MEDIA STATEMENT
April 10, 2022
Real representation and positive vision for Indi to be important on election day
The people of Indi have the chance to show they won’t be spoken for by the major parties, and vote for true community representation at the federal election, says Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines.
Following the announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday that the federal election will be held on May 21, Haines promised if re-elected she would hold whichever side ends up in Government to account and make sure the North East of Victoria gets its fair share.
“The last three years have been hard for Indi. Through bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, the border closures, I’ve listened and fought hard for our community when no one else would,” Haines said.
“I fought for changes to bushfire recovery programs, for mental health funding, for a workable border solution, for mobile phone towers and funding for our hospitals and aged care facilities. I’ve advocated for successful projects to boost our local economies and keep jobs in the region.
“I’ve worked with the Government when they were on the right track and kept them honest when they got it wrong.”
“Independent representation has delivered results for Indi. We can’t afford to go back to someone who just makes up the numbers, who repeats the party line instead of standing up for us.”
Helen Haines is known as a champion for integrity in politics in the federal parliament, and pledged to never stop fighting for integrity if given the trust of the people of Indi again.
“I ran as an Independent for Indi because we needed to hold both sides of politics to account, someone who would listen and understand and deliver for our region, to fight for what we need when the major parties are just focusing on themselves.
“It’s what fuels me still – stamping out corruption and making sure taxpayer dollars, our dollars, are being spent properly. The major parties aren’t afraid to waste billions of taxpayer dollars to win votes in marginal seats. Australians won’t stand for it and neither will I.”
A long time local in Wangaratta, Haines said she was committed to the North East of Victoria.
“I’ve lived in the North East for more than 35 years, I’ve raised my children here and I plan on growing old here. My husband and I have run our small beef farm and I have worked as a nurse and midwife, beside members of our community at their most important moments.
“I know these communities and I am dedicated to listening to and fighting for our fair share.”
Haines also promised to continue her work for better quality health care in Indi, including mental health care and aged care.
“Better health care is the key to the future for our communities. It’s already too hard to see a GP when you need to. The wait in the Emergency Department, or to see a psychologist, or get a home care package, is too long. And our population is growing. Without action it will get worse.
“That’s why I’m fighting for a new hospital for Albury Wodonga, for funding for hospitals in smaller towns, and for investment in aged care and mental health. Getting health care right is key to a thriving regional economy.”
Helen Haines has also been a champion for action on climate change, continuing to work for investment in renewables that will bring prosperity to regional Australia.
“Regional Australia also has the most to gain from smart, practical action to lower emissions and create new industries,” Haines said.
“That’s why I have developed plans to allow Australians to lower the power bills, take control of their energy sources, increase resilience for their communities and lower emissions, and build new thriving economies in places like Indi.”