STAFFORD DECIDES | Politics on Tap | Lilley Candidates at Flat Lizard Brewing
Last night at Flat Lizard Brewing in Stafford, I attended a remarkable event featuring four candidates vying for the federal seat of Lilley: Anika Wells (Australian Labor Party), Melissa Stevens (The Greens), Angela Harper (Jacqui Lambie Network), and Alan Denaro (Family First). The evening provided a unique opportunity to engage with the candidates in a relaxed setting and hear firsthand about their visions for our community.
Personal Reflections
Going into the event, I was certain about who I wouldn't be voting for, but uncertain about who deserved my vote and preference. This gathering offered some much-needed clarity. It was refreshing to see the candidates focus on their connections to our community and discuss policies addressing local issues, rather than engaging in attacks on other parties. The atmosphere was respectful, and the room was full of community members who genuinely seemed to want to listen to what each candidate had to say. I was genuinely concerned, coming into this forum, that we may see a repeat of what happened on Kooyong a few days ago. Ironically, Kooyong was our electorate before we moved to the sunny state.
Candidate Summaries
Anika Wells (Australian Labor Party): As the incumbent MP for Lilley and Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika emphasized her commitment to healthcare improvements, including the establishment of a 100% bulk-billed Northside Urgent Care Clinic. She highlighted Labor's efforts to reduce prescription costs and support for a transition plan for coal workers. Anika Wells - ALP
Melissa Stevens (The Greens): A biomedical scientist with over 16 years in medical research, Melissa advocates for strong climate action, including a tax on billionaires to fund public services. She is passionate about workers' rights, social justice, and addressing the housing crisis. Melissa Stevens - Greens
Angela Harper (Jacqui Lambie Network): A former Australian Defence Force member and aviation paramedic, Angela focuses on veterans' affairs, national security, and political transparency. She supports initiatives to bolster Australian manufacturing and reduce foreign interference in domestic affairs. Lambie Network - Brisbane
Alan Denaro (Family First): Representing a party that emphasizes traditional family values, Alan advocates for policies that support faith, life, and freedom. Family First aims to challenge what it sees as radical policies from major parties and promote the primacy of the family in public policy. Family First Party Australia
Looking Ahead
If you're still undecided or wish to see our candidates in a more informal setting, I highly recommend attending the upcoming Sunday session for the seat of Brisbane. Events like these are invaluable for making informed choices and fostering community engagement. The link to Sunday's (free, but ticketed) event is here, and we are expecting to see:
BRISBANE CANDIDATES:
Joseph Wheeler - People First Party
Rach Blackwood - FUSION/Queensland Progressives
Stephen bates MP - Greens
QLD SENATE CANDIDATES:
Jonathan Strauss - Socialist Alliance
If you have a question you'd like to send ahead of time, which will be asked of the candidates, please email stafforddecides@gmail.com. Note that the questions will be vetted to prevent inappropriate questions / clear "gotcha" being asked - that is not the intent of this forum.