Docklanders to vote next month

Docklanders will vote for a new state local member of Parliament next month following the resignation of Bronwyn Pike in May.

Ms Pike had represented the Seat of Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly since 1999.  At the last election she held the seat for Labor by a margin of 6.2 per cent from the Greens candidate Brian Walters.

The July 21 election is expected to again be closely fought with the Liberal Party tipped to not contest the seat.

Two City of Melbourne councillors Cathy Oke and Jennifer Kanis are lining up for the Greens and Labor.

Docklands News invited both candidates to submit 250 words on why Docklanders should vote for them.

Cathy Oke

Cr Oke, 37, is an environmental consultant and lives in North Melbourne.  She has lived most of her life in the electorate.

She said: “I am very excited to be the Greens candidate for the July 21 Melbourne by-election. I have worked hard for the residents in this electorate while on council and I’m ready to represent their values in State Parliament.”

“I will be working hard to get a school for Docklands, increased childcare, a real park and better open space.”

“I will push to give planning authority back to the City of Melbourne – to give the community a voice rather than uncertainty.”

“Docklands residents need better TV reception and new laws to properly regulate serviced apartments.”

“There is already a buzz in the community about the by-election and feedback has been positive. People are disappointed in the old parties and are sick of Melbourne being taken for granted by Labor. They are ready for change.”

“People in Melbourne want to see action on public transport, protecting our neighbourhoods from the big developers and more investment in services –schools, health and childcare.”

“Together we can keep Melbourne liveable.:

Cr Oke can be contacted at [email protected] or http://www.facebook.com/cathyoke.greens

Jennifer Kanis

Cr Kanis lives in Flemington with her husband Davydd and son Blake.

She said:  “I’m Jennifer Kanis, the Labor candidate in the upcoming Melbourne by-election on July 21.”

“Docklands is a beautiful place to live and work, but we also know that it faces some pressures.”

“As a Melbourne City Councillor, a lawyer and a teacher I know how important the issues of education and planning are.”

“We should have a State Government working hard to give our kids proper schools and to make available dedicated community facilities and open space.”

Whichever party you usually vote for, I know that you’re probably disappointed with the Baillieu Liberal Government.”

“The Victorian economy is going backwards, 49,000 jobs have been lost and there have been savage cuts to education since Ted Baillieu became Premier.”

“Most recently Ted Baillieu ripped $300 million out of the TAFE system. This could cost up to 2000 jobs, and will result in many courses being cancelled and some TAFE campuses facing the possibility of closure.”

“Even those who have never used the TAFE system will understand the severe impact these cuts will have on our skilled workforce and the Victorian economy.”

“So my message to you is simple. You may not be a traditional Labor voter but in this by-election you can send Ted Baillieu a clear message – because Victoria deserves a better government than this one.”

“After all, we’re all Victorians and we all want what’s best for our state.”

“That’s why I’m asking for your support on July 21.”

Cr Kanis can contacted at [email protected] or 9933 8572.