Local group Democracy for Dinner hosted their ‘Meet the Candidates’ event at The Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing on Tuesday evening.
Housing, health, climate and how to support Aboriginal recognition and self-determination were among the key issues discussed on the evening.
Is nuclear cheaper than renewables? Should we prioritise public housing or home ownership? Can legalising cannabis fund our priorities? And importantly, what matters most in our community?
The venue was packed for the event which gave local residents an opportunity to hear from local candidates standing for Bendigo West at the upcoming November 26 election.
Six candidates were in attendance including incumbent Labor MP Maree Edwards, Greens candidate James Searle, Liberal Party candidate Ken Price, Legalise Cannabis Victoria Party representative Wayne Taylor and Independent candidates Matt Bansemer and Marilyn Nuske. Three other candidates were invited but unable to attend on the night – Animal Justice Party candidate Victoria Maxwell, Family First Victoria candidate Steve Serpell and Freedom Party of Victoria candidate Richard Wooley.
As local candidates and community members arrived for the session the venue was rocking to the sounds of garage-infused country music by international act Jenny Don’t and the Spurs all the way from Portland, Oregon.
Democracy for Dinner mediator Bryn Davies thanked the band for travelling all the way from the US to ‘open’ the night and The Taproom for hosting the community event.
He pointed out the evening was also live-streamed for community members who wanted to tune in from home. Those who missed the livestream can find the link on the Democracy for Dinner website.
Mr Davies said Democracy for Dinner is a local grassroots initiative that aims to share some of the burden of democracy by supporting and facilitating engagement in democratic processes so community members can make an informed choice when going to the polls.
To open the event each candidate was given the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves and outline their priorities should they be elected. Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she had been honoured to represent the local region for 12 years and had achieved a lot in the local shire since 2010 but there was still a lot more to do. She said continuing to support the Creative Industries, the expansion of the local Tafe, housing and continuing to invest in local schools were a priority.
“I am proud to have delivered the new Castlemaine Secondary College and various upgrades at other schools in the shire,” she said.
Greens candidate James Searle said priorities were public housing and health including more GPs.
Legalise Cannabis representative Wayne Taylor said legalising cannabis was a priority to create more funds to support people.
Liberal candidate Ken Price said he had lived in the region all his life and works as a gardener. He said many of the people he works for need support not just with their gardens but more broadly with issues such as housing affordability, access to statewide health with many on waiting lists and public transport.
Independent candidate Matt Basemer said he didn’t like the authoritarian tone of the current government and was focused on state education, health and energy.
Independent candidate Marilyn Nuske saidher priorities were welfare and wildlife.
Mediator Bryn Davies pointed out at both Matt Bansemer and Marilyn Nuske had candidates for the Liberal/Democrats and Animal Justice Party in the last election and asked them why they were running as independents this time around. Bansemer indicated it was due to a proposed new tax and Nuske said that she had subsequently discovered some of her views on some issues were at odds with her former party.
Candidates were then asked a series of questions sourced via the Democracy for Dinner email and Facebook page. Several questions were also invited from the gallery and to wrap up candidates were asked what their vision was for Mount Alexander Shire.
Questions covered included climate, housing, energy, equality and gender diversity and many more issues.
Candidates were also asked for a show of hands if they would support the Treaty process moving forward and a referendum on a First Nations Voice to parliament with the majority pledging their support for both.
Finally participants were asked to share their vision for Mount Alexander Shire.
Independent Marilyn Nuske said more housing and protections for our wildlife.
“I’d move to ban duck shooting if elected and 1080,” she said.
Independent Matt Bansemer said power was a priority for him and exploring cheap nuclear alternatives to expensive renewable energy projects.
Liberal candidate Ken Price said re-prioritising funds out of big city projects to be shared across regional Victoria.
“We are a state not just one city,” he said.
Legalise Cannabis candidate Wayne Taylor said legalising cannabis so it could be regulated, taxed and create income and employment.
“It could be the saviour of our economy,” he said.
Greens candidate James Searle said improving access to public dental care, ending native forest logging and removing the tax on electric vehicles were priorities. Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she would be working towards a new health hub bringing Castlemaine Health, Community Health and shire health services under one roof.
In closing Mr Davies thanked the candidates for standing in the election and for working hard to “earn our support and trust”.
“Make your informed vote count on November 26,” he told the audience.
