By Eleanor Wilson
A business administration trainee, 21-year-old Christine Skrobo is running for what she calls “one of most important elections in Victorian history”.
Ms Skrobo is representing the Liberal Democrats as its candidate for the seat of Narre Warren South.
“I am tired of seeing governments take zero fiscal responsibility and continue increasing our debt that will then be passed on to my generation,” she said.
“I believe the people of Narre Warren South feel as if they do not have someone in Parliament truly representing them. They have grown tired of the Labor Party ignoring their concerns and want real change. I promise to be that change.”
Despite her young age, it is not Ms Skrobo’s first go at politics.
Earlier in the year, the Narre Warren South local ran as a Liberal Democrats candidate for the seat of Bruce in the Federal election, garnering 5 per cent of the vote.
Now she is hoping a second shot will prove successful.
“During my Federal campaign I learnt that the most important thing a candidate can do is talk to those who live in the electorate,” she said.
“I am looking forward to meeting as many people who live in the electorate as possible and genuinely want to hear their main concerns.”
Like many election candidates, cost of living is at the top of Ms Skrobo’s priority list.
To tackle the issue, she said more affordable energy, fast tracking of one million new homes and repayment of state debt are top priorities.
Politicised school curriculum is also a concern, she said.
“If I am elected I will be advocating for allowing schools to opt out of the national curriculum, supporting independent education models and funding students, not institutions.
“A strong political bias is evident in Victorian schools through their teaching of free market economics in a negative light, extreme environmentalism, gender ideology and more. This issue was raised constantly throughout the Federal Election by many concerned parents.
“I am particularly passionate about this issue as children are highly impressionable and it is important that parents are able to send their child to a school that aligns with their values.”
Ms Skrobo said liberty and freedom are integral to the future of parliamentary integrity.
“The past few years highlighted that Victoria needs more voices for liberty in Parliament,” she said.
“Victorians need representatives who will defend their freedoms and human rights consistently, and I promise to do just that if I am elected.”
Ms Skrobo will be up against incumbent Labor MP Gary Maas, Liberal candidate Annette Samuel, Greens candidate Susanna Moore and Freedom Party candidate Geoff Hansen for the seat of Narre Warren South.