COLIN Lane has been endorsed as the Greens candidate for the seat of Flinders in the federal election now expected to be held in May.
Mr Lane is a civil celebrant who conducts weddings and funerals and works part-time as the finance manager for a Mornington Peninsula winery.
He says a priority of his “platform” is protecting the peninsula’s threatened natural features.
“Seeking better outcomes for our younger generation, more full-time employment opportunities, free tertiary education, and housing schemes that provide more affordable housing for young people are all primary policy positions,” Mr Lane said.
Mr Lane joins four other candidates for the seat of Flinders occupied for the past 20 years by Liberal Greg Hunt, who has announced he will not be seeking re-election.
The other candidates are Zoe McKenzie (Liberal), Surbhi Snowball (Labor), Despi O’Connor (Independent) and Morgan Jonas (United Australia Party).
Claire Boardman, a candidate chosen and backed by the Voices of Mornington Peninsula group, withdrew late last month (“Candidate withdraws due to Omicron effect” The News 25/1/22).
“The Voices of Mornington Peninsula aren’t looking for a new candidate to contest the seat of flinders in the coming election at this stage,” spokesperson Kim Robbins said on Friday.
“The VMP board is currently listening to our members to determine our next steps forward. We’re holding meetings this weekend with our members, and we’ll have more to say next week.”
A statement issued by the Greens said Mr Lane “will call on [Prime Minister] Scott Morrison to put in place a formal legislated plan to reduce Australia’s emissions by 75 per cent by 2030 and phase out coal and gas”.
“Our future depends on it. [Mr Lane] will represent the people and the planet. Advocating for protection of the environment, supporting local initiatives, seeking better social outcomes for peninsula residents, and truly representing the voice of the people of the peninsula, not the position of a big political party.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 1 February 2022
