Mcallister: It’s now or never
ARupanyup native and Greens candidate will challenge Member for Wannon Dan Tehan in the next Federal Election.
Hilary Mcallister said she planned to advocate for a Federal Independent Commission Against Corruption, ICAC, increased renewable-energy supplies, address mental-health-clinic waitlists and improve affordable housing accessibility.
Ms Mcallister, who grew up in Rupanyup on a sheep and wheat farm but later moved to Melbourne to work in the events industry, spoke about western Victoria’s future as a renewable-energy hub. She now lives in Aireys Inlet.
“The key issue for me is acting on climate change. We need to diversify our resources from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” she said.
“Wannon is home to so many beautiful landscapes. Investing in the natural diversity of Wannon will make it a healthier and thriving place for people to live in and will attract more tourists.”
Ms Mcallister said she planned to lobby to make solar panels more affordable.
She said her plans would include advocating for a publicly owned grid system, and an increase in the number of apprentices in the renewable-energy sector.
Ms Mcallister said the Federal Government had failed on its promise to address climate change.
“I’m extremely concerned about the future of Wannon and Australia. Cutting down trees and burning coal is unsustainable, for me it feels like it is now or never,” she said.
Ms Mcallister claimed the Nationals, in neighbouring areas such as the Mallee, had failed to address climate change and had kowtowed to the Liberal Party’s line regarding environmental issues.
“Originally the Nationals focused on farmers, but they have been aligning themselves with the Liberals on fossil fuels and not representing the needs of farmers,” she said.
“We need to make sure our officials are representing individuals’ values and our future – so future generations can inherit these properties and sustain a livelihood.”
Ms Mcallister said she planned to advocate on improving affordable housing in Wannon.
“Public housing should not be a safety net, currently the waitlists are out of control. The Greens plan to deal with this issue by building a million homes that are accessible for Australians,” she said.
Ms Mcallister said she hoped to advocate in Canberra for First Nations People and hoped Wannon residents would vote with ‘clear and open’ minds.
“I know a lot of families and communities have voted the same way. I encourage people to research parties and policies before they vote,” she said.