What would you like to tell voters about yourself?
Dan Tehan, Liberals: I grew up on a family farm in rural Victoria, with my three brothers and two sisters. My father ran Merino sheep and Hereford cattle while my mother started her own small business in a nearby town to earn off-farm income.
From an early age, my parents and grandparents taught me that people in rural communities deserve a fair go and that you need to be prepared to stand up and fight for what you believe in.
My education, personal experience and career have given me a real understanding of the needs of people living in our region. Importantly, it has also taught me how to get the results to address these needs.
I have always been involved in achieving outcomes for rural and regional communities.
I’m married and live in Hamilton. I’m a passionate Richmond Tigers fan and enjoy spending time outdoors with my family.
Hilary McAllister, Greens: I’m running for the Greens as I believe the time for change is now. We can, and we must, build a positive, people-powered movement to create lasting change for the well-being for our community and environment.
For years I’ve been frustrated by the major parties not taking climate action seriously. I grew up on a sheep and wheat farm in North Western Victoria, and am excited by the potential of our agricultural industry to transition to a regenerative system that draws down carbon, revitalises the earth and makes land more productive and profitable.
Our coastal communities and farming families are at the forefront of the climate crisis and I’m eager to do everything I can to ensure our people and places are safe, healthy, and thriving.
Alex Dyson, Independent: I was born and raised down the road in Warrnambool, where I lived until I was 19 – I moved away for higher education and work, but moved back in December of last year to run the campaign.
I first stood as an Independent in 2019, so across multiple elections I’ve built up a great knowledge base as to what people in Wannon are looking for.
I am dedicated to being the kind of politician I have always wanted to see in Canberra: someone accessible, authentic, transparent, and genuinely interested in listening to the people of this electorate and serving their needs.
Craige Kensen, United Australia Party: I have lived and worked in the Wannon community for the last 12 years.
My career history and life experiences are diverse having worked as a manufacturing jeweller, small business owner, general builder, ambulance officer, and I graduated with a Degree in Paramedicine.
I have always been community, health and family focused. Australians’ businesses have been destroyed by lockdowns, families have been torn apart and forced vaccinations have been mandated.
Federal career politicians have not been mandated, and they are meant to be an example to others! Due to mandates Australians have lost their basic rights to work, provide food, shelter, and support for their families.
I joined with 151 other Australia-wide UAP candidates, motivated by the actions of these governments, to campaign for the right reasons, because we care for the future, freedom, and direction of Australia.
Something politicians today do not understand.
Representation has been lost.
Amanda Mead, Liberal Democrats: I am Amanda Mead, the Liberal Democrats candidate for the seat of Wannon.
I’m a small business owner in Mortlake and have a small farm where we run dorper composite sheep and I breed miniature goats.
Over the past couple of years everything I have experienced and witnessed has led me to running for the federal election.
I am extremely concerned about the path that Australia is on.
Our cost of living is getting out of control and the amount of debt we are leaving future generations is inconceivable!
For me personally, this election is about bringing back a rational voice to regional Victoria. Working together with agriculture and farming communities we can build a brighter future for the electorate of Wannon.
Gilbert Wilson, Labor: I have been a “tradie,” as a bricklayer and then an industrial painter.
I worked as a supervisor and a certified coatings inspector L3 for Windtower manufacturer Keppel Prince in Portland.
I have lived my whole life in Wannon. Currently I am a Glenelg Shire councillor with 23 years experience along with three terms as mayor.
I am a volunteer on the Great South West Walk working on the Thursday maintenance team. I also volunteer as a sound operator at the Uniting Church.
I am a life member of the following: South West District Football Netball League, Portland Basketball Association, Portland Basketball Referees Association, Dunlop Basketball Club.
I live on 30 acres running 10 cows with my wife Hilary, who owns and operates a small business – Hollands Picture Framing and Art Supplies.
In the process of your campaign, what are the most important issues members of the public have raised with you?
Dan Tehan, Liberals: I have been criss-crossing Wannon to meet people and listen to them. Every community in Wannon is unique, and I am working with them to deliver the local projects that help us build stronger local communities.
There are also common themes wherever I go. People are concerned about road and rail networks, which is why we have been providing Federal Government funds to upgrade the Princes Highway and the Warrnambool-Melbourne rail line, the cost of living, which is why our government’s cost of living measures in the budget are so important.
People are also concerned about the economy. People don’t want to see the economy weakened and our recovery put at risk which is why it’s important that we are delivering a strong economy and a stronger future.
Our unemployment rate is down to 4 per cent – the equal lowest level in nearly 50 years and taxes are lower for more than 11 million Australians and 3.6 million small businesses and sole traders.
Hilary McAllister, Greens: After spending several months travelling throughout Wannon and talking with people, many issues have arisen. Some of these include access to affordable and available housing, the rising cost of living, and the need for a Federal Anti Corruption Commission.
The good news is the Greens have policies in place to tackle these issues head on.
However, the biggest issue confronting Wannon, and indeed Australia, is the threat of climate change. I am proud to be the only candidate running for Wannon with climate policy that will see us stay below 2 degrees of warming by committing to net zero by 2035.
It is essential we take immediate action to phase out fossil fuels and transition to a renewable future to avoid future climate catastrophe, and protect our communities, coastlines and country.
Alex Dyson, Independent: The issues coming up most frequently in my discussions with people across the electorate are:
Housing: whether it’s access to social housing, sky-rocketing house prices, or the critical shortage of rental properties, this issue is coming up constantly, which is why I’ve made it a key pillar of my campaign.
Housing in turn is tied to the economy, attracting healthcare and education professionals, and the staffing crisis across the region within industries like hospitality and agriculture.
Federal government investment: as a traditionally “safe” Liberal seat, Wannon has been left behind in many areas when it comes to Federal investment.
This failure can be seen really clearly in areas like infrastructure (roads, rail, telecommunications, NBN), healthcare access, and funding for community organisations, which have all been neglected for far too long.
If elected, I will ensure that Wannon gets the funding and respect we deserve.
Craige Kensen, United Australia Party:
Remove all mandates
Governments mandating its people to do what they say, or lose their jobs is against all human rights.
There is a shortage of workers in Wannon that have been forced to remain in their homes.
Nurses, doctors, teachers, retail, industry and more who should be at work right now.
Hospitals and aged care in Wannon
The United Australia Party will allocate $40 billion additional funding for health across Australia directly available to hospitals. States have shown they cannot be trusted with our health services.
Health care is close to my heart, and I will make sure all in Wannon receive the health and aged care they deserve.
Protecting families future
The UAP will make the first $30,000 paid on a home loan tax deductible each year and cap interest rates at 3 per cent for the next five years. These policies protect families from losing their homes in Wannon.
Amanda Mead, Liberal Democrats: The three main issues that I have heard about is cost of living/inflation, lack of workers for small businesses and the concern about the debt that Australia is in.
People are struggling.
The cost of fuel in South West Victoria is still extremely high despite the temporary cut on the fuel excise tax.
The cost of groceries in supermarkets is continuously rising and many small or micro businesses are closing their doors because the government has created a welfare system that doesn’t encourage people to get back into the work force.
Gilbert Wilson, Labor: Climate change is the main issue raised, particularly the concern with the lack of acceptance to act quickly by the Liberal/National Government.
Labor’s Plan will reduce carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 at the latest, at zero by 2050. Our powering Australia pledge will also create 604,000 renewable energy jobs while cutting power bills.
Medicare and the NDIS have suffered under the current government.
Withdrawal of funding indexation over eight years has seriously eroded Medicare’s effectiveness.
Fewer GP’s in rural areas and withdrawal of bulk billing from most clinics. Current government callously flicks off people from the NDIS at every opportunity, spending many millions in legal appeals.
A fair share of road funding for maintenance. The need for an Independent National Anti-corruption Commission that will investigate actions at all federal levels.
Allowing imported windtower sections to be imported with no assistance to an idle local Australian factory.
What are your key policy platforms?
Dan Tehan, Liberals: To build a stronger future, we are:
• Delivering more jobs and working towards unemployment below 4 per cent;
• Delivering tax relief for workers and small businesses;
• Investing in roads, rail, water infrastructure and renewable energy technology;
• Making record investments in health and other essential services;
• Investing in stronger defence, security, and borders; and
• Australia still faces real challenges. But together, we’re building a stronger future.
Let’s not turn back now.
Hillary McAllister, Greens: My main priorities are to address the key issues facing Wannon, by:
• Building more high quality, accessible homes for renters, buyers and the low-income community. This is part of the Greens plan to build one million homes over 10 years to address the housing affordability and availability crisis;
• Providing free childcare, TAFE and University, and wiping student debt, to get more people into the workforce, and make education accessible for all;
• Bringing dental and mental health into Medicare, and investing in public hospitals, aged care and the NDIS; and
• Ending coal and gas exploration immediately, including seismic testing, and phasing out all fossil fuels by 2030. It is essential we reach net zero by 2035 to stay below 2 degrees of warming, and only the Greens policy will ensure this.
Alex Dyson, Independent: Along with addressing the housing crisis and getting our fair share of federal funding, my key policy platforms are:
• Introducing a Federal ICAC;
• Taking climate action and making Wannon a leader in renewable energy jobs;
• Developing a national climate change strategy for agriculture;
• Supporting innovation in agricultural processes by funding research and development, providing regional opportunities for tertiary studies in agriculture, and extending energy subsidies for farmers to include new and alternative energy sources;
• Fixing the aged care system by implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations, improving funding, and setting minimum staff ratios;
• Improving access to mental health and childcare services for rural and regional people;
• Streamlining and expanding the NDIS to make the scheme fairer and more accessible;
• Funding the public education system adequately and fairly; and
• Ensuring the humane treatment of refugees.
You can read my campaign priorities in more details at dyson4wannon.com/priorities.
Craige Kensen, United Australia Party: Towns are dying and shrinking. We need policies that support residents, decentralisation, and local manufacturing with solid base tax supports. UAP will:
• End mandates immediately and forever;
• 15 per cent export license on our iron ore to repay the debt;
• Increase aged pensions $180/Fortnight;
• Forgive HECS debt, higher education free;
• 20 per cent tax incentive to move 200kms from major cities;
• Home loan repayments for first $30,000 tax deductable each year;
• Legislate existing home loans to be capped at 3 per cent for 5 years; and
• Permanently remove fuel excise tax.
Liberal, Labour and Greens are not talking about the national debt level in any of their policies, debates or interviews.
But all are happy to just throw taxpayer money to the wind, while promoting they are good economic managers.
UAP is the only party that has a plan to pay down our national debt.
Amanda Mead, Liberal Democrats: The Liberal Democrats have our “Freedom Manifesto”. From the freedom manifesto my main points are “Debt and deficit”, “Low, flat taxes” and “Small business”.
All three of these policies tackle inflation, cost of living and helping businesses.
We want to have a low flat tax rate of 20 per cent for workers and raising the tax free threshold to $40000. A 20 per cent rate for small businesses, as well as a no tax on profits that are reinvested back into the business.
We want to reduce deficit by getting rid of duplicate departments and reducing politicians’ wages by 10 per cent.
We are the only party that is not promising you more money because you can’t promise something that doesn’t belong to you.
Gilbert Wilson, Labor: Strengthening Medicare and the NDIS systems will give residents better support.
Climate change policy will provide many jobs including getting to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 which will slow down coastal erosion and significant climate changes to farming.
A Labor member will continue to reside in and fight for the electorate’s fair share.
Labor will encourage equal wages for women and with the rising cost of living better wages for all. Labor’s aged care plan will look after this sector, including food standards as guided by the Maggie Beer Foundation, also a 24-hour a day nurse working within the facility.
Supporting local manufacturing over imported goods.
Renewable energy components should be made in Australia, particularly here in Wannon with current manufacturers. Free TAFE in areas of skills shortage. Housing Future Fund will construct 20,000 social housing properties, including 4000 for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Why should the electorate vote for you?
Dan Tehan, Liberals: Wannon needs strong representation in the Federal parliament and that means a voice that is heard.
Together we have delivered $100+ million for the Princes Highway, $17.5 million for the Dairy Supply Chain roads, $2.6 million for Castle Carey Road bridge, over $100+ million for delivery of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, $250,000 for Terang Harness Racing, upgrades to the Camperdown Theatre, development of the Skipton Skate Park, funding for Terang and Lismore Men’s sheds, energy and emissions grants for our dairy farmers and small businesses to reduce their energy costs, learning hubs for our schools in Camperdown and many small but very significant projects for our community and volunteer organisations.
But there is still more to do, I want to keep the momentum going and build a stronger future for our local community.
Hilary McAllister, Greens: I will be a hardworking, bold representative for the people of Wannon so that we can thrive in a renewable, net zero future.
And the best part is, if just a few hundred people changed their vote from the last election, the Greens can be in the balance of power and be able to push the next government to go bigger and bolder on confronting the climate crisis.
The Greens have a range of extensive, fully costed policies that address the climate crisis, social inequality, end discrimination and develop a Treaty to begin the process of truth-telling and healing.
To see our full policy platform, head to https://greens.org.au/platform.
Alex Dyson, Independent: As an Independent, I can advocate for the community of Wannon in Canberra without being compromised by party politics.
An Independent is a representative of the community completely unaligned to any political party. They listen to the needs and values of the community, and put them first.
Based on these needs and values, an Independent makes up their own mind on every vote in Parliament, rather than following directions determined by backroom deals.
This is an extremely valuable thing.
I look forward to serving Wannon in the crossbench of a minority government, and using my position to get real results for the region.
Craige Kensen, United Australia Party: I have lived within the electorate for over 12 years. I have extensive business and life experiences and have never had a political career.
I have put myself forward as a candidate to represent the people, not myself.
I realise that farmers are the backbone of our country. I have met with various farming organisations and individual farmers.
The number one problem they all have is bureaucratic red tape which has resulted in rising costs, stifles their growth, productivity, sustainability and the ability to employ more Australians.
I want to reduce bureaucrats that impose ridiculous restrictions, making them accountable, for the infringements they impose on these hard-working Australians.
The farmers I have met are best left to their own as they know better than a bureaucrat how to run a farm.
Amanda Mead, Liberal Democrats: I am not a career politician, I have real world experience. I cannot be bought, and I do not follow “trends”.
I am not afraid to make tough decisions even if it is unpopular. I will always put someone else’s needs before my own and treat people with respect.
I have worked hard for everything that I have, nothing has just been “handed” to me and I will continue to work hard for the people of Wannon.
Gilbert Wilson, Labor: I have completed a 23 year apprenticeship in successfully representing the community at local government level.
I have been involved with the building and manufacturing trades since leaving school and know the importance of apprenticeships and supporting the trade and manufacturing industries.
As a fifth generation resident I have the passion and determination to fight for Wannon communities.
If elected this electorate will certainly gain the federal spotlight with each party trying to win back the electors at the next election.
If this safe seat doesn’t change the electorate will continue to receive little attention, other than at election times.
The electorate of Wannon is large in size and needs a member that will visit each and every community from time to time.
The current member seldom visits and even as a senior Minister doesn’t fight for a fair deal for Wannon.
He is all talk with no results.
If elected, what goals do you hope to achieve for the people of Wannon?
Dan Tehan, Liberals: I have listened to the people of Wannon and developed My Strong Local Plan, which includes:
Better roads and rail with more Federal funding for our local roads, highways, and rail networks;
Strengthening our economic recovery, creating jobs by supporting small businesses and farmers and cutting the cost of living for families and individuals;
Delivering regional services so we can all benefit from better health, education, aged and disability care, and communications;
Protecting our environment and delivering sensible and practical policies to enhance our land, coast, and waterway management; and
Delivering community projects and supporting our volunteers so we build strong local communities.
Hilary McAllister, Greens: If I am elected as the Member for Wannon, I will ensure our electorate benefits from the incredible investment the next government will make in transitioning to a renewable, net zero future.
Protecting our iconic cultural and environmental ecosystems such as the Otway Basin, Gariwerd and Budj Bim will ensure we continue to be world renowned for our beauty and biodiversity.
I will stand up for communities, farmers, small business owners and families, and always put people and planet over profit.
I will fight to restore integrity in politics, by ending dirty donations and ensure a thriving future for Wannon through investment in renewables, green manufacturing, building high quality homes and advocating for social equality.
Alex Dyson, Independent: My goal is simple: to listen to the people of this electorate, listen to independent expert advice, and use my position in the crossbench to achieve the results Wannon needs.
From my conversations with voters so far, this means securing a fair amount of funding for our region, improving housing accessibility, increasing support for households experiencing rental stress, supporting our hugely important agriculture industries to adapt and grow in a carbon neutral economy, supporting our elders in aged care, helping children and families to thrive through improved access to childcare services and fairly funded public schools, and ensuring people who rely on the NDIS and other forms of government support are able to access and retain that support.
Craige Kensen, United Australia Party: To secure our fuel supply: We have approximately two to three weeks of fuel reserves in Australia. We ship our crude oil by boat to Singapore for refining. Then we ship it back. We need fuel security. If you want to destroy Australia, any nation can just cut off our fuel supply. We will starve. Farmers will not be able to produce, crops and livestock will die.
Wannon’s food supply relies on fuel security.
To secure agricultural land use: The secret to our future sovereignty is protecting our prime agricultural land, ownership, water rights and its use. UAP will not allow foreign ownership of our water or land. Wind generators or solar collector panels cannot be erected on land that producesour food.
When elected I will advocate for these common-sense policies to start rebuilding our electorate, securing its future for our families and sustainability of our towns.
Amanda Mead, Liberal Democrats: My goals are to make the electorate of Wannon prosperous again. For too long we have been ignored.
There has become a huge disconnect from the people making decisions in Canberra and the people of Wannon. It is time we have a strong and sensible voice in parliament.
I would start by putting in legislation that ensures that a good percentage of the federal funding provided must be distributed into regional areas with populations less than 50,000 people.
This would guarantee that our hospitals/healthcare and emergency services funding was not sent to major cities like Geelong or Frankston.
Gilbert Wilson, Labor: I would strive hard to ensure that the Labor policies of a future made in Australia will ensure continual work for local manufacturing, particularly within the renewable energy sector.
Our electorate is positioned well for the government to encourage new industries to start here, in particular with renewable components as well as value adding of our raw materials.
I will fight for our share of funding for community infrastructure and better roads funding and new TAFE courses that address the skills shortages in our region.
Investment in a modern, Australian-made fast train system from Warrnambool to Melbourne.
I will fight hard for the upgrades and required mobile service coverage across our electorate so everyone has a proper connection that is reliable. Ensure that the elderly are safe and well looked after in aged care.
To provide the best representation I can for the people of Wannon.
Where to vote:
Cobden Civic Hall
Scotts Creek Public Hall
Timboon and District Public Hall
Simpson Primary School
Peterborough Community Hall
Port Campbell Recreation Reserve
*Candidates for Wannon Graham Garner (independent) and Ronnie Graham (One Nation Party) did not respond to our questionnaire.
