Barbara Baikie - Independent And Listening

As a woman born and bred near Wagga who has spent most of her working life helping others, Barbara Baikie knows the importance of listening and speaking up.

Since embarking on her campaign as an Independent candidate for Riverina in January, she has travelled more than 7500 kms around the electorate, visiting 35 towns and villages and meeting with hundreds of people, including many small business owners.

Her goal was to listen to the concerns of regional and rural residents and find out what she could do to improve services in the electorate if elected. Many people have commented that she was the first candidate to visit and ask what they needed and wanted.

What Barbara has learnt is that there are pressing needs for improvements in health services including GPs, specialist women’s and mental health care, and even access to pharmacies.

Internet blackspots are another major concern. They can often be a matter of life and death when road or farm accidents occur. Blackspots also disadvantage women working from home and children trying to study.

Domestic violence services are also lacking and there is often silence about these issues.

Housing shortages are severe in many parts of the electorate and cost of living increases have made it difficult for families and young people to thrive.

Access to education from early childhood on is another equity issue.

Young people need job pathways through appropriate education in their towns and centres.

Barbara believes true consultation is essential as part of the investment in renewable energy and streamlined transport systems.

She has worked in the juvenile justice system and been a lifelong volunteer and advocate for those in need.

She has actively championed equity and fairness for all people through involvement in and membership of numerous community organisations and peak bodies.

If elected, she undertakes to continue her engaged listening with the residents of Riverina and to take their concerns to Federal Parliament, moving not only to highlight issues but to work for real solutions towards equity, access and a genuine improvement in all aspects of life in the region.

• Topics:
• Politics
• Elections
• Federal Election