In the lead-up to Saturday’s federal election the News asked each of the candidates to make a final statement to voters. Here is what they had to say.
Emanuele Cicchiello
Liberal Party
AS a secondary school teacher working with young people I am committed to delivering the prosperity our community deserves by investing in infrastructure, like a new Australian Technical College.
My wife Isabella and I are long-time residents of Melbourne’s south east. I have a track record of standing up for local residents and served as a councillor for the City of Knox, and as mayor in 2004. As mayor I led the opposition to State Labor’s decision to toll the Scoresby Freeway.
Local residents need to understand the consequences of electing wall-to-wall Labor in every state and federally.
Ken Seymour
Democrats
I’M a Democrat because I believe in the values of honesty, tolerance, compassion, justice, fairness and balance.
I want a strong economy, backed with fair industrial relation laws and tax reform for low-income workers; greater social justice, to remove discrimination in all its forms, to honour our Indigenous culture, to introduce paid maternity leave, a healthy environment with a sustainable energy industry bringing economic prosperity, and Australia leading on global warming action.
The Democrats have balanced the economy, social justice and the environment and been proudly anti-nuclear for 30 years. We’re tied to our conscience, not big business, unions or special interests.
Anthony Byrne
ALP
THE election this Saturday will be very close. If the Liberals win they will go even further with their unfair WorkChoices laws which cut take home pay, strip conditions and threaten job security for working families.
Only your vote can stop them. Kevin Rudd and Labor will abolish the extreme WorkChoices laws and AWAs, replacing them with balanced and fair workplace laws.
We need new leadership and fresh ideas to tackle the challenges facing our community.
I am committed to working with Kevin Rudd to fix our hospitals and health system, deliver an education revolution so our kids can get the high skilled and well-paid jobs of the future and keep a strong economy that delivers for local families.
Lynette Keleher
Greens
LYNETTE Keleher migrated from India aged four. She is Catholic, married with four children, a carer and has lived in Hampton Park for 20 years. She was a supervisor in the public service for seven years and is now the Secretary of WAG and CSTC.
Lynette says it’s crucial the Greens get into the Senate for a balance of power and a transparent democracy.
“We have the best targets and strategies to address Climate Change.
“We will abolish WorkChoices, create jobs, manage water, protect our environment and improve public services – education, transport, health. A fair go for all,” she said.
The News did not receive a response from Yasmin De Zilwa (Family First) or Chris Morgan (Citizens Electoral Council).
