By ALECIA PINNER
EMPLOYMENT, cost of living, social
tolerance and transport are shaping up as the big issues in Holt in the
lead-up to the federal election on September 7.
Four candidates are vying to represent Holt, which takes in Endeavour Hills, Doveton, Eumemmerring and Hallam.
Labor’s Anthony Byrne holds Holt by a 14 per cent margin.
Challenging Mr Byrne are Liberal
Ricardo Balancy, Greens candidate Jackie McCullough and Palmer United
Party candidate Bobby Singh.
Mr Balancy said a Coalition government
would lower taxes and boost employment. His campaign will focus on jobs,
support services, curbing drug and alcohol abuse, community safety and
improving traffic on the Monash freeway.
“The main thing people are worried
about is jobs,” Mr Balancy said. “Businesses are limiting working hours,
companies are closing down and this is putting pressure on families.
People are living on a very bare margin, particularly in lower
socio-economic areas such as Doveton.”
Mr Balancy, who worked for the Taxation
Office in Dandenong for many years, last week began a Walk for
Disability with Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon.
“As well as supporting people with disabilities this is a fact-finding mission for me,” he said.
During his time as president of
traditionally Mauritian soccer club, Mr Balancy was recognised for
creating a multiculturally inclusive constitution and said he was
sensitive to the needs of people from all walks of life.
“Sixty per cent of the people in our
area are of different ethic origin,” he said. “My strength is
understanding their needs and the people have embraced me.”
Registered nurse Jackie McCullough
hopes the Greens’ election messages will resonate in Holt. Ms McCullough
grew up in the Seymour area and said she had worked in shearing sheds
and on farms since she was a child.
“I care deeply for public health and
community well-being,” she said. “I want to ensure everyone has access
to health services, education, transport and a sustainable economy and
environment.”
Ms McCullough said job security, education and skills training, access to reliable public transport, social equality and mental health were the big issues for Holt voters.
“Working in the health field I see the
gaps in our health system,” she said. “The current system cannot
adequately manage the demand.”
» Neither Mr Byrne nor Mr Singh responded to The Dandenong Journal’s request for an interview.
