By Parker McKenzie
Nine days out from Election Day, Bayswater residents heading to the polls early told the Star Mail what they thought the biggest issues are.
At the Wantirna Early Voting Centre on Thursday 17 November, job security, health, transparency and infrastructure were some of the issues highlighted.
Ray and Maureen, who were heading into the centre together to vote, said more transparency in politics was one thing they’d like to see.
“You get very tired of hearing the lies and deceit,” Maureen said.
“There is a real lack of concern for the community, whether it is the homeless or disabled people.”
“They’re all for giving people stuff and not looking after the more vulnerable in the community,” Ray added.
“We need to be building more homes for them.”
Labor candidate Jackson Taylor and Liberal candidate Nick Wakeling were both outside the voting centre handing out how-to-vote cards and spruiking their party’s policies, hoping to win over any undecided voters making their way into pre-polling.
One of those voters was Michael, who said he was a traditionist, in that he was “hopeless.”
“I think the government has done — whether it’s state or federal — a good job as long as they are investing in infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s a good fiscal policy and I’m going in on that.”
Ian said the healthcare system was a major issue that influenced who he planned to vote for.
Avoiding the calamities that happened during lockdowns for our families and businesses too,” he said.
“We just need more transparency and less bullshit.”
Luke said because he is in a trade and a union, he is “looking for job security and infrastructure.”
235-237 Stud Road, Wantirna South is open as an early voting centre from 8.30am to 6pm on most days, aside from the following:
8.30am to 8pm on Thursday 17 and Thursday 24 November, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday 19 November. It has independent wheelchair access.
Election Day is Saturday 26 November.
