OPINION – ALI CUPPER
CHANGING the game is more than just a catchphrase.
When I was given the privilege of serving our community as the state member of parliament, I made it my duty to change the way funding and services were delivered to the Mildura electorate.
At the halfway mark of my term, we have had the Mildura Base Public Hospital returned to public management after 20 years of failed privatisation.
Last week’s State Budget then delivered more than $150 million in funding for infrastructure and other projects right throughout our region.
Investment will be made in public housing, schools, roads, tourism and sports infrastructure in what was the most significant budget for our electorate in many years.
There is no doubt the Victorian Government is listening to our needs, and is now responding.
But there is so much more to do.
That is why I have joined with Reason Party leader Fiona Patten, who is one of Australia’s most effective legislators and whose vote in the Legislative Council holds the balance of power, to form a coalition.
Having a voice in the Upper House will help my efforts to truly change the game for the Mildura electorate.
The soon-to-be launched Reason for the Regions policy platform was led by me and written in accordance with our region’s needs and aspirations.
There are so many Reason Party policies that align with the needs of our electorate – improved mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment services, tackling homelessness, problem gambling and improving public health services are just a few.
There are also a number of statewide policy issues I want to fight hard to change – rate reform being at the top of the list.
The inequity between the cities and regions on council rates is massive, which our electorate knows only too well.
Over the years there has been review after review, but no government has had the will to actually fix the system. That has to change.
My community gave me four years to deliver. I’m not here to stuff around. We are well on our way and I truly believe my Reason coalition with Fiona Patten will supercharge the results.
