Hi, I’m Heather. I’m a Box Hill local and I tutor maths to high school students in the area. I’m running in this year’s council election as a candidate with Victorian Socialists because I believe in a society that’s more sustainable, more equitable and just than the capitalist system of today.
Politicians at all levels of government are in the pockets of the rich, and have grown increasingly out of touch with the people they’re supposed to represent. In a wealthy society like Australia, everyone should have the chance to live a decent life. There is no need for anyone to be homeless when there are more empty houses than homeless people, and no need for people to struggle to pay for groceries while supermarkets make record profits. Local councillors should take up questions of inequality and social justice, and fight for a more equitable society. I believe that councils need to urgently take more action on issues like the housing shortage and cost of living crisis.
I first got involved in activism around campaigning for refugee rights. Since then, I’ve been involved in campaigns against racism and for action on climate change. In recent times, I’ve campaigned in solidarity with the people of Palestine and against Israel’s war in Gaza. I believe councils should be a place where questions of social justice are raised and acted on.
If elected in October, I’ll fight for our community and for the better world that we need and deserve.