Name: Gary Coombes
Party: Family First
Occupation: Electronic Technician
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Bayswater 32 years
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
I’m concerned that our children are being taught radical politically correct ideas instead of the basics.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater? I will work hard to protect local families from the threat of radical political correctness.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
Family First seeks to strengthen the nation by putting the family and the best interests of children at the centre of public policy. We seek to reduce the cost of living pressures by increasing the supply of gas and nuclear-powered electricity. We will stop the closure of power stations until viable energy alternatives that provide baseload power exist. We seek to restore freedom of speech and freedom of religion for all.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
Stopping the teaching of gender queer theory to children without parental consent.
Ensuring baseload electricity generation is not shut down until there are viable alternatives that are affordable and reliable.
Restoring freedom of speech and religion so there are no more “Andrew Thorburn” moments.
Name: Chris Field
Party: Freedom Party of Victoria
Occupation: Unknown
The Freedom Party of Victoria website states seven policies:
1. Create “a new health portfolio that includes a renewed focus on supporting health to reduce the need to treat illnesses,” reinstatement of doctor-to-patient privacy and the reinstatement of healthcare workers who were laid off due to vaccine mandates.
2. Drug reform including discrimination of illicit drug possession for up to 10 days, the closing of all government-provided injecting rooms and tailor-made rehabilitation plans.
3. Criminialising gender transition therapy and surgery for minors.
4. Criminalising preferences for cash deals for election referencing.
5. “End Daniel Andrews’ moratorium in order to access Victoria’s known current gas reserves, supported by further exploration in advancing energy supply security.”
6. Establishment of favourable taxation conditions to key industries such as Farming and Technology Businesses in Regional Victoria.
7. Implement a 5 per cent reduction target on all government spending and introduce third-party audits on various government departments.
8. Immiatedly repeal all pandemic legislation, “no more lockdowns, mandates or restrictions in employment or movement within the community,” and hold an inquiry into the Covid-19 response.
9. Protect the local supply of timber.
Mr Field was contacted for comment.
Name: Alyssa Wormald
Party: Animal Justice Party
Occupation: university administrator and green burial entrepreneur
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have spent most of my life in Melbourne’s outer east. For the last 4.5 years, I have been based in Bayswater.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
I was inspired to be a candidate because I’m frustrated by the lack of choice in my district. In the past we have had few progressive parties on the ballot and I want my vote to go to a party I know aligns with my values. I am a passionate wildlife advocate and we desperately need representation from the Animal Justice Party in parliament to ensure there is a voice for wildlife. This is our best hope for ending recreational duck shooting and the relentless persecution and exploitation of kangaroos. This is so important not only to prevent cruelty and population declines but to protect people from the risk of emergent zoonotic disease. I am also a firm believer in the need to change our food system to prevent cruelty and preserve the environment, so I am delighted to stand for a party that shares that vision for a kinder, greener future.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater?
I am committed to providing responsive, honest and compassionate representation for Bayswater. I will work hard to build a sustainable, ethical and prosperous future where the next generation will have equal opportunities, inclusivity, health, security and freedom amongst a flourishing natural world. I stand for animal welfare, environmental protection, treaty with First Nations people, kindness to refugees and asylum seekers, women’s rights and LGBTIQ rights.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
The four foundational values of the Animal Justice Party are kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence. We have a range of progressive policies focused on the well-being of animals, people and planet. Our major policies we are taking into this election are:
Veticare for Victoria
Ban duck shooting
Establish an animal crime division
End racing cruelty
Greater protection for wildlife (including an end to cruel and dangerous commercial kangaroo shooting)
More ambitious climate targets
Stop subsidising cruelty
A climate-resilient agricultural future
As an environmentalist, animal lover, wildlife advocate, small business owner and mother, I wholeheartedly stand behind these values and policies. The Animal Justice Party embodies a vision for the future that I want for my child and future generations.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
Difficulty in accessing bulk billing GPS and affordable dental care
Unaffordable housing and dangerously damaged roads
Degraded and fragmented environment
By cutting government investment in destructive and unethical practices like horse racing, recreational duck shooting and the kangaroo industry we could redirect millions of dollars into health, education, infrastructure and the environment
Name: Chloe Mackallah
Party: Independent
Occupation: Climate data scientist
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in Boronia, where I’ve been for 5 years. I grew up in Ringwood, and have also lived in Croydon and Upper Ferntree Gully. I have always lived in the outer East suburbs of Melbourne.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
I was frustrated seeing our politicians fail to create policy and legislation that can adequately decrease environmental degradation in Victoria, and move us toward sustainable development and clean energy, while protecting our precious native ecosystem and wildlife. I wanted to get involved locally to protect the environment I live in. Local grassroots community groups sought an independent candidate to represent them, and in the shortest term to specifically help save Lake Knox. I stepped forward so that I could be an advocate for these issues.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater?
I was chosen by a section of the community to represent them at this election. My policy platform and focus come from the community itself, rather than parties. As an independent, I will work directly for my constituents and champion the issues they care about. If elected, I would also provide a fresh approach to Parliament, carrying a scientific expertise and a unique perspective as a transgender woman.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
There are many reasons people in Bayswater and Knox care about saving Lake Knox, including concerns for the threatened Blue Billed Duck, losing vital open space for recreation and health, and unsustainable development practices. These form the basis of the policy platform I am taking to the election, which is focused on expanding and bolstering local healthcare (such as access to GP,s, bulk-billing and allied health services), advocating for a more courageous and forward-thinking approach
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
1. The impending destruction of Lake Knox and its ecosystem. I will advocate strongly for not only its protection but the improvement of all our local waterways and environment through advocating for a courageous strategy to adapt and mitigate the climate change and planetary health crisis.
2. A lack of bulk-billed and GP services. I will push for some current development plans to include a super clinic to provide bulk-billed GP and medical services, particularly for low-income residents.
3. Development for the sake of development, filling but that of other public open spaces such as Boronia Heights Memorial Park. Using these spaces for community recreation and supporting mental health.
Name: Nick Wakeling
Party: Liberal
Occupation: State member for Ferntree Gully
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I’ve been living in Knox since 1998.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
I’ve been honoured to represent the Knox community as the Member for Ferntree Gully since 2006. With that being abolished, I am seeking to continue representing the community as a member for Bayswater considering a significant portion of my old seat is now in the Bayswater electorate.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater?
I believe I have a proven track record of not only delivering for the community but more importantly standing up and fighting for the community. The job of a local member is to stand up for the community, ensure they are listened to and achieve outcomes that benefit them.
I’ve got a proven willingness to stand up for the community in parliament and advocate to the government for improvement.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
We believe we need a new government, a government that listens to the community, engages with the community and represents the community. My party stands for up for small businesses, reducing taxes where you can and fixing the health system. These are the things people are crying out for and the things they are looking for.
Within the Liberal Party, I strongly support our values and our party positions and we’re going to be offering a difference to the current government.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
If you look specifically at our electorate, the three issues that we’ve been strongly campaigning on which clearly differentiate us from Labor are:
1. Lake Knox, where we will work with the community to save Lake Knox. The Labor Party is not willing to work with local residents to find solutions, we will, and I think Lake Knox is emblematic of the bigger picture that this government refuses to engage with the community.
2. We’re going to deliver a brand new 250-bed public hospital in Knox, which is identified in the future Wantirna Health Precinct. It is vitally needed for residents in the community, we’ve got people waiting in tents outside public hospitals and it isn’t good enough. We need extra beds in Knox and the Liberal Party will deliver that.
3. The third is getting better public transport, including trams. We’ve not only committed to a study to look at expanding the tram network to Bayswater and Upper Gully, but we’ve now put $134 million on the table in committed dollars to deliver the tram to Knox, something Labor promised 23 years ago and never delivered.
Name: Thomas Dolan
Party: Labour DLP
Occupation: Unknown
The Labour DLP website states the party is running on a platform of:
Pro-family tax policy, to change the way to tax system unfairly and inequitably penalises families, long-term funding for infrastructure projects, which would “reduce foreign debt and halt the sell-off of Aussie assets,” “Remove programs that push contested radical gender theory onto kids or that usurp parents’ consent or knowledge of their child’s medical care or treatment,” “Uphold the dignity of all people and support life from conception right through to its very end,” provide access to palliative care because “over 10,000 Victorians miss out on the palliative care treatment they need, reform gambling laws, provide water for farmers and deliver affordable reliable power.
Mr Dolan was contacted for comment.
Name: Jackson Taylor
Party: Labor
Occupation: State member for Bayswater
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I’ve been a proud Knox local for over 10 years.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
It has been the honour of a lifetime to represent – and to deliver for – our local community; the community I live in and love, as the Labor Member for Bayswater. I believe we live in the very best part of our state and it’s why my partner Tash and I (along with our cavoodle Penny) are stoked to call this place home and, like so many, to one day start a family here.
I’m a big believer in seeing the job through – and there’s so much more to do. I’m committed to keep working side by side with our community each and every day, as a strong voice in a Labor government to deliver for local transport, education, healthcare, jobs and more.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater?
I am proud that together with the community since elected in 2018, we’ve delivered over $500 million in local projects – from upgrading nearly every local school to building new sports pavilions, upgrading local intersections and backing in our healthcare heroes with upgraded hospitals. Beyond that, I’ve spent almost every weekend out and about, personally knocking on thousands of doors and holding over 350 mobile offices, listening to locals to hear about what matters most to them. I have been unashamedly Knox’s biggest and loudest advocate – and as your strong local voice in the Andrews Labor government, I’ll continue that record of delivery and doing what matters. Our community deserves nothing less.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
A Labor government will always value education, healthcare, transport and good local jobs. I’m proud of our Government’s policies which are about backing in families, about lifting everyone up and ensuring everyone gets a fair go. It’s those values, of a good Labor Government, that changed my life and continue to change lives and make a massive difference to people each and every single day.
We’ve got a proud track record here in Knox of delivering in these areas – I’ll continue to be a strong voice within the Labor Government to continue this record of delivery now and into the future if given the great opportunity again.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
Since coming to government, Labor has recruited more than 26,000 extra healthcare workers – growing the public health workforce by 33 per cent since 2014. And we’ll recruit 24,000 more and deliver free degrees for nurses and midwifes. We’re doing what matters – investing in the healthcare infrastructure, like seeing through a major upgrade to the Angliss Hospital and also rebuilding the Maroondah Hospital from the ground up with up to $1.05 billion, while always backing in the healthcare workforce, to ensure all locals get the very best care close to home.
Only Labor will drive down power bills by bringing in government-owned renewable energy and bringing back the SEC. We’re also supporting households to get a better deal on the Victoria’s Energy Compare website and to claim their $250 power-saving bonus, we’re also delivering solar rebates and we’ll deliver free kinder from next year for families. We’ll also continue to back in Free TAFE, with over 70 courses available to get you the skills you need for the job you want, as well as backing in casual workers who need it most with our landmark Sick Pay Guarantee.
And locals in Bayswater have made it clear to me that we need to continue to deliver infrastructure investments for the east – that’s why we’re delivering extra lanes on the Eastern Freeway as part of the North East Link, continuing to remove dangerous level crossings in the east (including two already gone for good in Bayswater) and we’ll deliver a massive $60 million upgrade of Boronia Station, decking over the southern rail trench as part of the project to create the new vibrant community heart of Boronia – all the while creating good, well-paying jobs through delivery.
Name: Ashley Heap
Party: Legalise Cannabis Victoria
Occupation: Electrician
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Ferntree Gully. I grew up here, went to Kent Park Primary School then to Aquinas College in Ringwood. In the last couple of years, I have managed to purchase my first home in the area.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
As a medically prescribed user, it is about ending discrimination. I want to make a positive change for the community by continuing to speak the truth and help to break down the stigma and shame associated with this plant. I see this as a huge opportunity for the area. I was one of the premierships captains at Lysterfield Cricket Club and I would like to continue to serve and be a leader.
Every day I go to work I run the risk of losing my licence, my career and then my home. All because a law wants to deny my basic human right to self-medicate with a prescribed medication used as directed. No other medicine has this hanging over it. I also advocate for personal use as it should be freedom of choice for the individual.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. It is time to vote for normal accountable people like myself to advocate for change rather than continue to divide.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater?
I am just a normal member of society, I put myself, my brand which is my name at great risk by going public on this. I believe I am the best candidate because I am a true local. My family has good standing in the community and through this particular passion of mine, I would like to help bring change. With the “re-legalisation” of Cannabis, we will bring new jobs and new industries. This is a health issue and the benefits once we are honest about its use will extend to every community member, both direct and indirect.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
Truth, Accountability and Fairness. The party policies are all about ending discrimination and helping out the most vulnerable. We need to change driving laws to represent the actual real-world data. We don’t advocate for being impaired behind the wheel. We do advocate for giving people back their lives.
5. What are the three biggest issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
Jobs – New Industry, opportunities for small business, Community Cannabis Clubs – a safe way to consume and interact and educate.
Health – After the last few years especially we need to be more honest and transparent. If someone has the option to use a medication with a lower harm profile then that should be their choice. Alcohol, Ice, Heroin and other substances continue to cause more harm than benefit in our community, this should be about giving people the freedom to make safer, educated choices about their life. There is no healthcare without THC.
Confidence – I see our home as broken. I see a community divided by a lack of accountability. I have been very frustrated at politicians and how every election it seems to be “pick me, am nowhere near as bad as the other guy”
This has to stop, it doesn’t serve any of us stakeholders. I want our area to be the leader in this and make it into a vibrant happy and most importantly safe place to live.
Name: Nadia Sirninger Rankin
Party: Greens
Occupation: Visual Artist & Hospitality worker
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I have been living in Ferntree Gully, as a renter since the start of this year. I grew up in the hills so I have always been a part of the outer-eastern Melbourne community.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Bayswater?
Young people, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of diverse backgrounds are not represented enough in the political world. Partially because they aren’t offered the same opportunities and often because they are disempowered by a system dominated by people who are not like them and don’t justly represent them. I have felt this way for a long time and as an artist, I can see that my industry does not have the governmental support that is required for it to thrive. I decided to run for Bayswater because I know The Greens have policies and plans to give diverse groups more opportunities and create real change when it comes to the climate crisis.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Bayswater?
I experience the rising cost of living, exorbitant rent and as a frequent user of public transport, I understand how much of a struggle it can be. Living in the east my whole life, I have observed much unnecessary environmental destruction and I understand how sacred our natural spaces are to the community. As a young person, I am passionate about creating a liveable future and as a woman, I see that we need more diverse political representation.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
Safe and secure housing is a human right. We need to make it easier to access quality and affordable housing. The Greens have plans to make public housing more accessible and introduce rent caps.
We need to take urgent action against the climate crisis and the way to do that is a commitment to no new coal and gas, while ensuring there is a job transition plan in place for those working in the industry. Fossil Fuel corporations aren’t paying their fair share, and Labour and Liberal accept massive donations from the industry.
The Greens have plans to ban all donations from coal and gas corporations. We need integrity in government and a government that we can trust, that genuinely reflects the values of the communities they represent.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
Lake Knox is habitat to over 90 species, including the Blue Billed Duck, a bird that is listed as endangered in Victoria. There are plans to fill the lake and build developments on the site. We need to do everything in our power to preserve the sacred habitats we are so lucky to have in our area, while still actively creating new housing, that is sustainable, affordable and taking into account the importance of protecting natural, community spaces.
We need to make housing more affordable. For the many residents of Bayswater that are renting, it is becoming increasingly more difficult and insecure. The Greens have plans to provide rent caps, end ‘no grounds eviction’ and introduce new standards and protection for renters.
Everyone should have access to reliable and frequent public transport; it should be a viable transport alternative for everyone. I regularly use public transport and know that it can sometimes feel really unsafe when walking unnecessary distances and waiting for late buses. The Greens have plans to put an extra $25 billion into trains and buses and $500 million into making cycling and walking safe and accessible, make transport more accessible to people with disability and eliminate dangerous level crossings.
