Morrison running for North Ward jobs

LABOR endorsed candidate, Jay Morrison is running for a North Ward seat at the elections in October with the aim of supporting Ballarat’s job economy.

As a union organiser, Mr Morrison said it’s important to protect and invest in Ballarat jobs both in the city and in the wider community.

“As part of my role as a union organiser, I spend a lot of time consulting, listening and finding out what the issues are then working towards solutions,” he said.

“We need a plan post-pandemic driven by council that’s focused on growing the number of jobs in Ballarat and investing in them through infrastructure improvements.

“We have a lot of opportunity in Ballarat, it’s a beautiful place and we could become an education hub and create more jobs and supporting those jobs in that area.”

As a Ballarat North resident, Mr Morrison is passionate about improving the areas services and infrastructure.

While some of the areas in North Ward continue to grow, he said the infrastructure to support this growth is just not keeping up.

“We need a council that will work together to deliver the services and infrastructure that we need in town and not just in the inner city but in all of the wards,” he said.

“In North Ward, we deserve the same services and basic infrastructure as in the city as investment in these things creates jobs and it also creates pride within communities.

“For me, it’s about ensuring all of those communities don’t miss out and listening when people say that they need people who will stand up for these communities.”

In addition to his union work, Mr Morrison is invested in a variety of community organisations including the Committee for Ballarat North, Ballarat Frolic Festival and the Ballarat Tool Library.

Throughout this involvement, he said he acquired experience within the community to deliver on what is needed in these areas.

“All of these communities in the North Ward need someone to ask them what they need and working towards delivering that,” he said.

“Through my work, people are say that they don’t feel represented by local council or that their voice matters.”

Mr Morrison said the future council will need to rebuild trust and work towards increasing job security for the city’s constituents.

“Many of the people I speak to in North Ward are worried about their jobs,” he said.

“This is a perfect time, when the council is going through so much upheaval, to put in a new team that is focused on delivering for the people of Ballarat.

“I want people to know that I’m going to be looking out for ordinary, working people first and advocating for those people who don’t have a voice and aren’t getting the support they need.”