Libby keen to canvass views
Coker embarks on ‘listening tour’
NEW Corangamite MP Libby Coker is set to embark on a five-week listening tour following the example of her leader Anthony Albanese.
The former Surf Coast mayor also plans to set up specialist reference groups to canvass expert opinion and take the temperature on key issues such as the NDIS, climate change, and mental health.
The tour will see Ms Coker travelling throughout the electorate, organising meetings with sporting clubs, community groups, local government and key industry members to increase her connection with the local community.
Ms Coker is planning other local events including school visits and opportunities for residents to have a coffee with her in each place she visits.
One evening per week it’s hoped she will hold a Politics in the Pub event.
With the electorate being so diverse, Ms Coker is keen to get out and about to let people know she is there for them.
“I am looking forward to getting out among the electorate again and I’ll be meeting with individuals, schools, sporting, community and business groups, listening to the community and learning more about the issues affecting the people living in our electorate,” she said.
“The reference groups will be set up on key issues including NDIS, mental health and the environment and I’ll be inviting key organisations, experts and consumers to be part of them.
“The reference groups will be set up for policy advice and help inform me as I make representations to parliament.
“In addition to making sure Federal Government promises are delivered, I am keen to seek the community’s views on what they see as important.”
In Corangamite, there are a number of issues associated with climate change.
Among those include erosion along the Great Ocean Road and increased risk of inundation on the Bellarine Peninsular.
Ms Coker says strong climate action is essential, not only to protect the prosperity of future generations and to meet our international obligations under the Paris climate change accords, but also to protect the natural beauty and flora and fauna everyone enjoys each day.
The Coker tour will kick off at the beginning of August and run through to September.