Meet the major party candidates for the federal seats of Gorton and Ballarat
GORTON
Rod Swift, Greens
Tell us about your background.
I’m a prominent gay and lesbian rights campaigner, public transport advocate, environmentalist, radio news presenter and former media analyst. As an out, proud gay man, I’ve been a strong and vocal campaigner for more than two decades on issues of equality for gender and sexually diverse people.
If you win, what do you hope to achieve and change in the electorate?
I’d hope to bring a progressive, green vision to Gorton. For example, increased funding for clean solar and wind energy … [and] I’d also advocate to get the transport, education and health services we deserve; address the chronic underfunding within the TAFE and university sector; and addressing the growing community infrastructure needs of Gorton.
Brendan O’Connor, Labor
Tell us about your background.
I’m the current federal MP for Gorton, and the Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and the Shadow Special Minister of State. I’ve been a Member of Parliament since 2001.
If you win, what do you hope to achieve and change in the electorate?
When Labor is in government, the electorate of Gorton has benefited from greater investment in education and training, local infrastructure, health and employment.
Daryl Lang, Liberal
Mr Lang did not respond by deadline.
BALLARAT
Alice Barnes, Greens
Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Ballarat and am proud to say I was publicly educated here. I trained as a secondary school humanities teacher and am now an education officer at Sovereign Hill.
If you win, what do you hope to achieve and change in the electorate?
We need jobs and improved transport services! I will fight against coalmining in Bacchus Marsh and promote the near-$2billion in wind projects around Ballarat. Also, the ample manufacturing expertise across the electorate should be engaged to produce things like PV solar batteries for Victoria.
Sarah Wade, Liberal Party
Tell us about your background.
I’ve been a lawyer for 13 years and I run my own small business. I found that in conversations with other small businesses owners they would ask me for help and advice and I was able to do a lot for them.
If you win, what do you hope to achieve and change in the electorate?
Priorities are to work with the community and hear what is important to them, including creating local jobs, improving infrastructure, enhancing business opportunities as well as tackling the ice epidemic.
Catherine King, Labor
Ms King did not respond before deadline.
Paul Tatchell, National Party
Mr Tatchell announced his candidacy late last week – click here for full story.
