I asked the question to our community: “If you could write policies for our community, what would they be?” Grievances were aired including:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
- Australian values are being removed by a minority group and not representative of the majority.
- the Victorian government’s support of the unions over CFA members and the lack of direction from Federal Labor to stop the Union standover, is the start of an Australia wide attack on volunteers. Federal members need to take action to correct the immoral actions of Victoria's Premier.
- job security for Australians has been removed and replaced with preference to 457 visa holders and refugees;
- welfare benefits are out of control and not effectively managed & monitored.
- business confidence is low with preferences and incentives being given to overseas investments and imports;
- the sale of our land and assets to overseas interests;
- lack of telecommunication services within the electorate;
- community services and agencies disjointed;
- unions trying to dominate the small business sector in particular the RSRT issue:
- the need for a Royal Commission into the banking and finance sector;
- confidence in major parties is at an all-time low, due to the inability to represent our community, instead giving preference to party line;
- the 'safe schools' initiative is disgraceful and not needed;
- the treatment of our returned service personnel is unacceptable;
- our farmers and primary producers should be a priority;
- manufacturing has declined instead of being encouraged within our community
We need a leader who is apolitical and only there for the people - not a party. We need a representative in Canberra to champion on behalf of our community. In business there is a term - triple bottom line: to be socially, environmentally, economically sustainable and responsible. Our community is no different. Should I be voted in by the people, I will be seeking input by the people of the Bendigo electorate to take control of their destinies and not only be heard in Canberra, but also receive effective and responsive support delivered from Canberra. I have no right to sprout 'policies' without consulting the stakeholders (the community), young and old. Voting for an Independent is the only way to truly guarantee that the views of our community are heard and acted on as opposed to views of a particular party.
- Anita Donlon
The Bendigo Advertiser has this week featured the vision of each of the candidates for the Federal seat of Bendigo. Each was given the same space to share their views.
The eight submissions are online at www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au