LABOR has announced its candidate for the upcoming state election in the seat of Mornington.
Mt Martha mother of two and grandmother of a “very much-loved grandchild”, Kerry Macdonald is a longstanding member of the Labor Party, and president of the Mornington Branch.
“I’m a very proud member of the Labor Party because of the commitment the party has to social reform, and what we stand for: workers and their rights, a robust social safety net, universal access to health care and education, fairness, equity, and social justice,” said Macdonald.
“And for me, personally, one of the things I’m very interested in is climate action and Labor has a commitment to credible climate action.”
Macdonald had a career in the public service and as a management consultant.
“Because I worked in government as a senior public servant, I really understand how government works,” said Macdonald.
“And I also understand the complexities in delivering services like health, education, police and justice.
“One of the things I am really keen to do is push back on some of the rather simplistic and glib solutions being offered by oppositions parties.”
Macdonald told The News she is a fierce advocate for the protection and restoration of the natural environment. She has been heavily involved in Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN); an organisation that works to influence Labor environment and climate policy from within.
“We work to make sure that, in this area, Labor’s policies are as robust as can be,” said Macdonald.
“Down here, people love our natural environment and we’re very lucky to live here. They want to make sure the green wedge is protected.
“Labor has done more to protect the green wedge than anyone else. It’s been enshrined in legislation and that legislation has been strengthened over the years, only by Labor governments.”
Macdonald was also keen to stand to give a voice to Labor’s achievements.
“I know there is a general perception that Labor does nothing for this area, but I really want to make sure that perception is corrected,” said Macdonald.
“If we talk about the Big Build, one of the things we must understand is governments need to have to plan for the future, as well as dealing with everyday issues. And that’s what Labor does.”
Macdonald said Victoria’s population has grown by 1.4 million over the 12 years Labor have been in power, with over one million of those people in Melbourne.
“To cope with the growth of Melbourne, and the state more broadly, we’ve rebuilt the transport system: level crossing removals, the Metro Tunnel, the West Gate Tunnel. They’re building the North East Link. They’re building the Suburban Rail Link and the Airport Link.”
“Labor is getting heavily criticised for being forward looking.”
Regarding the expansion of the state’s debt under Labor, Macdonald told The News:
“People say there is a problem with Labor doing this because of the debt, but I would ask, how to you fund this kind of infrastructure without borrowing?”
Macdonald is a strong advocate for clean energy and fighting the effects of climate change. This includes rethinking the roads that she believes are deteriorating partially because of climate change.
“We have to ask, why are there potholes? Of course, there is more frequent and heavier traffic on the roads, but more frequent and intense storms cause damage to the roads too,” said Macdonald.
“I think it’s a broader issue than just blaming potholes. They need to be fixed but we need to address the underlying causes.”
Asked why she decided to run, Macdonald told The News: “It wasn’t something that was planned. I’m quite passionate about trying to be a counterbalance to all the negativity around Labor. And I am informed enough and understand the party enough to do that”.
“I wanted to defend Labor’s achievements over the last 12 years and I particularly wanted to advocate strongly for action on climate change and the clean energy transition.
“There is no doubt that the election of a Coalition government, with One Nation, will decimate our renewable energy transition.”
Macdonald believes the Mornington electorate is an interesting one, with an independent nearly getting across the line at the last election. Asked what the number one aim of Labor is, Macdonald believes it is a combination of keeping One Nation and the Coalition out of power.
“Labor’s view is that either party will be detrimental to the state. A lot of the good things Labor has put in place will be undone,” said Macdonald.
“One thing is the Coalition’s budget cut strategy. While they say they will cut $22b out of the budget by attrition, there is no doubt they will cut into services. That will be nurses, teachers, police, ambos, all that. They make up the bulk of the workforce in the public sector.”
Macdonald wanted to leave readers with a final message:
“I’m very proud to be a Victorian; to be in the first state to get Treaty. I know that will be, potentially, a controversial issue, but all Victorians should be proud of that.”
