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. My key priorities in the policy framework are re-orienting Council towards crucial service provision, whether it be childcare, our maintenance and parks/gardens contracts, or our engagement with the community. These basic services have been run down, privatised or contracted out and have resulted in poor outcomes across the board.
I'll push for the inclusion in the Council Plan of a key priority to build up and strengthen our services, while still focusing on efficiency and savings. But the long-term planning should include continuing to provide these, rather than an assumption of eventually getting out.
I'm one of the most experienced Councillors running for re-election, and have a good understanding of the levers available to Councillors, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to make these things happen.
My key priority is to get the Council back on-track. We must reinvest in the democratic, consultative and communicative arms of Council. Without investment in these processes, and commitment to follow through, trust in Council will continue to be deeply undermined. I want to ensure the next Council Plan recommits to building the better progressive society our community desires while addressing the triple threats, of climate, housing and lack of public trust, it faces. If that wasn’t enough, we need to meet these challenges in the constrained rate cap environment.
I would advance these priorities through a mix of soft and hard power. I will use my votes wisely but also work with Council staff and the community to build good practice and progressive public policy well before it comes to the chamber for a vote. I will continue to bring strategic clarity and understanding that every decision made impacts every decision ahead.
Despite being the youngest, I am the only current Councillor with experience in executive government. I have years of experience working at a senior ministerial level in the state government. I’ve also worked across the private, community and government sectors in other leadership roles. I have spent over a decade involved in community boards and activist groups, including the Community Alliance of Port Phillip. This deep and broad experience gave me an understanding of the transformative power of local government and its strategic context. My experience helps me to escape the trap of hyperreactivity and to embrace the responsibility and opportunity of local government to make a better progressive society.
Protecting our environment: As someone involved in the Urban Forest Strategy and working at a local secondary school, I believe we must aim for 30% canopy cover across St Kilda and the City of Port Phillip. This requires improving tree pits, implementing rain gardens, optimising gutters for water management and planting more trees. These efforts will enhance sustainability, biodiversity and the overall livability of our community. Strengthen our community: We must ensure that local programs like childcare and kindergartens are accessible and able to support future generations of families in the City of Port Phillip. These services foster relationships, provide guidance and create a sense of stability for families at a time when they are often most vulnerable. They are a lifeline not only for parents but also for the entire community, strengthening our connections and ensuring that no one has to navigate these experiences alone.
To advance these priorities, I would work closely with fellow councillors to protect our environment by improving tree pits, planting more trees, expanding rain gardens, enhancing water management systems and improving aesthetics of our streets with planting. Strengthening our community, I would ensure that childcare and kindergartens remain accessible, supporting families by strengthening local networks and fostering connections. Collaboration among councillors is the key to addressing these environmental and community needs, ensuring a sustainable and supportive future for all residents.
The attribute I would bring is my deep connection to the community and being a true independent I can work with all councillors to ensure the best outcome for our community. I live in St Kilda and have for over 25 years. I have years of local experience, including working in education, major events and involvement with community projects and schools. I understand residents' needs and wants and have a proven track record of uniting people to achieve common goals. This ensures practical, people-focused solutions.