Mornington Peninsula-based broadcaster and journalist Tracee Hutchison has announced she will be standing as a community independent candidate in the upcoming by-election for the seat of Nepean to be held on 2 May.
Endorsed by the Independents for Mornington Peninsula, Hutchison, who was born, raised, and lives in Rosebud, said she was stepping forward to ensure her community has strong and authentic leadership and representation during this period.
“I’m running as a community independent because both major parties have failed our community for decades, and too many decisions affecting Nepean are made by people who don’t live here and ignore our local concerns,” she said.
“It’s time for a strong, local, independent voice in state parliament that will stand up for Nepean and fight for the outcomes our community deserves.”
Hutchison said the Mornington Peninsula has been neglected for decades, pays more, contributes more, but gets left behind when funding decisions are made.
“The public hospital I was born in needs rebuilding, and I will fight for our fair share of government spending to get it done,” she said.
“Our roads are deteriorating, our schools and health services are struggling, and we’re not seeing the housing and infrastructure investment other regions receive.
“We’re not asking for special treatment; we’re asking for our fair share, plain and simple.”
I love this place for the beauty of its natural environment, Hutchison said, and I will fiercely advocate to protect it.
“We are internationally recognised for our UNESCO Biosphere and RAMSAR-listed wetlands, as well as our much-loved Green Wedge, all of which are under threat.
“I’ll also be a voice for our community that strongly opposed an inappropriate redevelopment in a publicly owned State Park at Arthur’s Seat, while the Allan Government chose to ignore us.”
Hutchison’s extensive media career includes Triple J, the ABC’s 7.30 Report, 3RRR, and local community radio 3RPP, and she has written and commented extensively on politics, environmental, and social justice issues.
Hutchison works locally in Rosebud at the Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre in a media/communications role. She is Chair of the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Arts & Culture Advisory Panel and sits on the Executive of the recently formed Peninsula Climate Alliance. She is also the long-term Chair of Green Music Australia, the peak environmental music body for the Australian music industry.
She will step down from all roles effective immediately.
Hutchison said her immediate priorities will include:
- Rebuilding Rosebud Hospital with a plan to get it done
- Our share of Big Build investment in affordable housing and infrastructure projects
- Protecting our natural environment from inappropriate development
- Better deal for local businesses paying unfair taxes
Hutchison has chosen International Women’s Day to announce her candidacy; if elected, she would become the first woman Member of Parliament in Nepean.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful moment to step forward,” she said.
“Nepean has never had a woman represent it in parliament – that needs to change. Women must have a seat at the table where decisions are made, and I’m committed to ensuring our community’s future is shaped with women’s voices front and centre.”
“This by-election is an opportunity to ensure Nepean’s voice is heard loud and clear in Spring Street,” Hutchison said.
“My focus will be on listening closely to what our community has to say, and I’ll fight every day to turn those priorities into action.”
Hutchison’s official campaign launch is Sunday, 15 March, 10 am at Rye Civic Hall.