AUSTRALIA is set to head to the polling booths on Saturday 21 May, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison dissolved the 46th Parliament on Sunday, calling the next Federal election.
In the seat of Wannon, incumbent Dan Tehan announced he would be seeking a fifth term at the helm, following the line set by Mr Morrison, asking the constituency to re-invest their trust in ‘the government they know’.
Five challengers have thrown their hats in the ring for a shot at the title.
Independent candidate, Alex Dyson, United Australia Party’s Craige Kensen, Greens candidate, Hilary McAllister, Liberal Democrats (LDP) candidate, Amanda Mead and Labor Party candidate, Gilbert Wilson have announced platforms including climate change and housing, along with broad commentary on the Morrison Government’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Voters will be deciding on their own major election hot button issues throughout the six-week campaign, with the cost of living likely to be at the top of the list.
The financial pressures that low- and middle-income families and businesses experienced throughout the pandemic and whether they consider the government responded adequately, will likely influence voters at the ballot box.
Roads will also be high on the voting agenda, despite only one national arterial highway - the Western Highway - the responsibility of the Federal Government within Wannon.
Rural and regional communities have been calling for greater funding commitments to major infrastructure, roads and digital connectivity.
Regional Cities Victoria chairwoman, Kim O’Keeffe, called on every political party and candidate to recognise the role of the regions in driving the national economy, and to commit to strategic regional investment.
“The message from regional Victoria is loud and clear. Any plan to recover and rebuild after the pandemic must include strategic investment in our regions,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“We are seeing unprecedented population shifts into regional Victoria, and we need Commonwealth policy and funding that supports sustainable growth and ensures our regions are great places to work, live, and visit.
“In many areas, our communities and businesses are still waiting for the basics; safe roads and reliable internet connections.”
Access to health care is the other “big ticket item” according to the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, which is urging rural and remote Australians to make rural healthcare the deciding factor when voting in the forthcoming election.
Association president, Megan Belot said the rural health system continued to struggle with workforce shortages and poor funding.
“A recent Senate inquiry into the provision of GP services in rural areas has raised significant concerns with the ongoing shortage of doctors in the bush,” Dr Belot said.
“We need Labor and the Coalition to commit to take urgent and real action in government to ensure rural Australians have a health system with a viable future.”
