General News
19 July, 2022
Polwarth Labor candidate selected
POLWARTH Labor candidate Hutch Hussein hopes to break a 133-year drought this year.
POLWARTH Labor candidate Hutch Hussein hopes to break a 133-year drought this year.
She said in its 133 year history, Polwarth has yet to elect a woman or a Labor candidate.
“I will work hard to break new ground in partnership with the local community and with the support of local volunteers,” Ms Hussein said.
“My grassroots campaign for Polwarth to have its first Labor and first woman state representative begins today."
“As I seek to further deepen my understanding of key issues impacting people in this region, I look forward to the support of all those who share in the ambition of the Andrews’ Labor Government to build a fairer, more inclusive and better future for all Victorians.”
She said she was honoured to be preselected as the Labor candidate for the state seat of Polwarth by the Australian Labor Party (ALP) National Executive following support from local branch members.
“Torquay has been home for my young family and I for the past four years,” Ms Hussein said.
“As a resident with connections to the local community, I feel great pride in having the opportunity to contest this vibrant regional seat on behalf of the ALP at the November 26 Victorian State Election.”
Under a recent redistribution, the Polwarth seat now extends from Torquay, in the east, to near Warrnambool, in the west; Skipton to its north, Colac at its centre, and with the iconic Great Ocean to its south.
Ms Hussein said the seat showcases the best of Victoria’s agricultural, tourism and hospitality industries, as well as its natural beauty.
“It’s also a region which has experienced a big population surge before and during the pandemic with many more people, like my family, moving to the region to permanently settle here,” she said.
“I know many local businesses are challenged by workforce shortages which have been exacerbated by housing affordability and supply issues."
“I want to be part of ensuring our local health, education, housing and roads infrastructure, as well as vital employment opportunities, keep up with our extraordinary population growth."
“All while ensuring we protect our environment and not risk over-development in places like Spring Creek."
“The opportunity to serve the people of this electorate, to win their trust to represent key concerns as a committed local representative, would be a humbling experience for me.”