Ahead of Saturday’s federal election, The Wimmera Mail-Times took to the street to see what issues are on Mallee minds.
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HEALTH, roads, education and stability are deciding votes across the Mallee this federal election.
Opinions were divided across the electorate in the lead up to July 2, with a range of issues playing on voter’s minds.
First time voter Ami Netherway of Quantong said she was nervous to cast her vote.
She said in the end she decided her preferences based on issues she encountered everyday.
“I’d like to see more funding towards schools,” she said.
“I’ve just finished year 12 so that’s on my mind.
“I want to see better schools and better classroom.
“It’s my first time voting and I was not sure what to think.
“I also want better roads. I live out of town and the roads are dangerous.”
Horsham’s Barry Crewther said in a time of global instability, stable economic management and governance was important to him.
“I think maintaining a stable government is important right now,” he said.
“I believe the current Coalition government has a better track record of managing the economy than the alternatives.
“Maintaining Wimmera services is another important issue, looking after roads and infrastructure.”
His wife Debbie believed Mallee would benefit for a bit less predictable stability and stronger education options.
“The major issue is not continuing as we are,” she said.
“I was born a farmer’s daughter at Jeparit and I think we need more parties to go against the Nationals. We need to not have Nationals dominate Mallee.
“We also need to look at university, TAFE and employment options.
“At the moment we're losing young people from the area, all my children left to study or work and few people come back.”
Horsham’s Endoh Jah said when he was in the polling booth he thought of what would most benefit his family.
“The important thing for me is family, so taking care of families," she said.
“Medicare and health, ensuring people have proper access to care as well as childcare and education.
“They're the issues that matter.”
Horsham’s Nicolas Del Real attended early polling booths with his young child and also said family was a deciding factor for him.
"My decision came down to what party prioritised families and basic people who work or are on legitimate welfare," he said.
“I’d like to live in a place where you see elderly people have a nice life post retirement.
“I want the government to make society fair and for funding to be distributed across the population.”
Horsham’s Jenny Hardingham said while affordable childcare and a good education system were important to her, the biggest issue was the future of Medicare.
“There too many to count, but the big one is Medicare,” she said.
“Where we are in Australia, Medicare is for everyone.
“Everyone is covered for their health.
“I think it's very important to keep Medicare for everyone.
“If it's privatised people wont be able to afford the care they need.
“Also education, hospital and roads – they all need fixing.”
Pedro Gil, also of Horsham, said all he wants this election was a little bit more money in his pension account.
“I’m 78 and I think the government and parties are all the same,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter who you’re voting for.
“I don’t want much, I think we’re very lucky here.
“All I want is change to the pension, a little bit more would be very helpful.
“It’d be good for everyone. I was born far away and think we’re very lucky.”