Consider your vote
THE time is coming again when the citizens of this country will be asked to cast their vote in the upcoming federal election.
Our seat of Mallee, while traditionally being one of the Nationals’ safest seats in the country, was challenged by an almost unprecedented number of candidates at the last federal election.
This time around, the players are different, and the stakes are much higher.
While rural Australia has always had its share of far-right populists peddling their wares to those who remain disinterested or disenfranchised by major political parties, the COVID pandemic and the resulting health and economic crises has changed the playing field and tipped the table in favour of those who wish to exploit fear and prejudice in order for political gain.
While the National Party is not without its share of members who use provincialism and national chauvinism to guide its political agenda, we are facing a much more pernicious assault from the far-right parties of those such as United Australia Party or One Nation, who are unashamedly for rolling back public health measures, espousing anti-vaxx nonsense, and unflinchingly affiliating themselves with Neo-Nazi groups who spew misinformation and hatful rhetoric.
The “freedom” touted by these parties is nothing more than the “freedom” of the individual to pursue their own ends without thought for the consequences for society as a whole, placing our most vulnerable and disadvantaged at risk of serious health consequences or death.
Real freedom comes when people are given the necessary resources to lead a decent life.
Decent wages and work conditions, healthcare, education, housing, and the freedom from discrimination demonstrably lead to better outcomes in our society.
The so-called “freedom” of these purveyors of anti-democratic, anti-scientific and anti-public health rubbish is nothing more than the freedom for those who hold significant political influence and economic dominance to serve their own interests. Our collective freedom will only come from our collective action in defeating those who wish to employ the age-old “Divide and Rule” tactics of demagoguery.
Consider your vote with this in mind.
Luke Holdstock,
Kerang
Delivering a future ready Mallee
AUSTRALIANS have been called to vote in the May 21 election.
As your stand alone independent candidate for the seat of Mallee, I intend to pioneer many firsts in my journey to Canberra, hopefully as your federal member of parliament.
But its not all about me. I am always asked, “What will you do if you are elected?” And my reply is, “What does your community need me to do when I’m elected?” It’s all about our communities that I represent and their needs. So when you reach out to me, let me know what those needs are for our diverse communities across the largest electorate in the state.
My 12-point economic recovery plan is focused on making Australia future ready. Infrastructure to make us more connected like roads, rail, runways and rural digital connectivity. Future proofing our economy, health care system, education, water with infrastructure and policy that is fit for purpose and that will last for generations.
Bringing integrity and accountability back to government by negotiating from the cross benches will make us more competitive and provide Mallee communities with future ready outcomes for now and the future.
It has been so wonderful to meet people from all parts of the electorate and from a base in Horsham and Mildura, I am well placed to hold the balance of all our needs.
I ask for your vote on May 21, so that I can deliver a future ready region for you and your Mallee community.
Claudia Haenel,
Independent for Mallee
