By ANEEKA SIMONIS
JOB SECURITY and relieving the pressure on stretched household budgets across McMillan will be a key election focus for Labor candidate Chris Buckingham.
The Warragul-based candidate said unemployment rates in the south-eastern electorate are “significantly higher” in McMillan since the change of government, particularly youth employment.
He claimed there were about five unemployed people in McMillan for every vacant job, and with under-employed people the ratio rose to 12 job seekers to every vacancy.
Rising unemployment figures have inspired his commitment to help bolster local jobs.
“In a regional economy like ours we can’t simply let the market determine the outcomes, particularly when confidence is down,” Mr Buckingham said.
“By creating a jobs plan for McMillan … a strategy shared and supported by business, community and government – we can rebuild confidence in our economy.”
He did not reveal the specifics of the proposed plan, but suggested it would steer away from job incentive schemes.
The Labor candidate will officially launch his campaign with the support of Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus in Drouin on Tuesday 17 November.
Mr Buckingham said he has been engaging with communities across the electorate since his Labor party endorsement in May, but is planning to kick it up a notch by taking on the campaign trail full-time.
“The feedback from people right across the electorate is that they are ready for a change and they appreciate their local ALP candidate being active in the community.”
He will take on current McMillan MP Russell Broadbent who has held the seat since 2004.
Mr Dreyfus said he was confident in Mr Buckingham’s ability to lead the people in McMillan.
“Chris brings energy, intelligence and commitment. He understands the issues that matter to his community and will be a terrific advocate both locally and in Canberra,” he said.
The campaign launch will take place at the Drouin Football Club, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17 November.
People interested in being a part of the campaign are welcome to attend. Cost of entry is $15 and light refreshments will be provided.
