An independent with a strong focus on public sector reform, education, community participation and transparent governance.
What I Stand For
I am standing as an independent because I believe Victoria needs representatives who put people and evidence before party politics. Too often, important decisions are driven by ideology, political expediency or party interests, rather than by what is in the best interests of the community.
I believe good government starts with listening, asking questions and being prepared to challenge assumptions. Healthy democracies depend on respectful debate, transparency and accountability. As an independent, I am free to advocate for practical solutions that are informed by evidence and shaped by the people I represent.
Throughout my career and community involvement – as a teacher, project manager, environmental advocate and long-term local resident – I have worked to solve problems collaboratively and think about the long-term impacts of the decisions we make today.
Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of economics and its application to public policy. Whether considering education reform, housing affordability, planning, energy transition or government expenditure, I examine how policies affect productivity, incentives, fiscal sustainability and long-term prosperity. Good intentions alone are not enough – effective policy must also work in practice. I believe Victoria needs decisions that are informed by rigorous analysis, economic understanding and measurable outcomes – to ensure better outcomes for both current and future generations can be delivered.
Why I Am Running
I am running because I believe Victoria needs a fresh approach to leadership.
Our state faces significant challenges, including rising costs of living, housing affordability, pressures on our education system, environmental sustainability, infrastructure planning and restoring confidence in government. These challenges cannot be solved through political point scoring. They require thoughtful leadership, independent thinking and a willingness to engage with complex issues honestly.
I want to be a representative who listens carefully, explains decisions openly and works constructively with all sides of politics to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
My Priorities for Victoria
Stronger Democracy and Better Government
I believe Victorians deserve a government that is transparent, accountable and responsive. I will advocate for evidence-based policy, greater openness in decision making and stronger public engagement so that communities have confidence their voices are being heard.
Excellence in Education
Education has the power to transform lives and strengthen our future.
I want to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for teachers, improve teacher retention, support high-quality classroom teaching and ensure funding is directed where it has the greatest impact on student learning. Our education system should empower teachers to teach and students to thrive.
Protecting Our Environment
Protecting our natural environment is both a responsibility and an investment in future generations.
I support practical environmental policies that improve biodiversity, expand urban greening, strengthen weed management and build climate resilience. Environmental stewardship should be based on sound science and long-term planning.
Housing That Works for Communities
Victoria needs housing policies that are both affordable and well planned.
I support greater transparency in planning decisions, better-designed developments and housing solutions that respond to community needs while preserving the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods.
Sustainable and Accessible Transport
An effective transport network improves quality of life and strengthens our economy.
I support investment in accessible public transport, safer cycling infrastructure and transport planning that recognises the diverse needs of commuters, families, businesses and people with limited mobility.
Supporting Local Communities and Businesses
Thriving local businesses create vibrant communities.
I want to support our shopping precincts, encourage local enterprise, strengthen arts and culture and ensure our suburbs remain places where people want to live, work and connect.
Managing Victoria’s Energy Transition
Victoria’s transition to cleaner energy must be carefully managed.
We need policies that reduce emissions while supporting workers, regional communities and industries through change. Environmental responsibility and economic security should go hand in hand.
Building Stronger Communities
Victoria’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
I believe we should foster respectful public discussion, strengthen community participation and build a society where people from all backgrounds feel included, valued and able to contribute.
My Vision
My vision is for a Victoria that is confident, forward-looking and governed with integrity.
A Victoria where decisions are based on evidence, where education prepares our young people for the future, where housing and transport are planned thoughtfully, where our environment is protected, and where government earns the trust of the people it serves.
As an independent, I will always put the interests of the community first. I will listen, I will ask the difficult questions and I will work collaboratively to deliver practical, long-term solutions that benefit all Victorians.reening needs to be more targeted towards biodiversity.
As a parent of two children at local schools, I want to see the needs of families better represented. As a former teacher, I think the needs of children and young people should be better reflected in our urban design.
I am part of Moreland’s vibrant urban greening community as one of the people behind Brunswick Communities for Nature which grows and distributes indigenous plants for all green spaces.
Mel Yuan for Brunswick 