Political Discussions and Beyond
Leading up to the Victorian State elections what are the issues that are affecting Victoria’s South Asian Community? What issues they would discuss when they meet with political leaders?
Prachi Panchal catches up with few Victorian South Asian women to find out what issues they discussed when they met with State Opposition Leader Mr Matthew Guy.
Sherry Bali
Online Fitness Trainer
AFL Ambassador—Richmond Tigers
I recently met Mr. Matthew Guy at ISCKON Temple in Albert Park. As a Victorian women from a diverse background, it was a good opportunity to have our voice heard by the top strata of political leadership in Victoria.
The issues that I mainly discussed were women empowerment and making Melbourne safer for everyone, especially in the spate of recent crimes including brazen and violent home invasions.
Just like many other Melburnians, I feel that there has a rapid increase in crime in the last few years, and a lot of people now don’t feel safe within their own homes.
We discussed that we used a stricter and better crime control policy to curb the scourge before it is too late. We are proud that Melbourne is considered one of the most livable cities in the world and we would like to see that it is kept that way.
I expressed that my vote would be decided by the policies on crime. I found Mr Guy to be a very attentive and patient listener as well, apart from being a very good speaker.
Sidra Jutt
AFL Ambassador—Richmond Tigers
Mrs Pakistan Australia
I met Mr. Guy at the Cranbourne Train Station when he announced the Railway Line Extension to Clyde. The issues I mainly discussed were traffic and congestion. The population of Victoria has grown, so has the traffic on roads. For me traffic and congestion is the biggest issue. The other issue I discussed was safety. I found Mr Guy to be a very attentive listener.
Roshni Sharma
The Indian Sun Person of the Year 2017 (Female—Above 40)
AFL Ambassador—Richmond Tigers
I have met Mr Guy quite few times recently at various networking and community events.
The issues I have raised with him are increasing crime rates across Victoria, increasing water and electricity bills, and the pressure on cost of living, which can lead to a very unfortunate lifestyle for the next generation.
The Indian community specific issues that I discussed with him were the need for a Little India in Cranbourne, IFFM reforms, and why Victorian Indians miss out from being appointed in political jobs.
I also thanked him for announcing 500K funding for Durga Temple, and 200K funding for Carrum Downs Temple. Besides I also tried to put the case forward for funding announcement for the second stage of renovations at ISKCON Temple, Albert Park.
It’s always a pleasure to meet with him. He is a very down to earth person with a very sharp memory.
Sadhna Wilson
Writer and Food Stylist
Author—Tropical Vegetarian
I met Mr. Guy at the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple in Albert Park, where I presented him with a copy of my cookbook—Tropical Vegetarian; a compilation of ancestral Indian recipes and stories from my Fijian Indian family.
Mr. Guy was genuinely interested in the background of the book. He is very knowledgeable about Indian food and spices, and informed me that his wife is a vegetarian. He was keen to try some recipes from my book.
Since I live in the CBD, I discussed with him the rising homelessness and crime rates in Melbourne. Mr. Guy said that his plans for Victoria included mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders, a public sex offender’s register and a tougher parole and bail laws. Overall, I found Mr. Guy a people’s person.
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