Lib Dem lawyer offers alternative

LAWYER Julia McGrath is running as a Liberal Democrats candidate for the seat of Ballarat in this Saturday’s Federal election.

She said current national debt inspired her to put her hand up for parliament.

“We need to look elsewhere for leadership. I’m offering the constituents of Ballarat an alternative place to put their vote at this election because we can’t afford to have more of the same,” she said.

“We can’t allow the major parties to keep kicking the can down the road on things like debt and deficit, and energy security.”

Ms McGrath said she enjoys the Ballarat electorate’s mix of regional and small city living, sports and recreation options, its hospitality scene, history and markets, and her main concerns for the area are cost of living and sustainable energy.

“The Lib Dems have fully developed policies that will target both concerns. This starts with an increase in the tax-free threshold to $40,000 so those on low incomes can keep more of that income,” she said.

“Another is permanently cutting the fuel excise, reducing red tape and government spending, getting those that fell foul of mandates back into jobs and careers, and legalising nuclear energy, which is reliable, low emission technology and cheap to meter.

“If the full potential of nuclear energy is realised, this will reduce the cost to live, reduce the cost of doing business, promote new industries like manufacturing, and provide low emission energy security.”

Originally from Creswick, Ms McGrath was a pupil at Creswick Primary School, a student at Ballarat Secondary College’s then Wendouree and Barkly Street campuses, and went onto study law, and international studies.

“I have primarily worked as a lawyer and held appointments to an administrative tribunal and a board, providing culturally appropriate services to people in vulnerable settings,” she said.

“I am juggling motherhood and a master in policy, so I have only campaigned in a part-time fashion, but we have a strong local team and I have felt very supported.”

Although not playing throughout the campaign, Ms McGrath is also a member of the Sebastopol Vikings Soccer Club.