2017-02-24
Diane Evers
Having spent the past three months touring the South West and listening to Greens supporters as well as those not yet Green, I have heard a broad range of issues. The South West is the third largest Legislative Council region and may be the most diverse.
The South West region is electorally dominated by the urban populations of Mandurah, Bunbury and Albany, but includes a broad area populated by farming, forestry and mining interests. Mixed in with this are the tourism and wine making regions spread across the southern half of the region.
Finding some common ground among voters was not as difficult as one might expect. Frustration with the current government and the lack of support for services such as education, policing, mental health or transport dominated our conversations with voters.
Many people said they didn't think the current government was listening to them or acting on their behalf. There was a general feeling that large corporations and corporate donors had the ear of the government to the detriment of smaller communities. There was a general distrust and questioning of the integrity of politicians. These attitudes were more pronounced in the smaller more rural communities.
On a more personal level, there are a great number of people affected by the increasing drug culture, with substantial impacts in the more urban centres. The effects of the ice epidemic extend well outside traditional boundaries, and people know that the system is broken. Most people readily accept that it is a health issue, not a criminal issue.
Much needed support for mental health care is desired in the urban centres to address these drug issues, as well as youth suicide, and the needs of those sleeping rough. The financial pressures of an economy in downturn put additional stresses on people and make them more vulnerable.
Finding work, in particular for young people, is a problem which often means they must move to the city or commute long distances for those in the north of the region. It's not that people expect the government to create jobs, but rather they acknowledge that for some people there are no local options. The cuts to government services over the years have taken away many of the public service positions that used to exist in the region.
On the west coast, in the communities of Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River, as well as at Denmark on the south coast, we've found that people want the state government to have more confidence in local governments. All too often the state government seems to override the decisions of local councils. Development issues loom large for these popular tourist destinations and the residents would like a stronger voice.
Transport is a growing concern for many residents, especially those looking for an alternative to busy and, sometimes dangerous, road traffic. More frequent buses and more train services would be welcomed, as well as further actions to implement local government cycling strategies.
It all comes back to a government with the integrity and understanding to put people first. Voters are becoming aware of the big corporate donations guiding our politicians and they are tired of it. Donation data is available, but more work must be done to have this information made public, as it happens. Social media has helped the Greens get the word out, that we are the Genuine Alternative.
Photo: Campaigning in Mt Barker.