Buninyong community meets their candidates

VOTERS met seven of the eight candidates running for the seat of Buninyong at an election forum organised by the Buninyong and District Community Association last week.

As siting member Geoff Howard is retiring from parliament after 19 years, the approximately 50 residents at the event were keen to hear from theose aiming to replace him.

Described as a, “Bevy of beauty and brains,” by moderator Barry Fitzgerald each of the speakers had four minutes to present their case and then take questions from the audience.

First up Lindsay Watters – Independent – said as a member of Save the Planet his campaign is based on climate emergency and detailed how his party would deal with it.

Next to the microphone Wendy Morrison – Animal Justice Party – described why she joined the AJP putting forward her concerns on the treatment of animals, the environment and human health issues.

Labor candidate Michaela Settle described the basis of her platform as the values of small community.

“To create a level playing field in our community there is no better way that investing in schools, skills and health,” said Ms Settle.

She fielded and answered five questions from the audience on her involvement in political campaigning while being paid with public money – also known as the ‘Red Shirt Rort,’ scandal, Buninyong bypass, the Ballarat railway station, destruction of the private education market and mental health.

Responding to a question on Red Shirts, Ms Settle repeated three times, “Labor has paid that money back in full.”

On the Buninyong bypass Ms Settle said Labor is committed to looking at a solution, ongoing discussion and listening to the community.

Following on Andrew Kilmartin – Liberal – after outlining his concerns on police, CFA and planning, blew the locals away drawing cheers and applause when he announced, “A Liberal government will commit $2 million to the planning of the Buninyong bypass.”

Topics queried from the floor were planning, road maintenance and climate change Fifth speaker Linda Zibell of the Greens described herself as a dedicated community advocate listed her accomplishments and her key campaign issues with a focus on planning.

Questioned on the Greens position on building approval process, also known as VicSmart, Ms Zibell said if elected the Greens would call for a Royal Commission on planning.

Independent Dianne Colbert talked about her concerns on the Safe Schools program, budget blowout, increased violence and mental health issues concluding with support for a Royal Commission on planning Ms Colbert responded to questions on high suicide rates amongst LGBTI youth and child sexual abuse within the family.

Rounding off the speeches Brendan Eckel – Independent – said he was standing as an ordinary person to give the Buninyong electorate a chance for people power with a focus on suicide, self harm, mental health and drugs and alcohol abuse.