By Eleanor Wilson
Berwick Greens candidate Hayley Perry openly admits she is not “a career politician”.
Her family isn’t political and she “never would have imagined” running as a candidate in the State Election a few years back.
But for the born and bred Berwick candidate, watching the government’s “inaction on many issues” was the final straw.
“[I] have become increasingly disappointed by the lack of integrity plaguing each level of government. We deserve better,” she said.
“I am deeply connected to my community and relate to the issues we are all facing.”
Perry lives in Berwick with her partner and two kids.
She owns a small business and is also a carer for her mum.
But she fears the area is getting the raw end of the deal when it comes to government funding.
“In the Berwick district it’s clear that the State Government is failing to plan for the infrastructure that the community needs, particularly in Berwick South and Clyde North.
“There needs to be more public investment in Casey Hospital, local schools and public transport in the area to keep up with the population demand.”
Perry hopes constituents will rally by her side to “stop the major parties taking us for granted”.
“The Federal Election results show that patience is wearing thin for the major parties and that the demographics of the Berwick district are changing and voting patterns are changing with it.
“For decades there has not been enough investment in public health and hospitals. Now, our hospitals, ambulances and healthcare system are struggling to cope.”
To tackle the healthcare crisis, she said, The Greens would increase health funding, especially for prevention and mental health care, and add dental into Medicare.
Cost of living, housing affordability and public school funding are also issues she is passionate about.
“People are struggling to keep their head above water because the cost of everything is going up, and wages have flat-lined,” she said.
“The Greens will improve the standard of living for Victorians with more affordable housing and cheaper energy, education and transport. And we’ll pay for it by making big corporations pay their fair share of tax.”
Ending special treatment for big property developers and making them “pay their fair share” is The Greens’ tactic to increase affordable housing, which for Perry is crucial for her kids’ future.
“I’m not sure my children will be able to afford to rent, let alone buy, in the community they grew up in.”
Victoria also has the lowest funding rates for public schools of any state in Australia, Perry pointed out.
“With two children in primary school – one that is heading into high school next year – I see the lack of quality options in our area.”
She said The Greens would invest more in our local public schools so everyone can access a genuinely free public education with quality teaching and better support for disadvantaged students.
Perry will contest current Gembrook MP Brad Battin and Labor candidate Malik Zaveer for the Berwick seat at the State Election in November.
