The Star Mail reached out with a questionnaire to every candidate in the Monbulk electorate. Those who didn’t respond have had their policies detailed online included instead.
Name: Craig Cole
Party: Independent
Occupation: Unknown
Craig Cole is an independent who previously ran in the 2022 federal election in the seat of Casey. His Facebook page lists the following policies positions:
1. Restoring a balanced strong education system, free from harmful and ideologies and agendas.
2. Maximise Victoria’s natural energy reserves for cheaper energy costs.
3. Release all paedophile suppression orders.
4. Ensure control of land titles remains with the people and not the government or a third party as the current proposal will enforce.
5. Restore water rights back to the people to ensure our farmers have access to cheaper water.
Mr Cole was contacted for comment.
Name: Leah Folloni
Party: Animal Justice Party
Occupation: Self Employed
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I live in Emerald and have lived here for about 30 years.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Monbulk?
This is the fourth election I am standing in for the Animal Justice Party and I have seen positive changes happen already from the presence of the AJP in parliament including:
A motion to introduce Veticare passed in parliament for affordable and professionalised vet care
A virtual fencing trail in Victoria, which I would love to see implemented here on dangerous roads for wildlife and drivers, such as Wellington road
Pound and Shelter reform to help end convenience killing in pounds and shelters
We have banned recreational wombat hunting – did you know there used to be a recreational shooting range to kill wombats?
Funding for mange management
Protection for pets from family violence
Wildlife reform and funding for wildlife carers
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Monbulk?
I am a local to the area and know the area very well and am prepared to work as hard as needed to make the Monbulk district a better place for everyone
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
Our parties values are Kindness, Equality, Rationality and Non-Violence and these are all values that I strongly associate with, and these are the values that we need in the world to make it better for everyone
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
The people of Monbulk want to see a real solution to “introduced animals” in our natural environment. Shooting and 1080 poison are abhorrently cruel and do not work. The Animal Justice Party will advocate to the government to put funding into humane methods that actually work – immuno-contraception/non-surgical sterilisation. We need to try and fix the problems we have created by putting these animals here in ways that are effective and cause the least harm.
Name: Veronica Barnes
Party: Freedom Party
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.
Ms Barnes was contacted for comment. No headshot was found or supplied.
Name: Michael Ormsby
Party: Greens
Occupation: Tradesman
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Monbulk?
I’ve been a tradesman most of my working life. The COVID lockdown made me determined to live my values, so I hung up the tools to take up studying a diploma in Community Service and I’ve also gone back to complete a bachelor’s degree studying human rights, economics, and sustainability. Contracting to property managers doing maintenance work I noticed the large number of good people struggling to make rent and deal with the cost of living. On city jobs, I’d take homeless people to lunch and dinner in the cold of winter and listen and learn from them. I can see there are major cracks in our system right now which need more than a coat of paint. It is in dire need of renovation. I can see what’s broken, and the tools needed to fix it. After reviewing party policies thoroughly, the greens stood out as daylight ahead of the others. They are integrated and enhance one another. They deal with complexity, are inclusive, and create jobs. The Greens have a legitimate policy platform. Like me its not about popularity, Its about addressing why our system keeps repeating its failures.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Monbulk?
The candidates for Monbulk bring a variety of experience to the seat. We all see problems. Our philosophies differ. The trickle-down model has failed extensively. We absolutely need somebody with the strongest instinct and understanding for this moment in time. Inevitable change can be confronting but this is not a dress rehearsal. It’s nearly 2023 and how far have we really come? The election will decide whether this state is a leader or a pariah on the road to renewables. We must implement innovative opportunities or we can leave it to our kids to do the inevitable heavy lifting and come 2027 and beyond. It’s on us right now to confront the environment, equity, new opportunities and incentivise new ways of dealing with modern problems. It’s not going to somehow all be fine unless we do what’s right. I believe in the underdog, and right now, we are the underdog. The environment and the economy is the underdog. People’s disillusionment in parliament and health care is the underdog.
The old way of doing things just isn’t keeping people off the streets, costs down and food production stable. We need to be addressing the environment’s needs and giving our kids a fair start without the impending fear of a planet too hot to live on and species dying out.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
The key policies for me are:
Moving to 100% renewable energy –A full-scale transition to renewables can create tens of thousands of jobs, set an example to the rest of the world, and build investor confidence.
Fix the housing crisis – everyone deserves the dignity of a bed to sleep in at night and renters should not have to bid for properties. Affordable housing is achievable through various measures that again will help to create jobs
Establish a regenerative agriculture research and education facility for farmers and future generations to achieve genuine sustainable food production. We are currently using the world’s annual regenerative capacity up by April each year
I want democracy to be it’s absolute best so giving IBAC more teeth to remove corruption and clean up parliament will clear the path for a meaningful democracy.
I will push to integrate strong critical thinking into schools to enable children to build an intellectual Self Defence mechanism against tenuous and misleading information. Understanding logic and interpreting rhetoric is only part of a vast toolkit to ultimately preserve a true democracy.
With extreme weather events occurring more and more, the Greens have pledged $50 million to State Emergency Services. I will push hard to stand alongside these warriors to prioritise Monbulk its rightful share. This Spring we have also seen pothole repairs a high priority and I will consult for an emergency response mechanism for major damaged surfaces. Keeping the show on the road keeps businesses running and people connected. These services are a high priority for our community.
Soon community resilience in every measure will be of utmost importance from microgrids, underground power, and battery storage. Most importantly I’ll consult with the people that matter, you.
Name: Gareth Ward
Party: Liberal
Occupation: Landscaper/Business Owner
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Right in the township of Monbulk for the last 12 years, 16 years in the Hills in total.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Monbulk?
During covid and especially after the June 2021 storms I became very disillusioned with our current government and representation from the local member. A sentiment shared by the community; I decided I want to do something about it.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Monbulk?
I am a local, a self-made business owner who sees and lives the good and the shortfalls in our electorate. I am willing to stand up and make noise in parliament for things to change. I drive these appalling roads, my children will go to local schools, my friends and family need and work in our hospitals and healthcare system. The hills have been my livelihood and I want to show my gratitude by continually advocating for our community.
What are your party policies and values you stand by?
In the right to be independent
In the freedom of thought, speech, association and choice
In the creation of wealth and in competitive enterprise, consumer choice and reward for effort
In equality of opportunity, with all Victorians having the opportunity to reach their full potential
In support for those who cannot provide for themselves
In the separation and distribution of powers as the best protection for the democratic process
In the rule of law and justice, giving all citizens equal rights under the law, responsibilities to maintain it, and the freedom to change it
In Government being sufficiently responsive so that it can meet its proper obligations to its citizens
In Liberalism, with its emphasis on the individual and enterprise, as the political philosophy best able to meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century
What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
Roads and maintenance: We have announced a $10 billion plan to fix our roads, busted tyres and rims will be long forgotten.
Storm resilience: Locals want to know they will be supported during our ever-increasing severe weather events. They want a local member who will be there on the ground and in parliament fighting for them. We need to boost our emergency services to cope with the increased demand and my announcement for a new SES station in Olinda will do just that. We’ll also cut through the red tape and bring common sense back to planning laws, making it possible for people to start their rebuild without the added stress of rejection and being ignored.
Health: By shelving the unsupported SRL, we will direct every cent saved into the health system. It’s about priorities for me. Monbulk residents want to know an ambulance will arrive if they need one and the hospitals will be able to care for them once they arrive.
Name: Johanna Skelton
Party: Independent
Occupation: Children’s Library Officer, and Councillor for the Yarra Ranges Council (on leave from both at the moment).
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
My family and I have lived in Belgrave for 11 years.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Monbulk?
We need the kind of community involvement and results that I’ve seen other Independents achieve by working with residents and MPs.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Monbulk?
I’m independent. I’m a local resident. I’m approachable and I’m constantly listening to issues and opportunities, and I’m ready to champion our area in Parliament.
4. What are the values you stand by?
I’ll be checking in with residents of this electorate not a party.
I value integrity and respect for others.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
1. Integrity in Government.
2. Being emergency-ready.
3. Better roads, drainage and stormwater and public transport.
I’ll call out the use of gag orders and bad MP behaviour generally. I’ll be transparent with my own donations and conflicts of interest.
Being emergency ready involves all facets of our community. From Planning changes, the right street trees in urban areas to reduce heat stress, telecommunication services, getting water tanks, generators, solar and batteries on public and private buildings, the right support for SES and CFA volunteers and staff, better drainage around roads and buildings, wildlife habitat and rescue services, resourced and financially secure food security networks, preserving green wedge and agricultural land, to legislating building standards that make homes cheaper to run and more comfortable.
Roads; I would push for a Committee Enquiry so that a diversity of MPs could review what is going on systematically and get agreement on the best way forward.
I’ll call on the Federal Government to reinstate cut funding for the promised unsealed roads in Cardinia and the Yarra Ranges.
Stormwater management is key throughout the Hills, and Councils cannot do that Infrastructure investment alone.
Lastly, public transport; Locals have said they want better times, linkages and smaller EV buses. The train line to Belgrave and Lilydale needs to be duplicated. The Belgrave station needs an overhaul and town square on top. This would help free up our roads.
Name: David Higgins
Party: Family First Victoria
Occupation: Unknown
The Family First Party lists the following policies and values on its website:
1. “We will fight against radical anti-family attitudes and policies of modern politics.”
2. “Protecting families starts with upholding our Judeo-Christian ethic, the source of every Australian’s freedoms regardless of whether they are religious or not.”
3. Protecting Australian families from the “radical left and libertarian right.”
4. “Family First believes humans are male or female and that public policy must reflect biological reality.”
5. “For whether it’s protecting human life from conception to natural death, the timeless definition of marriage, the natural family, religious education, religious freedom and speech – each are intrinsic to establishing meaning and structure that are indispensable to the health and wellbeing of society.”
Mr Higgins was contacted for comment. No headshot was found or supplied.
Name: Daniela De Martino
Party: Labor
Occupation: Unspecified
1. Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Raised in Mooroolbark and Lilydale, Melbourne’s outer east has been my home for almost my whole life. I attended local schools and was determined to raise my family in the area, and my husband and I are raising our children in Croydon South – where we’ve lived for more than 20 years.
2. Why did you decide to run for the seat of Monbulk?
Monbulk is a vibrant community – I will deliver on what matters to our locals. I’m excited to bring the same passion and work ethic James Merlino has served the community with for more than 20 years, but with my own passions and life experience.
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for Monbulk?
As a teacher and a small retail business owner, I’ve been lucky to work with and support people from all walks of life.
I have strong community connections across our outer east and Hills communities, and above all I want to listen to what matters to our community to deliver the best outcomes for local families and businesses.
4. What are your party policies and values you stand by?
There are too many Labor policies to list in full – but what sits at the heart of them all is strong social justice values and a sense of community fairness.
The daughter and granddaughter of Italian immigrants, I watched and listened to their stories of the challenges they faced as new arrivals to Australia – experiences that informed my politics and work ethic, and gave me deep compassion for vulnerable people.
And they’re Labor’s values, too. From building hospitals and investing in the healthcare workers our community deserves to creating great jobs and making sure every child has access to a great education, we’re doing what matters.
Our Labor Government has spent the last eight years doing what matters to the Monbulk community – but we’ll do more. More to improve our health system, to protect our environment, and to drive down power bills by bringing back the SEC and putting energy back in the hands of Victorians.
5. What are the biggest three issues in the electorate and how will you tackle them?
We know the cost of living is making it harder for families to make ends meet – and only Labor has a real plan with to help. We’re delivering the $250 Power Saving Bonus to make sure people are getting the best deal on their energy bills, and if we’re re-elected we’ll bring back the SEC, putting energy back in Victorians’ hands to drive bills down. We’re delivering Free Kinder for all three- and four-year-olds from 2023, saving families up to $2,500 per year, per child – and more than free TAFE courses to make sure every Victorian has the opportunity to get the skills they need for the job they want.
A re-elected Labor Government will make sure Monbulk locals get the healthcare they need, when and where they need it. Only Labor is investing in our dedicated healthcare workforce through free nursing and midwifery degrees and a sign-on bonus for new nurses and midwives, investing $112 million to expand the Angliss Hospital to meet the needs of our growing community and transforming Bellbird Private Hospital into a dedicated public surgery centre to get everyone the care they need, close to home.
Our community values giving every local kid the best start in life with a great education, close to home – that’s exactly what Labor has delivered since 2014, and it’s what we’ll keep doing if we’re re-elected. In eight years, we’ve invested more than $12.8 billion to improve classrooms, upgrade facilities and build new schools in every corner of our state – including a major upgrade to schools like Emerald Secondary College. From next year, Kinder will be free – and over the next decade, we’re transforming our early education sector to give children an extra Pre-Prep year of play-based learning, to build the important cognitive and social skills they need to set them up for life.
