On the campaign trail: My week in review

Monday, 7 September

I spent the weekend and Monday delivering flyers, meeting residents and getting our new campaign office ready.

We’re at 411 Waverley Road, Malvern East, and will be open from Monday, 21 September. Come in and say hello!

While out and about, we met a relative of a prominent former Liberal (won’t say who!) who told us they were dismayed at the state of the Liberal Party, both state and federal. The key point was that the Liberal Party is certainly not the party of yesteryear. 

Malvern should never be taken for granted by any political party. Our votes should be earned.

Tuesday, 8 September

More flyer dropping around Malvern, south of Dandenong Road.

I walked through some of Malvern’s established streets and admired the beautiful Federation and Queen Anne architecture. I saw many Save Armadale posters too, which reminded me of the delicate balance between protecting neighbourhood character and creating the additional housing  future generations need.

As a building designer, I believe we can do both. More housing doesn't have to mean bad development.

And with the first signs of spring appearing in Malvern's gardens – including this magnificent rosella – there was yet another reminder of the need to protect our planet and act on climate change and environmental degradation as a matter of urgency. 

On Tuesday evening, I was out with volunteers at Kooyong Station to meet commuters heading home. Everyone was very receptive and it’s clear that there's an appetite for an alternative to the major parties. 

Wednesday, 9 September

On Wednesday, several “Voices of” groups, including Footscray, Ashwood and Croydon, came together to discuss GST distribution and advocacy for reform. Stay tuned for more news on the outcome of this conversation.

I also spent time on an issue close to my professional experience: making our buildings more sustainable and affordable.

I am involved in Architects Declare, a group that encourages architects to act on and respond to climate change. The group has been looking at issues including climate responsibility, solar for apartments and modular construction. Done well, these measures are important to addressing and reducing the impact of both climate change and the cost of living.

Tough and smart on crime

On Wednesday, I was also horrified by an attack on a Werribee father involving teenagers who had been released on bail only hours earlier.

We simply cannot stand by and let this keep happening. 

These sorts of attacks are why one of my core policies is a presumption against bail for violent crimes and repeat offenders.

But we also need to ask how young people reach this point in the first place.

That’s why I want Victoria to be both tough and smart on crime: stronger consequences where they're needed, alongside education and early intervention.

Another of my core policies is bringing back tech schools and creating better pathways into trades and work for young people who aren't thriving in a traditional classroom.

If school refusal or disengagement has affected your family, please reach out; I’d be very interested to hear your experience. Email me at [email protected].

Thursday, 10 September

Through my work with Design Matters National, I had one of my half-yearly meetings with key stakeholders about issues affecting professionals and trades working in the built environment.

The key issue that I’m advocating on is crucial changes to the way professionals and trades alike working in the built environment are regulated by different states and how it impacts where they work. We have a National Construction Code, yet different state systems make it difficult for skilled workers to move where they're needed.

With housing and skills shortages putting pressure on communities around Australia, we should be removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining strong consumer protections. The different sets of rules contribute to the reason why we have people in the Northern Rivers region of NSW still in temporary accommodation years after their homes were destroyed by floods. 

It's Time to Upgrade Democracy

On Thursday evening, Voices of Malvern joined Voices of Chisholm and Voices of Ashwood for a lively discussion on the theme “It’s Time to Upgrade Democracy.”

Dr Sonia Randhawa and Voices of Malvern committee member Rémy Favre spoke about participatory democracy and how citizens can play a role in influencing change when governments won’t make hard decisions. In Australia, we’re seeing this right now on gambling legislation. Previously, it was the same sex marriage plebiscite.  

This great debate is about something I believe in deeply: Democracy is a participatory sport - and right now it's calling all of us to participate.

Friday, 11 September

Friday was policy day, with a focus on tech schools, small business and affordable housing. 

The latter two issues are particularly challenging but very important: Small businesses are under enormous pressure, while younger Victorians are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market. We need practical solutions to drive sustainable economic growth and to create opportunity and prosperity for the next generation.

On Friday night, I also attended Melissa Lowe’s campaign launch event at the Black Sheep in Burwood. Melissa is an independent candidate for the Legislative Council, South-Eastern Metropolitan Region. She previously stood up for democracy in inspiring ways, successfully taking the government to the High Court, with Paul Hopper, to fight the unfairness of political donations from individuals in Victoria. I wish her all the best in her campaign; she would make an exceptional representative for the communities of the South East Metropolitan Region.

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Malvern has a choice

Every conversation I've had this week reinforces why I'm running.

After generations of being considered a safe seat, Malvern has a choice this election.

We can continue to be represented by people who ultimately answer to a party room, or elect an independent who answers to the people of Malvern.

I'll keep listening, looking at the evidence and working on practical solutions to make Victoria safer, more affordable, prosperous and sustainable for our kids.

Thank you for being part of it.

Have a great Sunday,

Christina
Christina Zigouras & Voices of Malvern