By Hannah Turner | posted on February 18, 2021
THE six political candidates running for the Seat of Albany at the March State Election were under the microscope Tuesday morning during the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Meet the Candidates Breakfast.
Delegates asked some of the tough questions, including candidate’s policies towards climate change, homelessness, Aboriginal affairs, the local housing crisis and anti-vaxxers.
Attendees comprised a who’s who of business owners, council members and heads of community organisations and services.
Discussing the hot topic of climate change, Greens Candidate Nelson Gilmour questioned whether other political parties were taking a strong enough stance.
“It’s nice to see everyone’s addressing the problem,” he said.
“But these are all baby steps.
“We need rapid transition, the opportunities in the regions are immense.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Liberal Democrats Candidate Mal Dodson couldn’t confirm his party’s stance on climate change.
“I am not aware of any specific policies that we have in that regard but my own habits have changed immensely,” he said.
All six candidates believed COVID-19 vaccinations shouldn’t be mandatory, but they all agreed the National vaccination program was an important step forward and recommended the majority of residents roll up their sleeves.
A Noongar Elder in the audience asked the candidates what their policies were on closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the region.
Liberal Candidate Scott Leary said it was up to all Australians to be responsible for their own outcomes, while Nationals Candidate Delma Baesjou thought being inclusive of all cultures by restoring Noongar names was an important step forward.
On tourism, One Nation Candidate Michelle Kinsella was concerned the lack of signage on the drive into Albany didn’t reflect what the region has to offer.
“We need a beautification package to welcome people to Albany,” she said.
“The beauty of Albany isn’t shown when you come into town.”
Labour Candidate Rebecca Stephens said she wasn’t too worried about the lack of housing in Albany.
“Housing is booming and there are no builders [available], it’s a problem, but what a great problem for Albany to have,” she said.
Ms Kinsella suggested turning sea containers into homes to attract more young people to Albany.
Small business was also a topic on everyone’s minds with all the candidates promising to boost support.
One Nation member for the South-West Colin Tincknell asked all candidates how they planned to keep costs low if the region replicated renewable energy initiatives over east.
Ms Stephens refused to directly answer the question saying she would only discuss ‘real issues in Albany’.
She claimed the Labour Government was already taking steps in the right direction to combat climate change, such as their Containers for Change project.
With the impending WA State Election less than a month away the candidates were all eager to show they’ve got what it takes to replace retiring MP Peter Watson.
