The News (MP News) recently covered Melissa Goffin’s official campaign launch event at Commonfolk in Mornington. Read the extract from their report below:
Goffin launches Mornington campaign
MORE than 100 people gathered at Commonfolk in Mornington on Sunday (13 September) for the campaign launch of independent candidate Melissa Goffin.
Goffin is running as a "community independent", endorsed by the grassroots group Independents for Mornington Peninsula, with a campaign focused on putting the community ahead of party politics.
"From Labor's corruption to the Liberal Party's in-fighting, Mornington has been left behind by party politics," said Goffin.
"Everyone I talk to tells me they're either treading water or feeling completely crushed by the rising cost of living - it's the government's job to address our material conditions, and they're failing."
"A catchy slogan is not a policy. We need real solutions based on evidence and community needs - not on what polls well at election time."
Goffin is calling for a different kind of representation — one where the local community, rather than a political party, comes first.
"Like so many others, I'm frustrated that while we suffer, our services suffer, our environment and businesses suffer, the major parties - that now includes One Nation - are busy serving the interests of their corporate backers instead of us," she said.
"This campaign is about changing that. It's about having someone in Parliament who is accountable to the people of Mornington — not a party machine."
Goffin told The News her election platform includes advocating for: a fair share, integrity and accountability, cost of living, small business, strong communities and better schools.
Goffin says her decision to stand is driven by her belief that the Mornington Peninsula's unique way of life is worth fighting for.
"As locals we dream of thriving homes, thriving businesses, streets their kids can ride bikes down safely in a thriving community - that's slipping away, and I can't sit back and watch that happen."