That is the findings of an electorate-wide survey launched by Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines.
“After the federal budget was handed down on May 11, I ran a survey to hear what the people of Indi think about new funding announcements, and if it would make a difference to their lives,” Dr Haines said.
“An astounding 402 Indi residents took five minutes to respond to my call.”
The day of the Southern Aurora train crash – Charlie remembers
Dr Haines released the results of that survey last week and encouraged local people to take a look.
“The survey respondents were diverse. It included everyone from young school leavers in Wangaratta, to aged care workers in Bright and retired veterans in Wodonga,” she said.
“One third of respondents live in Wodonga (14%), Wangaratta (10%) and Benalla (7%).
“The remaining two thirds came from smaller towns and regions.
Southern Aurora Memorial Garden continues to develop
“The overall feedback was clear. Big budget announcements mean nothing until there is real change on the ground that people can see.
“The results show that overwhelmingly, people in Indi believe the government should be doing much more on renewable energy and climate, integrity in politics, the housing crisis and health.
“While people in Indi welcome new funding for aged care and mental health, they generally have very low confidence in the ability of the government to ultimately deliver real change.”
The Benalla Spring Show is on
The report shows that of the Indi residents surveyed:
● 81 per cent believe the government should do more on renewable energy and climate;
● 70 per cent believe there aren’t enough aged care workers to meet community need;
● Respondents had very low confidence in the government’s ability to actually fix the aged care system. Their average confidence level was three out of 10;
● 69 per cent of people who’ve tried to access mental health services in the past 12 months experienced major barriers including lack of services, cost and wait times;
● Respondents had very low confidence in the government’s ability to fix the mental health system. Their average confidence level was two out of 10;
● Two thirds believe housing prices in Indi are too expensive, and that more should be done to help people in regional Australia buy a home;
● Half of respondents with children said the new $1.8 billion child care package would not change their ability to take up child care; and
● Respondents were very concerned for women’s safety and economic security: the average concern level was eight out of 10. The same people weren’t convinced the government could actually effect change: the average confidence level was three out of 10.
Much loved teacher says goodbye to St Joey’s
“As a community independent I listen to my community and put their views first,” Dr Haines said.
“The results of this survey will inform my work over the coming months in Parliament, including how I vote on bills and upcoming meetings with ministers and the Prime Minister.”
The full Indi Budget Survey Reportthis link. can be found at
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
