Mel Yuan for Brunswick

The Age newspaper has sent out a survey to candidates – here are my answers.

What are the three key issues you want to advocate for on council? The Age’s list is quite strange and they appear to be following certain issue threads, so:

• Integrity – I’m going to use this as a wrapper for good governance, transparency and accountability in public decision-making
• Environment – our open space, combating the Heat Island Effect and Climate Change, promoting biodiversity, non-car transport and a greener streetscape for public amenity
• Choosing a 3rd item was really difficult so I’m going with Roads to include everything to do with footpaths, bike lanes, and other built transport amenities excluding public transport
• What didn’t make the top 3. These are all essential services but it’s hard to beat environment, transport and planning out of the top 3!
  • rubbish
  • maternal & child health
  • kindergarten & childcare
  • libraries
  • sports grounds
  • heritage
  • parks
  • more bike lanes

Should more housing be prioritised over green space and heritage? Can’t say. More housing increases the need for green space. Heritage is relevant to a specific local area or streetscape.

Should councils make statements on issues like Australia Day, the conflict in Gaza, tackling antisemitism rather than sticking to “rubbish, rates and roads”? Can’t say. Local governments have a direct role to play in Australia Day and are in a position to comment on their local celebrations (or lack thereof) and citizenship conferrals. Merri-bek’s community is very diverse and so Council would need to be mindful, respectful and reflective of its local community’s diverse views.