MEDIA RELEASE: V4M Passes On Voters’ Expectations
21 April 2022
True to its word, Voices For Mallee has delivered the wishes of the electorate to all Mallee federal election candidates.
Their community consultation report, “The Mallee has Spoken”, is available on their website at VoicesForMallee.net
Voters’ expectations of candidates were collected through a series of Kitchen Table Conversations (KTCs) held across the Mallee over the past year.
Each moderated conversation recorded the voices of up to ten constituents in response to six questions.
The questions ranged from what they like about where they live to the local and wider issues that concern them the most.
These ‘voices’ were recorded in detail and organised into common themes and topics.
Spokesperson for V4M, Peta Thorton, said “Voters are clearly concerned about maximising the quality of people’s lives in the Mallee, showing concern for meeting the needs of aged care, addressing widening inequality, minority groups and retaining skilled workers to fill employment opportunities.”
Health featured prominently with the perception that regional health (including mental health) outcomes are falling well behind those of larger centres. Attracting and retaining skilled medical staff was also highlighted.
Another strong theme is dismay at the current lack of integrity and honesty in political representation. Politicians are seen to represent the party at the expense of the voters and the impact of political donations, bribes, bullying and bad behaviour are destroying voters’ faith in our democracy.
Among other major concerns are education, climate and energy, industry and infrastructure, policy, agriculture and water.
“V4M is not a political party and is not aligned with any political persuasion,” said Peta.
“Our platform comes entirely from what voters tell us.”
V4M says its main purpose is to reengage all people with politics through giving voice to constituents and reinvigorating belief in a vibrant democracy.
“We will continue to work hard right across the Mallee over the next few years to be a significant force in holding politicians of all persuasions to account,” Peta said.
More information and membership details can be found on the Voices For Mallee web page
Image caption: The Voices For Mallee team highlight some of the issues of importance to the Mallee electorate. Clockwise from left top: Bronwyn Haywood (Maryborough), Katherine Hollaway (Horsham), Barry Parsons (Maryborough), Unmani (Wal Wal), Peta Thornton (Swan Hill), Ron Perry (Mildura), Tony Macer (Maryborough) and Jenny Greenberger (Stawell).