Lou Costa
See how we've assessed them for all policy statements included in the Build a Ballot tool. Want to suggest a revision? Send us an email at tool@buildaballot.org.au
Policy
Evidence of support
Support level
Budget management
Give the anti-corruption commission more funding and powers
This policy would increase funding and extend the investigative powers of Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), which investigates public-sector corruption and police misconduct. (Source) This policy would provide additional funding beyond the September 2026 reforms now allow IBAC to investigate serious misconduct beyond criminal offences and trace public money through private contractors and subcontractors. (Source) IBAC investigates serious corruption, including the misuse of public money, (Source) so giving it more funding is intended to help save public funds over time.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Integrity and accountability are critical to having trusted political representation. People are losing trust in their governments and politicians and are less satisfied with how democracy works in practice (Source) My goal is to increase trust in political representation through representation as a community independent. In addition to stronger integrity and accountability measures to uncover, investigate and prevent corruption (support the current ‘Big Build’ Royal Commission and IBAC reforms) I am also standing for greater transparency in political donations and lobbying and truth in political advertising, political donation reform to make the system fairer. I also commit to regular public reporting on my work and providing reasons for how I vote on legislation.”
Budget management
Significantly reduce the size of the public service
This policy would reduce the number of staff in Victoria’s government departments and agencies, focusing on back-office roles, through a 10-year hiring freeze and natural attrition. (Source) It claims savings of about $2.2 billion a year on average, compared with about $1.25 billion a year estimated by the Silver Review, an independent review of Victoria’s public service, which the government has partly committed to acting on. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “The size of the public service did not come up as a major issue directly in community listening but there is a very significant need to attract and retain health sector professionals in the region along with other professionals. I certainly support efficient government and eliminating wasteful duplication, but there is a risk that frontline workers will face increasingly large administration burdens if non-service roles are cut. Arbitrary staffing cuts can undermine services, particularly in regional Victoria. Any restructuring should be evidence-based, protect frontline services and demonstrate genuine savings without reducing service quality. This is complex to achieve in practice. I will assess legislation based on listening to the needs of the community and using an evidence-based approach.”
Budget management
Increase taxes on gambling, including pokies, online betting and casinos
This policy would require gambling businesses to pay more tax on revenue from online betting, poker machines and casino games in Victoria. These activities are taxed separately, so implementing the policy would involve changes to several tax rates. (Source) Current gambling tax revenue is forecast at $2.9 billion in 2026–27. (Source) This policy would also end the arrangement that directs half of Victoria’s wagering and betting tax revenue to the racing industry, keeping that money in the state budget instead. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “As reported in our Community Listening Report socio-economic disadvantage is a major issue for large parts of the community, particularly in some of the south-east parts of Shepparton and Mooroopna. Mental health issues are substantial and it is well understood that gambling harm places disproportional impacts on low income households. Behind the statistics are real people — families struggling with debt, children going without, relationships breaking down and people experiencing enormous emotional distress. In regional communities such as ours, where many households are already dealing with cost-of-living pressures, the consequences can be devastating. I support stronger measures to reduce gambling harm, including mandatory pre-commitment systems for poker machines, limits on how much people can lose, and greater protections for people at risk of gambling addiction. I also believe we need to examine the accessibility of poker machines, particularly in communities experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. And I would like to see more investment in prevention, financial counselling, addiction treatment and support for affected families.”
Budget management
Scale back the Suburban Rail Loop
This policy would reduce the scope of Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), while continuing to build the underground rail line between Cheltenham and Box Hill. (Source) Underground connections to existing stations at Box Hill and Glen Waverley would be replaced by surface transfers, alongside cuts to pedestrian bridges, a second entrance at Clayton and some parking and precinct works. (Source) This policy is targeting $2 billion in total savings: approximately $1 billion from these changes and a further $1 billion to be identified through an independent technical review.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is of limited consequence to the Shepparton District community, compared with local public transport connections. Savings that could be made are certainly of interest but without understanding the detail of what is proposed it is hard to comment.”
Housing
Build 80,000 new social housing dwellings over the next decade
This policy would build 80,000 new public and community homes in Victoria over ten years, (Source) with interim milestones to track progress, (Source) through steady direct investment in public housing and grants to community housing organisations. It aims to lift social housing from 3% of Victoria’s housing stock, the lowest share of any state or territory, (Source) to the national average of 4.5%. (Source) Social housing includes both public housing (run by government) and community housing (run by not-for-profits). (Source) (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “More affordable and energy efficient homes is one of my top 10 priorities, with the Shepparton District being prioritised based on regional and rural need and socio-economic disadvantage. We need more social and affordable housing, but we also need greater diversity in the types of housing available, including smaller homes for older people, accessible housing for people with disabilities and accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. I will advocate for greater investment in social housing across our electorate, particularly in communities where housing shortages are affecting people's ability to remain close to family, employment and essential services. I want to secure a funded program for social housing construction and improved public house maintenance throughout the electorate. Housing need is well documented locally, including reports of vacant public housing while families remain on waiting lists including through the Parliament of Victoria. My priorities are 1) Build more social and affordable homes that are energy efficient; 2) Faster repairs and maintenance for vacant public housing; 3) Support emergency accommodation for people in crisis; 4) Make regional housing a state funding priority; 5) Increased support for community housing organisations (such as Beyond Housing, Rumbalara, Catholic Care, Uniting Vic. Tas) in providing housing support services.”
Housing
Replace upfront stamp duty on residential properties with a yearly land tax
This policy would gradually phase out upfront stamp duty on homes and replace it with a yearly land tax on all residential properties, based on the value of the land. Under this policy, land tax would likely also apply to the home people live in, which is currently exempt. (Source) Infrastructure Victoria recommends making this change using a long-term approach “to avoid disruptions to government revenue and the housing market”. (Source) Victoria is already switching commercial and industrial properties from stamp duty to a land tax over ten years. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Our housing priorities do not establish a position on this tax reform. Any decision on my support or opposition would need to consider first-home buyers, existing homeowners, pensioners, regional property values and protections against households paying twice during the transition.”
Housing
Cap yearly rent increases at the rate of inflation
This policy would cap yearly rent increases at the rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The cap would apply to the property rather than the tenancy, so landlords could not evict a tenant to reset the rent at a higher level. (Source) The ACT is the only Australian jurisdiction with a similar policy, where landlords need the tenant’s written agreement or tribunal approval for rent increases that exceed Canberra’s rental inflation rate by more than 10%. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Renters need protection from unreasonable increases and greater housing security. I support examining an inflation-linked cap, provided the design also considers housing supply, property maintenance and unintended consequences for renters. Increasing the supply of affordable housing remains essential.”
Housing
Raise the foreign purchaser duty on residential property
This policy would raise the foreign purchaser additional duty above its current rate of 8%. (Source) Foreign buyers would pay this duty on top of normal land transfer duty, on the share of a residential property they buy. (Source) A federal ban stops most foreign buyers from purchasing established homes until 30 June 2029, (Source) so the higher duty would mainly apply to new homes.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “This issue has not come up on our community listening and is unlikely to be a major issue in the Shepparton District. The potential effect on new housing construction and regional housing affordability would need to be assessed before making a commitment.”
Energy
Extend the operating life of coal-fired power stations
This policy would involve the state government taking steps to keep one or more of Victoria’s coal-fired power stations generating electricity beyond their planned closure dates, such as through financial support, agreements with operators or changes to regulations. Yallourn is scheduled to close in mid-2028 and Loy Yang A in June 2035, so extending their operating lives would mean changing those plans and arrangements with their operators. (Source)(Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Shepparton is already one of the highest risk areas in Australia with respect to being uninsurable, (Source) due to extreme weather events. I strongly support the need for a transition to renewable energy and retention of the net zero target and extending the life of coal-fired power stations is at odds with this.”
Energy
Support households to switch from gas to electric alternatives
This policy would use public funding to help incentivise households replace gas appliances for heating, hot water and cooking, with efficient electric alternatives. Support could take the form of rebates, discounts, zero-interest loans or installation assistance, including for rooftop solar, battery storage and emerging plug-in solar and battery technologies. Victoria already offers discounts on heat pumps and cooktops through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. (Source)(Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Energy efficiency is an important component of reducing everyday costs for households across the electorate. Extreme weather (particularly heat) can significantly push up energy consumption. Many households are low income and help with reducing energy bills through providing incentives to replace gas appliances would be welcomed. The policy would also need to include rental properties.”
Energy
Build transmission to connect renewable energy to homes and businesses
This policy would build new electricity transmission lines — high-voltage power lines that carry electricity over long distances from wind farms and solar farms to the local networks that supply homes and businesses. (Source) Planned projects include the Western Renewables Link, a proposed 190-kilometre line from near Ararat in western Victoria to Melbourne’s north-west. (Source) This policy aims to connect new renewable energy as coal-fired power stations close, including Yallourn, which EnergyAustralia plans to close in mid-2028. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Given the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events and my support for the transition to renewable energy, it is important to build transmission lines to connect sources of renewable energy to businesses and households which need energy. This issue has been locally divisive and has resulted in cancellation of the north-central renewable energy zone. However, Shepparton is a major industrial hub (food processing and manufacturing) and needs to maintain its economic competitiveness. Renewable energy supply is an important component of this and I support necessary infrastructure where its benefits and impacts are demonstrated. The impacts of community energy storage also need to be considered.”
Energy
Give local communities a share of renewable energy projects
This policy would require companies building large wind, solar and battery projects to offer locals a share of the project or its profits. A share of the project means locals own part of it, while profit sharing means locals receive a portion of the project’s earnings. (Source) From July 2027, Victoria will ask companies to consider community co-ownership, but they will not be required to offer it. (Source) (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Communities hosting major renewable energy projects should share in the economic benefits. I support stronger opportunities for local ownership, profit-sharing and community benefit arrangements, with transparent agreements that reflect the needs of affected residents and landholders.”
Education
Cap government funding for private schools at the established standard
This policy would cap total public funding for each Victorian private school at 100% of its Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), the estimate of how much funding a school needs to meet its students’ needs. (Source) On average, Victoria’s private schools are funded slightly above their SRS (about 102.5% in 2023), while Victoria’s public schools are funded below it (about 90%). (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Every child deserves a properly funded education. The Shepparton District needs more educational opportunities for young people to study, train and work locally. A modern technical (TAFE) school is needed to provide pathways into health, trades and apprenticeships, agriculture and emerging technologies. This will be provided through the public sector. Whilst some can afford private school education, a properly funded public education system is critical for many households. The current system appears unfair if some private schools receive more than 100% of SRS funding. Public schools must receive their full needs-based funding entitlement. I support a fair funding system that directs resources according to educational need while considering the circumstances of regional schools.”
Education
Expand government-run childcare centres in regional and high-need areas
This policy would open more government-run childcare centres, mainly in regional and high-need areas. It would build on Early Learning Victoria, the government’s existing childcare provider, which is already building 50 centres that offer kinder and long day care in one place. (Source) It aims to help families in “childcare deserts”, where more than three children compete for every childcare place. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “More affordable childcare options is included as one of my top 10 priority issues. Childcare in regional areas is often very difficult. The region is socio-economically disadvantaged nationally and within Victoria and providing more government run childcare centres would help reduce inequality and provide additional employment opportunities.”
Education
Establish 10 technical colleges to train secondary students in trades
This policy would establish 10 full-time technical colleges, each training up to 500 students in Years 10 to 12 in trades such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry, as well as healthcare and hospitality. (Source) The colleges would sit on existing secondary school and TAFE sites and, like South Australia’s technical colleges, (Source) partner with local industry to create pathways into apprenticeships.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Educational opportunity is one of my top 10 priorities. We need more opportunities for young people to study, train and work locally to provide a skilled workforce for existing and emerging industries. Shepparton needs a modern technical (TAFE) school to provide more pathways into health, trades and apprenticeships, agriculture and emerging technologies and to help reduce regional workforce shortages.”
Education
Fully fund public schools to the established standard
This policy would ensure Victorian government schools are funded to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), the estimate of how much funding a school needs to meet its students’ needs. (Source) Under an agreement between the Victorian and Australian governments, Victoria is lifting its share from about 70% to 75% of the SRS, and the Australian Government from 20% to 25%, so full funding will be achieved by 2034. (Source) (Source) Principals say schools currently rely on voluntary parent contributions to help fill the funding gap. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “I strongly support better funding for Victorian government schools to 100% of the School Resource Standard (SRS). Victoria as supposedly the 'education state' is a laggard in this area and it is really important to increase the opportunities for young people to study, train and work locally.”
Community Safety
Toughen bail laws for serious and repeat offending
This policy would make it harder for people accused of serious offences or repeat offending to receive bail. (Source) Victoria tightened its bail laws in March 2025, applying stricter bail tests to more serious offences and to people who reoffend while on bail. (Source) Further proposed changes include a “one-strike” rule requiring bail refusal for repeat offending, stronger penalties for breaching bail and extending breach-of-bail offences to children.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Community safety is a top 10 priority issue but I am not convinced that the proposed 'one-strike' rule and extending breach of bail offences to children is an evidence based and human-rights centred approach. I would need to understand much more before I would be prepared to fully support.”
Community Safety
Increase investment in early intervention programs for vulnerable young people
This policy would increase state funding for early intervention programs, such as mentoring, family support and help to reconnect with school, work and community, with the aim to keep young people out of the youth justice system. As the Auditor-General found no evidence that Victoria’s existing Youth Crime Prevention Program reduces offending, (Source) this policy would also focus on measurable targets and improving data.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Shepparton has a range of health and mental health services but accessing the health and family services system is overly complex, siloed and not working well according to local service providers such as the Bridge and Giz-a-Break. Whilst tackling crime and policing is important it does not address the root causes of the problem which stem largely from poverty, social inequity and understandable anger and frustration in vulnerable communities. Re-direction of available funding to more place-based and local services, to reduce overlap and waste of some existing funding is important. In addition, each youth in gaol costs $2M/year. Increased early intervention, emphasis on a holistic trauma focussed response and better integration of mental health and family services in Shepparton will help. In addition to overall increased investment into early intervention programs, additional investment in a comprehensive response and address the trauma is needed. Flexible locally relevant programs with local organisations are needed and whilst a focus on measurable targets and better data seems like a great idea, achieving targets will take many years and there is a risk that easily measurable targets are not in fact outcome-based. There is need to increase core funding for child protection services and increase emphasis on care/early intervention rather than the current situation where most funds are currently spent on control and intervention.”
Community Safety
Increase funding to prevent and respond to family, domestic and sexual violence
This policy would increase state funding both to prevent family, domestic and sexual violence, through early intervention and prevention work, and to respond to it, through frontline services such as crisis response, case management, counselling and refuges. Victoria Police recorded 102,830 family violence incidents in the year to June 2026, (Source) and made a record 16,500 family violence arrests. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Family, domestic and sexual violence are significant challenges, often fuelled by mental health and substance abuse, social media, the manosphere and cost of living pressures. It is critical to support families subjected to abuse. Expanded mental health, alcohol and drug and homelessness support services are needed and as is increased and sustained funding and front line services to keep (mostly) women and families safe from domestic violence. Regional communities also need timely access to specialist support, including services that are culturally safe and accessible to people facing additional barriers. Prevention and early intervention support is critical as is the need to increase emergency accommodation for people in crisis. Increased support for community housing organisations (such as Beyond Housing, Rumbalara, Catholic Care, Uniting Vic. Tas) in providing housing support services is also needed.”
Community Safety
Expand police stop-and-search powers to seize weapons in public spaces
This policy, known as “Jack’s Law”, would allow police to scan anyone in a public place for knives and other metal weapons with a handheld metal detector, without a warrant or suspicion. (Source) Police can currently do this only inside formally declared “designated areas”, such as shopping centres or train stations. (Source) This policy would remove the need to declare an area first. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “My platform supports visible, effective policing alongside evidence-based and human-rights-informed community safety measures. It does not establish support for suspicionless searches across all public spaces. Such a proposal requires careful consideration of safeguards, effectiveness and the risk of discriminatory enforcement.”
Health
Open 10 free public dental clinics
This policy would open 10 free, walk-in public dental clinics across Victoria — seven in Melbourne and three in regional areas — from July 2027. (Source) The clinics would provide free check-ups and treatment such as fillings, root canals and extractions, prioritising people with the most urgent needs, and could treat more than 100,000 people a year. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Whilst not raised specifically in community listening work, dental care is essential healthcare, yet cost prevents many people from getting treatment. I support expanding affordable public dental services, with regional Victoria receiving its fair share. Greater access to preventive treatment would improve health outcomes and reduce pressure on hospitals. Support would be conditional on appropriate means testing.”
Health
Build more discharge lounges to ease ambulance ramping
This policy would create a fund to build or expand up to 10 discharge lounges in Victorian hospitals, starting with those experiencing the worst overcrowding and ambulance ramping. (Source) In a discharge lounge, patients ready to go home can wait for medication, transport or paperwork, which frees their ward bed for a new patient. (Source) This aims to move patients out of emergency departments faster, so paramedics spend less time waiting outside hospitals. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Ambulance ramping and hospital overcrowding need practical solutions. Discharge lounges may help improve patient flow where hospitals have demonstrated need, but they must be accompanied by adequate staffing, community care and discharge support. I would prioritise measures that demonstrably reduce waiting times and improve patient care.”
Health
Increase funding for community health services
Community health services are local services funded by the Victorian Government to provide allied health, counselling and nursing care, with a focus on groups such as children and people with chronic disease. (Source) This policy would increase the government’s core funding for community health services and bush nursing centres, so they can offer more prevention, early detection and care close to where people live. (Source) Over time, this aims to reduce demand for more complex and costly care in hospitals and emergency departments. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Regional communities need better access to healthcare close to home. I support increased investment in community health, mental health, allied health, preventive services and local healthcare workers. This must complement further redevelopment of GV Health, including improved cancer and cardiac care.”
Health
Fund private hospitals to perform more elective surgery for public patients
Based on Queensland’s Surgery Connect program, (Source) this policy would let public patients choose to have elective surgery at a private hospital at no cost, through four-year contracts with private hospitals that have spare capacity. (Source) It would cover common procedures such as hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery and colonoscopies, and aims to halve the waiting list by delivering an extra 25,000 surgeries a year.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Patients should not face excessive waits for essential surgery. I support using available healthcare capacity where it can safely and cost-effectively reduce public waiting lists, provided treatment remains free for public patients and public hospitals are not deprived of staff or resources.”
Climate
Establish a climate disaster recovery fund
This policy would create an ongoing Victorian fund to pay for clean-up, repairs to community infrastructure and local recovery services after climate disasters such as bushfires, floods and storms. Victoria already shares eligible recovery costs with the Commonwealth, (Source) but this policy would add a dedicated state fund for any disaster.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Floods, fires and extreme weather have serious consequences for regional communities. Shepparton is already one of the highest risk areas in Australia with respect to being uninsurable (Source) I support reliable, ongoing disaster recovery funding, alongside stronger investment in preparedness, flood resilience, emergency services and infrastructure. Increased investment into flood resilience and disaster preparation in partnership with the federal government is needed for the Shepparton District. The strengthening of early warning systems and emergency responses for flood management is also required. Communities should not have to wait for ad hoc funding decisions after every disaster.”
Climate
Strengthen regulations to reduce land clearing on private land
This policy would tighten restrictions on removing native vegetation from privately owned land. Victoria already requires a council planning permit to remove native vegetation unless an exemption applies, so the change would strengthen existing controls. (Source) It would also provide dedicated state funding for councils to monitor clearing and enforce the rules, potentially using satellite and aerial imagery, as recommended by the Auditor-General. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “I support the advocacy priorities of the Goulburn Valley Environment Group for vegetation, water and bushfire management. The Shepparton District is one of the most highly cleared areas within Victoria. Local community groups have objected to native vegetation removal for development of agricultural land. There is very limited transparency and accountability for community groups to understand why particular permits have been granted and whether off-setting arrangements are both honoured and appropriate. Compliance and enforcement are currently lacking and I would support the use of satellite and aerial imagery to be used.”
Climate
Legislate a duty of care to protect young people and future generations from climate harm
This policy would create a legal duty for Victorian decision-makers to prioritise the health and wellbeing of young people and future generations when assessing coal, oil and gas projects. They would have to assess how a project’s contribution to climate change could harm young people. (Source) Victoria’s Climate Change Act already requires the Minister to consider climate change when deciding whether to approve onshore oil and gas. This policy would add a specific duty focused on children and future generations. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Prioritising the health and wellbeing of young people and future generations to reduce the impacts of climate change is both morally and environmentally the right thing to do. Young people and future generations are inheriting our landscapes and ecosystems and not enough is being done at State of Federal level currently. I support this principle and would examine the proposed legislation carefully to ensure its obligations are clear, workable and consistent with effective environmental protection.”
Climate
Increase funding and resources for the Country Fire Authority
This policy would increase state funding and resources for the Country Fire Authority (CFA), whose volunteer brigades respond to fires and other emergencies across much of rural and regional Victoria. (Source) Additional funding could replace ageing fire trucks, upgrade stations and protective equipment, and provide training and support to recruit and retain volunteers. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Given the increasing bushfire risk plus the ageing fire trucks, stations and gear, I strongly support increased state funding and resources for the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Recruitment and training of volunteers is also very important. Poorly resourced brigades will not help attract and retain vital CFA volunteers. As climate risks increase, our emergency services must have the resources to respond effectively.”
Transport
Cap tolls at $30 a week for one year
This policy would cap weekly toll costs at $30 for cars, motorbikes and light commercial vehicles on CityLink, EastLink and the West Gate Tunnel throughout 2027. (Source) Motorists would keep paying tolls as usual, then claim back what they paid above $30 a week through a quarterly Service Victoria rebate, up to $350 a week or $5,000 a year per vehicle.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “This proposal is principally directed at Melbourne toll-road users and is of limited significance for the Shepparton District. Its cost and distributional effects should be assessed alongside transport affordability needs across regional Victoria.”
Transport
Spend 5% of the transport budget on safe, connected bike paths
This policy would dedicate 5% of the state transport budget to planning and building safe, separated cycling routes across Melbourne and regional centres. (Source) This 5% would be new funding, on top of existing walking and cycling funding and bike paths already built through major road and level crossing projects.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Safe walking and cycling connections improve community health, accessibility and transport choice. I support greater investment in connected cycling infrastructure, including regional centres, but would assess the proposed fixed budget percentage against other transport needs and project priorities.”
Transport
Spend at least $3 billion a year maintaining state roads
This policy would guarantee at least $3 billion a year to maintain state-managed roads. The Department of Transport estimated this is the amount needed to stop roads getting worse while replacing ageing assets. (Source) This is nearly three times the $1.04 billion budgeted for 2026–27, (Source) and more than double the $1.39 billion total, once an extra $352 million for pothole repairs is included. (Source) 82% of state roads are in regional Victoria, which also have the highest proportion of roads as being in poor or very poor condition. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Regional roads need sustained, properly funded maintenance rather than short-term repairs. I support a substantial increase in road maintenance investment, particularly for high-risk regional roads, freight routes and intersections. Funding should reflect demonstrated need, road condition and safety outcomes. Particular priorities are: 1) Properly funded road repair and rebuilding programs, recognising Shepparton’s importance as a transport hub; 2) Upgrade high-risk intersections, in particular the Numurkah/Naring/Tocumwal Road intersection; 3) Improve roads used by trucks and farm machinery; 4) Progress a second Shepparton–Mooroopna river crossing. The second river crossing is already a major council priority because of congestion, freight movements and flood resilience (greatershepparton.vic.gov.au).”
Transport
Improve frequency and connections across all Victorian public transport systems
This policy would run buses, trains and trams more often across Victoria and make it easier to change between them. Examples include metro trains at least every 20 minutes until midnight and key cross-suburban buses every 20 minutes, (Source) with upgrades to busy interchange stations such as Caulfield and Richmond. (Source) It would also align bus timetables with train and tram timetables so passengers wait less when they change services. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Better, more frequent and more accessible public transport across the Shepparton District is a top 10 priority. My priorities are: 1) More regular bus services between rural towns (particularly Numurkah, Nathalia and Tatura); 2) Better bus services for Kialla and growing suburbs; 3) More regular bus services and connection between Shepparton and Mooroopna; 4) More frequent and reliable trains to Melbourne; 5) Bus timetables that connect with train services; 5) Affordable transport for young people and older residents.”
Other policies
Pause new AI data centres until protections are in place
This policy would temporarily pause approvals and construction of new AI data centres in Victoria until stronger, enforceable safeguards are in place for electricity and water use, the environment, and nearby communities. It aims to give communities time to weigh the risks and benefits, (Source) and give councils and residents a say on future projects. (Source) Victoria’s new planning rules are not yet legally binding, and only cover applications lodged from 23 September 2026, not the state’s 50 existing data centres. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Whilst this has not yet been a 'hot button' issue in the Shepparton District, it could become one as data centres are pressured out of Melbourne. Experience from the western suburbs of Melbourne has shown that fast-tracked AI data centres did not consider the impacts on local communities (health related pollution impacts, noise, amenity, fire-risk), nor the need for additional electricity infrastructure (huge power poles in residential streets) and water use. Understandably the community backlash has been enormous, resulting in a moratorium currently. Given that Shepparton is well located in the centre of Victoria, avoiding or at least reducing the outrage that has occurred in the western Melbourne is highly desirable.”
Other policies
Repeal the Treaty legislation and the First Peoples' Assembly
Victoria became the first Australian state to legislate a Treaty with First Peoples in 2025, establishing Gellung Warl, which includes the elected First Peoples’ Assembly. (Source) The Treaty was developed over nearly a decade of extensive community consultation, including elections for the First Peoples' Assembly. Negotiations between the Assembly and the government that were held across Victoria so communities could take part. (Source)(Source) Gellung Warl cannot make or veto laws, but can question ministers and must receive a treaty compatibility statement with every bill. (Source) This policy would repeal that legislation and abolish those bodies.
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “A top 10 priority for Shepparton to have an inclusive community where differences in languages, cultures and faiths are respected and celebrated. The Shepparton District has a significantly higher indigenous population than the Victorian average of 1%. Mooroopna had the highest percentage of indigenous people (7.4%), followed by Shepparton south-east (4.7%). I support Victoria's Treaty process and recognise the historical injustices, dispossession and intergenerational trauma experienced by First Peoples. Treaty offers an opportunity to build more respectful relationships, strengthen self-determination and improve outcomes. I actively stand against racism and division in all settings and am a strong supporter of the Victorian Treaty and the First Peoples' Assembly.”
Other policies
Provide free abortion care
This policy would remove out-of-pocket costs for medication and surgical abortions before 16 weeks of pregnancy by paying participating private providers to deliver the care. Currently, most abortions in Victoria are provided privately, where patients may pay fees even after Medicare rebates. (Source) This policy would also include travel assistance for eligible patients who need to travel long distances for care. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “Regional areas already face higher medical costs and travel than people in Melbourne. Healthcare is a very high priority issue for the region and abortions are an important part of the medical services needed. Removal of out-of-pocket expenses for women and girls requiring an abortion would reduce the trauma associated with having an abortion.”
Other policies
Give workers a legal right to work from home two days a week
This policy would give eligible Victorian employees a legal right to work from home two days a week where reasonable, with a proportionate entitlement for part-time and regular casual employees. (Source) Employers could refuse on specified grounds, such as duties requiring attendance, significant productivity or safety impacts, or excessive costs, and would have to explain their reasons. (Source) Employees could challenge a refusal through the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and, if unresolved, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. (Source) On 10 September 2026, the Legislative Council voted to send the bill to a parliamentary committee, so it is not yet law. (Source)
Response to Build a Ballot Vic 2026: “This issue was not highlighted with the community listening process and the situation/context in regional Victoria can be different to that faced in Melbourne. Considerations would have to include flexibility for employees, reasonable operational requirements for employers, fairness to workers whose roles cannot be performed remotely and the implications for small regional businesses before I could take a considered position on this issue.”