Liam McNally
Jarrod Bingham is a late entry into the state election, and has put his hand up to be an independent candidate for the seat of Melton.
By trade, Mr Bingham is a Melton snake catcher of 14 years.
Mr Bingham’s first foray into politics was as a Moorabool councillor in 2016.
He said his biggest highlights in this time were helping to establish a Bacchus Marsh centre for disadvantaged youth, Studio 22, and the 1000 steps tourist attraction at Bald Hill.
He said ever since then he’s been hooked on politics.
“Making decisions that really affect people’s lives and create change, I don’t think there’s any better feeling than knowing you’ve been able to make someone’s life a lot better than what it once was,” he said.
“If I can make that much of a difference in local, that’s why I want to go even higher. So I can have access to more powers and be able to make more of a difference.”
The Bacchus Marsh resident’s platform addresses the neglect he feels Melton has been given by the major parties.
His main policies within this campaign include fighting to ensure there are no new taxes, fast-tracking the Melton hospital, duplicating railway lines, upgrading roads and addressing the “emergency services crisis”.
Mr Bingham believes the reason there is so much publicity, and promises for the Melton electorate right now is because “Daniel Andrews is genuinely concerned that he’s going to lose the seat.”
“It’s a shame that our government invests in votes, they don’t invest in needs, it’s only now that they need the votes that they decide to spend money in the area,” he said.
“It’s too late, you’ve had your time, and we’re sick of the neglect that we’ve been shown, so let’s show them the door.
“I think independents would represent the area better than any party, the parties are trying to appease everybody, with an independent you’re trying to appease the people in your electorate. These people are your bosses.”
The Victorian election will be held on Saturday, November 26.
