HIGH-profile Mildura councillor Stefano de Pieri has found a good reason to join the latest force in Victorian politics as part of a push to fix the “shocking” city-country rates inequity.
The celebrity cook yesterday revealed he would be linking with the Reason Coalition – headed by key Upper House MP Fiona Patten – and co-chair the group’s “RateGate” campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Sunraysia Daily, Cr de Pieri said he would remain as an independent councillor in the coalition, which also includes deputy leader and Member for Mildura Ali Cupper.
“I’m formally joining the coalition because I’m working on the rates equality issue,” he said.
“I’ll be keeping my independence, like Ali Cupper, because I want all the issues Reason is raising to be taken seriously by the State Government.
“Fiona is forward thinking, in the same way Ali is. She has picked up on the rural and regional issues that Labor and the National Party have dropped the ball on.
“Reason is in a good position to negotiate with the government – and Fiona has already got some terrific results.”
Cr de Pieri’s girl-power political alignment has also raised the prospect of him running as a Reason candidate for an Upper House seat at next year’s state poll.
The 66-year-old, however, said “it’s not something that’s on my radar at the moment”.
“I am a councillor with training wheels and I intend to devote my immediate concerns to issues such as the rates inequity, improving Langtree Mall, the beautification of the city and the riverfront redevelopment.
“These things are my priority for now. If there are other opportunities down the track, I’ll look at them.
“But my main focus is on the rates issue and the completion of the riverfront projects. And personally, I have to deliver a 10-part series for SBS promoting Australia’s food bowl (Sunraysia).
“So, excuse the pun, but there’s a lot on my plate and I’m not contemplating beyond the next few months.”
Ms Patten said Cr de Pieri was a “perfect fit” for the Reason Coalition.
“Stefano is a passionate advocate for the Sunraysia region,” the Reason Party leader said.
“Having his knowledge and expertise will help Ali and I reinforce the issues, services and infrastructure needs we lobby for.”
Ms Cupper said Cr de Pieri was a “fountain of knowledge when it comes to Mildura”.
“It is crucial for RateGate to have the support of councillors, so having Stefano co-chair is a crucial strategy to help grow the campaign and gain support of other rural and regional councils in Victoria.”
Since the coalition’s launch in December, Ms Patten and Ms Cupper have met Local Government Minister Shaun Leane to discuss the rates issue.
“Despite some positive signals from the State Government, we are not taking anything for granted,” Ms Cupper said.
Reason’s petition calling for permanent, structural reform to fix the rural-metro disparity has had almost 800 signatures.
It can be found at parliament.vic.gov.au/council/petitions/electronic-petitions/view-e-petitions/details/12/303.
