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.
CANDIDATE RESPONSE
Earl James
I can confirm that I affirm that I will use the PPP policy framework to guide my decision making.
In the immediate term we face a housing crisis and so the key priorities that address housing such as supporting renters and investing in new and upgrading existing social housing are crucial. People must have a home to feel safe and secure as well as remain physically and mentally well. Federal policy settings (negative gearing and the CGT discount) combined with historic under-investment by the state government in public housing and high interest rates are creating a perfect storm, worsening the housing crisis. The City of Port Phillip can still play a vital role in ameliorating the worst of the crisis. In the longer term, the priorities that address climate change are paramount. Planting many more trees and stimulating active transport are some keys amongst these.
Hopefully, I will be working with a progressive majority on the Council to see these priorities implemented. The reality is that it is unlikely that if a conservative majority is retuned after the election, then it will be very difficult to achieve much. Thus, voters face a stark choice this election, to support a progressive community built on compassion and solidarity or a much narrower vision. I hope that voters choose to vote for me, Earl James in South Melbourne so that we get the former.
Negotiating skills. In my current work environment, I negotiate workplace agreements and achieve success in getting good outcomes. Additionally, as an economics teacher for almost two decades I have a strong understanding of economics and the levers that can be pulled to build a progressive Port Phillip.
CANDIDATE RESPONSE
Bridget Mullahy
I affirm the Progressive Port Phillip Policy Framework.
My website www.bridgetmullahy.au lays out my three pillared plan focused on building stronger communities, supporting businesses to thrive and ensuring a sustainable future for South Melbourne which aligns with the Progressive Port Phillip Policy Framework (PPPPFW) as follows:
1. Strong Communities - it’s critical we embrace our diversity, celebrate our strong community of residents and take care of those in need.
PPPPFW: Maintain and improve Council services for older residents, people with a disability, parents and children, including affordable and high-quality early childhood education and care, and vibrant libraries.
- Invest in our community childcare, aged care, disability services and libraries
- Seek improvements to social and affordable housing/renting without disrupting the lives of current residents
2. Thriving businesses – we must work together to fuel the local economy and attract domestic and international visitors – our customers.
PPPPFW: Support vibrant neighbourhood economies and strip shopping centres to ensure small micro businesses and not-for-profits meet local needs and create local jobs.
- Continue with the revitalisation of Clarendon Street precinct and the proposed new Arts precinct at Town Hall making sure residents have access to enjoy it
- Improve walking, cycling and public transport flow to connect South Melbourne to ANZAC station, Port Phillip and the rest of Melbourne
3. A Sustainable future – it’s important that we protect our green spaces and develop the right infrastructure, while rising to meet the urgent challenge of climate change.
PPPPFW: Promote urban planning that prioritises both positive environmental impacts and pedestrian focused streetscape amenity – including networks of parks, social gathering spaces, safe footpaths and active transport paths.
- [Support local climate action and the Port Phillip Climate Emergency Action Plan
- Focus on cleaner, greener streets and the sustainable groups who are working hard to make it happen.
See priorities from my plan against PPPPFW above.
I have a healthcare background working for large commercial businesses and consultancies and am passionate about bringing the right people together to solve problems.