By Charlene Macaulay
Meet the newest candidate contesting the seat of Tarneit in this year’s state election.
Tarneit resident Arnav Sati has thrown his hat in the ring as an independent, saying he wants to make the seat of Tarneit marginal to attract more attention and funding from the state government.
In January, Mr Sati started an online petition calling for stricter bail laws and more powers for police that amassed more than 18,000 signatures. He has also been outspoken about the need for more carparking at Tarneit train station.
The 35-year-old IT analyst and first-time candidate said the electorate had been “categorically neglected and ignored by both sides of politics”.
“We have genuine issues in the area, like inadequate train station parking, congested V/Line train services, infrequent bus services, busy single-lane roads, crowded schools and so forth, that are not getting addressed by people in power,” he said.
“I am a local who is directly impacted by the lack of infrastructure in Tarneit.
“I share the same woes and frustration on a daily basis as any other resident living in the area. I don’t need a letter from a resident to make me aware of the issues.”
Mr Sati also identified turning Wyndham North police station into a 24-hour police station and more schools – particularly in Williams Landing and Truganina – as other pressing issues.
He goes up against Labor candidate Sarah Connolly, Liberal candidate Glenn Goodfellow and Greens candidate Beck Sheffield-Brotherton, who are also contesting the seat.
