2018
Victorian Election - Building a fairer Victoria where everyone flourishes
Deputy Premier James Merlino told the 2018 pre-election forum at Catholic Social Services that "a great society is where the most vulnerable citizens are supported so that they can reach their full potential." Deputy Liberal leader David Hodgett noted that "good economic policy needs to be balanced with support for those that are disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised."
The forum was an opportunity for over 60 representatives from the
community and health sector to hear from the Deputy Premier and the Hon David
Hodgett, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. Master of Ceremonies, Gabrielle McMullen AM introduced the
MPs and Fr Joe Caddy, who launched Catholic Social Services Victoria’s
pre-election brochure -
Building a fairer Victoria where everyone
flourishes. The brochure identifies policy
issues and priorities to encourage dialogue with candidates in the lead up to
the election.
There are some in Victoria that are doing it tough.
Stagnant wage growth and income allowances are not keeping up with rising living
costs such as housing, electricity, transport and education costs. Rural and
regional communities, new growth suburbs and communities where there is
persistent, entrenched disadvantage, are also feeling the pinch. Strong economic
growth should include further investment in infrastructure and support services
that underpin the development of a safe, just and compassionate society, where all
share in Victoria’s wealth.
In his presentation, the deputy Premier reflected
that a great society is where the most vulnerable citizens are supported so that they can reach their full potential.
He also focused on progress the Andrew’s government has made towards reducing
the number of children and young people dropping out of school. He emphasised
the need for government to work closely with community organisations to
co-design local solutions; highlighting the success of the ‘Lookout’ and ‘Navigator’
programs to re-engage children and young people in education. Mr Merlino also stated
that since being in parliament, the Treaty legislation has been one of the most
significant and proud achievements.
Mr Hodgett noted that good economic policy needs
to be balanced with support for those that are disadvantaged, vulnerable and
marginalised. Mr Hodgett was positive about support for a range of Closing the
Gap programs, but made no further statement regarding support for the Treaty
work underway. He mentioned the need to increase access to drug and alcohol rehabilitation
services and the need to reduce power prices by supporting on-shore coal extraction.
He highlighted the need to reduce the number of people waiting for social
housing and increase the support for victims of crime. The Liberal party are
also considering a ‘Police in schools’ program to help develop good
relationships between the Police and young people.
The forum was also an opportunity for participants
to dialogue with the two MPs. Issues raised
included; concerns about the increasing number of parents seeking assistance to
pay for educational expenses; government’s dependency on gambling revenue; how
governments can work better with newly arrived communities and the ongoing need
for more social housing. The forum prompted the start of important
conversations that need to continue prior to the election.
Victoria’s healthy economy, presents an
opportunity for voters and political parties to consider how Victoria’s wealth is
shared and invested in vulnerable Victorians, in the interests of the community
as a whole. We all have a responsibility to work together for the common good
and to ensure the fair distribution of the State’s prosperity, particularly
towards those who are vulnerable and those in need.
The pre-election brochure is
being distributed to all parishes across Victoria, to members of parliament and
candidates and more broadly in the community. It can be used to write to, or
meet with local members and candidates to discuss issues that are
important to you. You can also write to local, regional and national newspaper
editors expressing your views on key issues.
Let’s show our parliamentary candidates what kind
of society we want to live in, today and in the future.
Claire-Anne Willis, Catholic Social Services Victoria