By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the recent federal election should act as a “wake-up call” to the major parties.
With a number of independents winning seats in inner-city electorates, he said the results reflected a push away from the major parties.
“It’s a wake up call for those major parties,” he said.
“It shows that safe seats may not be completely safe any more.”
Council has been lobbying for funding for a state-of-the-art Wetlands Centre and the Western Aquatic and Leisure Centre from both the state and federal governments.
However, Cr Hemphill said he had been arguing for some time for funding allocation not to be based on which seats are safe or marginal.
“We should not be disadvantaged because we are not a marginal seat,” he said.
“Why should electorates which are safe be virtually excluded for funds for projects?
“Safe electorates should not be treated any differently.”
Cr Hemphill said the council would continue to lobby for more funding.
“We need to continue to argue for funds for our electorate,” he said.
“We need funding right across the board.”
Cr Hemphill said the council would be keenly watching for who would be the local candidates in the state election.
“If the major parties don’t watch it, more independents will win at the state election,” he said.
