Candidate Assessment Responses
Progressive Port Phillip is a public campaign for stronger local democracy and a fairer, safer and more sustainable community. Many residents have asked us to provide guidance on candidates.
Over recent weeks all candidates standing in the October 2024 Port Phillip Council election were surveyed.
The first part of the Progressive Port Phillip assessment asked candidates to affirm a broad and principled Progressive Port Phillip policy framework.
Additionally, we asked 3 questions:
- What are your key priorities in the policy framework and why?
- What would you do to advance these priorities?
- What’s the most important attribute you bring that will enable Council to achieve this policy framework?
We also sought information from other sources including VEC statements, election material, TWiSK, candidate websites, affiliations and statements made on Council matters.
The outcome gives us hope that if elected, a number of candidates will support the whole Port Phillip community, work with the community to address climate change threats to homes and businesses, support more social housing and vulnerable renters, keep services in public hands and plan for our young people’s future.
And it indicates that the next Council could work to strengthen our local democracy so that all the people of the community are heard and respected.
If candidates did not affirm the policy framework it indicated that the strength of their commitment to a fairer, safer sustainable community was below expectations.
Advocacy for a rate freeze inevitably means cutting services. We recommend that voters should preference against candidates who have advocated such policies. Our council needs sound financial stewardship, not political stunts. [Read more here]
Below you can see the responses of all the candidates who responded.
1. The council has overlooked the rental crisis faced by many Lakeside residents. I will seek to establish an emergency rental fund to provide relief for those at risk of homelessness, inspired by successful models from other councils. 2. The Port Phillip Urban Forest Strategy needs funding and implementation to cool our streets and reduce the urban heat island effect. I will advocate for fast-tracking this essential work. 3. Boosting arts funding is vital to support local talent, bring economic activity, and enrich the cultural fabric of Port Phillip
Listen to the community: Actively engage with Lakeside locals to understand their views and ideas on each issue Integrate the community’s view and ideas into council decisions. Fund the initiatives: Advocate for budget allocation towards key initiatives within the upcoming Council Plan. Ensure transparent use of funds, with all information easily accessible to everyone. Drive Council officers to deliver: Set clear timelines and performance measures for each priority. Cut through organisational red tape and hold the council accountable to deliver tangible outcomes.
I’ve worked for nearly a decade partnering with major organisations across the private and government sectors, spanning human services, environment, and health. This experience has given me a deep understanding of effective policy development and the ability to cut through organisational red tape to deliver what matters. In partnership with Lakeside locals, I’ve developed a clear and transparent set of policies focused on delivery. Port Phillip Council must enhance the quality of services it provides to the community, and my public policy expertise will drive these improvements forward.
Recognise and support renters is a key priority for me because rental stress is a key cause of cost of living struggles and the power imbalance involved with being a renter makes it difficult to get help and as a councillor I will advocate for our renters. Additionally, continue to affirm and support social and public housing because they are the best way to get people housing when they otherwise could not afford it, and should be supported by the council and advocated for by the council
I will work with the community to consult and effectively implement these priorities. I would work to support existing public and social housing and expand it as well. Councils job should be to care for its community and make the community feel safe home and abroad
I’m a young queer woman who is optimistic hopeful and has a vision for a beautiful and amazing City of Port Phillip. My youth is representative of my drive and my investment in the future of my community, and these policies will make our community better