Hi, I’m Renee. I’m running in this year’s council election as a candidate with Victorian Socialists because I believe in a society that puts people before profit.
I’m a Monash local and have lived in the area for my whole life. I’m a student and retail worker, and a member of Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.
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. Today, the people at the top are seeing their wealth grow rapidly, while many at the bottom are being left behind. Councils have a responsibility to help turn this situation around, and tackle urgent issues like the housing shortage and cost of living crisis.
I’ve been a community organiser and student activist for many years. I’ve been involved in fighting for the rights of refugees and against racism. Recently, I’ve organised mass protests in solidarity with the people of Palestine and against Israel’s war in Gaza, including the weekly Melbourne Sunday rallies and protests on my university campus.
If elected in October, I’ll fight for council to be a place where questions of social justice are raised and acted on.