
The delivery of public transport promises, easing road congestion and tackling crime will be top of the agenda as voters get ready to go to the polls on February 8 for the Werribee by-election.
Following the resignation Werribee MP Tim Pallas in December, Labor nominated Werribee teacher and CFA volunteer John Lister as its candidate in a bid to retain the seat.
Among Mr Lister’s first aims is supporting recently opened public schools.
“I want to help those schools work on those connections to the community and use the services we have in the community,” he said.
“To get more kids into tertiary pathways has always been my passion as a teacher.”
He cited new bus routes, rail upgrades and developments to the Ison Road Overpass by the state government as steps he wishes to build on, and that he wanted to target youth crime with education.
“As a teacher, I’m passionate about making sure young people get into good opportunities and make sure they don’t live a life of crime,” he said.
The Liberal Party nominated local real estate agent and former soldier Steve Murphy, who said Werribee has suffered due to Labor’s neglect and disinterest, to contest the seat.
“The people of Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Little River are tired of the rising cost of living issues facing them, the lack of infrastructure, and the alarming rise in crime,” Mr Murphy said.
“My pledge to the people of Werribee is clear, I will work every day to listen, work hard, and deliver the infrastructure and services that are needed.”
Paul Hopper, whose newly formed West Party is yet to be registered, will again stand for a second time as an independent.
Describing the road system as a mess and medical services as inadequate, Mr Hopper said Werribee residents are “tired of being taken for granted”.
Crime – particularly youth crime – public transport connectivity and local jobs were areas Mr Hopper said needed more focus.
“Labor has been in power in Werribee for a long time. Why would anyone think Labor is going to start caring about any of these issues now?”
Union advocate Rifai A. Raheem will stand for The Greens, listing the cost-of-living, more affordable housing and climate action as his three biggest election priorities.
“Our community is diverse and vibrant and we deserve a strong voice outside the two major parties who will stand up for the issues that matter most to us,” Mr Rifai said.
Among his election commitments is advocating for capped 50 cent public transport fares.
Legalise Cannabis is looking to build on grass roots support in the area, with 29-year-old horticulturist Xavier Menta.
“I’m standing so voters can send the major parties a message – they can tell the big guns that the people of the west won’t be taken for granted anymore,” he said.
Nurse Sue Monroe will run for the Victorian Socialists on the platform of pushing for free healthcare, improved educational resources, more reliable transport and more affordable housing.
Voting information: www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/current-elections/werribee-district-by-election
