Issues such as housing, healthcare, education, public transport, and climate change must be addressed with a real vision for change. In parliament, that’s what I’d fight for every day.
Hi, I’m Karen and I’m running in the state election as the Victorian Socialists candidate for Shepparton.
I’m a nurse, and I’ve seen first hand what chronic underfunding has done to our public healthcare system. Waiting times for surgery and access to specialty clinics puts vulnerable patients at risk. Healthcare, including quality aged care and disability services should be free and accessible for everyone.
I stand against all forms of racism, misogyny and bigotry and have been an active participant in the Palestine solidarity movement. I have been a long-term volunteer administrator with Shepparton Junior Soccer Association and have been able to help give children of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to play sport.
I’m concerned about the threat of far-right politics winding back all that has been won for the rights of workers, women, LGBQTI+ people, Indigenous and other marginalised people.
As a long time Shepparton local, I have witnessed access to affordable housing become increasingly difficult. In our community today, 39 percent are renters and they, like families with mortgages, are struggling as the costs continue to rise and profits pour into the pockets of big banks and developers.
For decades the public transport system in Shepparton has been neglected. We need a bus service that offers a viable alternative to driving and is free.
The environment and climate change have been neglected in favour of the continued use of fossil fuels. We must work towards transitioning to renewable energy and make it affordable for everyone before it’s too late to save our planet.
Regional cities and towns need genuine community ‘third places’ - staffed community spaces, warm libraries with extended hours, all-ages community hubs - so that people have somewhere to enjoy and make connections with others without the need to spend money.
I believe that people are more important than profit. Our society is profit driven, with billionaires increasing their wealth every year while working-class people are struggling to put a roof over their heads or food on the table.
Issues such as housing, healthcare, education, public transport, and climate change must be addressed with a real vision for change and the needs of working-class people must be prioritised over the profits of big business and corporations. In parliament, that’s what I’d fight for every day.