Asher preps for Canberra campaign

BY ALISON MARTIN

CITY of Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher is confident that campaigning for the Liberal Party, leading the council and operating her consultancy business won’t be a “juggle” but more of a matter of time management.
The Ocean Grove resident gained candidate pre-selection for Corangamite last week and has committed to “hitting the ground running” across the reshaped electorate, which will take in the Bellarine, parts of Geelong, north-west to Bannockburn and part of the Surf Coast Shire.
Ms Asher’s pre-selection to represent the Liberals in one of Australia’s most marginal seats is an early move, with the federal election not expected until possibly mid-2022 and just a handful of candidates nominated across Victoria at this stage.
“My mission is to continue to drive an extremely positive and proactive agenda, underpinned by intellectual rigour, hard work, compassion and an absolute determination to get things done in the best interests of our community,” she said.
Ms Asher, who stood as an independent candidate for Corio in the 2013 federal election, said becoming a federal MP was an opportunity “to make a real difference to people” and her focus was on making sure a Liberal Government was re-elected to be able to continue its work.
She said it was important to remember that Australia remained one of the best-performing nations and while there were always “peaks and troughs, as a nation our future is looking positive”.
Ms Asher said she would listen to the community’s views but believed transport, regional jobs and managing growth while protecting the environment would be among the key issues at the next election.
“With my husband Rob and three teenage children, I feel incredibly lucky to live on the Bellarine.
“As a committed member of surf life saving and a keen runner, I am passionate about protecting our environment and precious coastline.
“I am very concerned about over-development which is why our council, since 2017, has directed growth into the north and western areas of Geelong and away from the Bellarine Peninsula.
“This approach to managing growth was formally endorsed in 2020.
“Whether it’s caring for the most vulnerable, investing in first-class health and education or delivering the infrastructure we need to support growing communities, our community must
come first.”
Ms Asher said she was committed to “continuing to work extremely hard as mayor” and, as required, would take leave from council when the election was called.
She said she didn’t see any concerns with remaining the city’s spokesperson and
representing the Liberal Party in the meantime, and she had a “very clear” understanding of managing conflicts of interest.
Ms Asher said party politics hadn’t been an issue with the present council and they were all very open with each other.
“We have an intelligent group of councillors who are very respectful and high-performing.
“The community doesn’t like watching people argue.”
Ms Asher said she would take the same approach with the election, with a campaign about “sticking to the issues and listening to the community”.