From year 12 to hands on politics
After completing year 12 at Trafalgar High School last year, the 18-year-old Moe resident said the timing was right to pursue his passion and interest in politics.
A member of The Australian Greens for two years, Mr Hornstra has been endorsed as the party’s candidate for Monash (currently McMillan).
Mr Hornstra is studying a Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Federation University and is looking forward to the juggle of study and hands-on politics.
His interest in politics developed at a young age in year eight at secondary school.
Mr Hornstra joined the Greens following the 2016 election after volunteering for the party at the previous two elections.
“I decided it was time to make my commitment more concrete. I want to be a politician.
“The Greens hold a lot of the values that I share including my passion and compassion for refugees; and their representation and focus on agricultural strengths and renewable energy options,” he said.
Mr Hornstra said he would work with the party over coming months to survey residents around the electorate to determine their concerns and issues that need to be addressed.
He said he was already aware of concerns about job security and employment and the healthcare system and introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
He said the forestry industry was an important issue for communities in Noojee and Mirboo North where there were plans to cut down major plantations.
While acknowledging Monash will be a tough challenge for his first time on the voting ticket, he did not believe his age is a factor.
He said the Green had policies that appealed to young people and he looked forward to being a voice for young people through those policies.
“I have always wanted to stand for election. I was sick of the back and forth politics between the two major parties. They seemed to have a yes or no attitude to the coal issue rather than looking at the options available.
“I think we (the Greens) can do something positive in Monash. The federal government is not popular.
Sitting member Russell Broadbent currently holds the seat with a 12 per cent margin. At the 2016 election, Greens candidate Donna Lancaster recorded a two percent swing towards the party, obtaining 9.7 per cent of the primary vote.
“Ideally I’d like to win but I’d love to increase our percentage to above 10 per cent and get the Greens name and policies out there.
“There is a lot of perception out there that we are environmentalists and that’s not the case. Public opinion hasn’t caught up with the party,” he said.
Mr Hornstra was named Trafalgar young citizen of the year in 2017, testimony of his work in the community and involvement in the school community with the Student Representative Council.
His community involvement has included a radio announcer for community radio station Gippsland FM and he also is involved with the We Are Union group through the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council.
Mr Hornstra’s involvement with the Victorian Youth Congress has included participation in an advisory board researching mental health in rural areas and the lack of support services for young people.