The strength of our vote
As the federal election draws closer, all eyes turn to Canberra – but here in Flinders, the decision is ours. Our voices will shape the next chapter for our towns and coastlines, and the nation itself.
This campaign has been lively, passionate, and – at times – sharp around the edges. That’s to be expected when the stakes feel high. People care. They’re paying attention, asking questions, and getting involved. And that’s something to celebrate, not shy away from.
Flinders is no stranger to strong opinions and spirited debate. We’re a region of thinkers, doers, and people who aren’t afraid to speak up. But the strength of our democracy lies not in how loudly we talk, but in how we listen. All candidates deserve to be heard, and all voters deserve to be respected.
This is not a contest of enemies, but a community of equals – neighbours who might vote differently but stand side by side at the school gate, the jetty, or the dog park. The people stepping forward to represent us offer their time, energy, and conviction. They should be met with dignity, not derision.
As we cast our votes – whether early, by post, or on election day itself – let’s remember that democracy is not just about picking a winner. It’s about honouring the process. The peaceful transfer of power, the right to choose freely, and the knowledge that each vote carries equal weight are gifts not to be taken for granted. No matter the outcome, life in Flinders will continue – waves rolling in, and people nodding good morning. What unites us is greater than what divides us.
Let’s keep it that way.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Election coverage
As a frequent writer to the letters page at The News I must compliment the editorial team for their excellent work over the period of this election campaign. It has been wonderful to see a double page spread canvassing the views of each side and the middle of the political spectrum without any obvious bias. This is a refreshing break from the rest of the mainstream media where readers of the Murdoch papers would get the impression that the Labor party and Greens were sitting either side of the devil and the Coalition are the shining light of hope. Other papers such as The Age provide at least some balance but none give such balanced coverage and local political information as does Mornington Peninsula News Group. Well done.
Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
Climate stance
Can anyone believe this? World Earth Day 2025 and six councillors of the Mornington Peninsula Shire council decide on this day to rush through without any community consultation a motion to rescind the council’s climate action plan. On what basis? Given the 2024/2025 council budget allocated $2.1m for “climate action and advocacy” (0.7% of the total budget Income of $295.6m) it can’t be for fiscal reasons as claimed.
Science (and common sense) suggests that if urgent action following a considered plan is not undertaken now many many multiples of this 0.7% will need to be spent in the future (the McCrae house landslide costs and consequences will probably in retrospect seem insignificant!).
There was no stated intent for this council decision in any of the elected councillors election statements or pamphlets so is there some ideological intent that the ratepayers have not been informed about?
Rather a sad irony that this egregious vote to rescind was a day after Pope Francis died – who called upon us all to “listen to the cry of the earth”. Obviously these six Councillors aren’t listening (to the Earth or their ratepayers).
Stephen Graley, Mount Martha
Rise of the flat earther
It seems there is a need for at least six of our elected councillors who have become members of the flat earth society, to be educated by their electors about the seriousness of the threat of climate change to our lives.
Scrapping climate emergency action without seeking some guidance from their constituents looks very Trumpian and will put many citizen in peril from a changing climate. Sea level rise, just to mention one real issue for a peninsula is already affecting places like Balnarring and other coastal communities.
Also the chances of more serious bush fire threats and flooding of low lying areas of the peninsula are increasing. This is not the time for six of our councillors to stick their heads in the sand.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
Tree destruction
I write with deep concern and growing disbelief over the latest wave of tree destruction sanctioned by our local council. The new enforcement rules demanding excessive pruning are nothing short of environmental vandalism. Take a walk through Tootgarook and you’ll see for yourself: once a thriving green corridor, full of life and native habitat, has been reduced to a wasteland of butchered trees. Trees that have coexisted peacefully with roads and walkways since I’ve lived here (over fourteen years) are suddenly deemed hazardous – reduced to barren trunks. This isn’t maintenance. It’s desecration.
The foliage that once supported local wildlife has been decimated. No food for possums, no cover for nesting birds, no habitat for the insects that feed our bats and birds. It’s as though this policy was designed to rid the area of wildlife entirely. The most maddening part? Many of these trees posed no obstruction – no danger to pedestrians, no impact on traffic sight lines. This blanket approach of one-size-fits-all is not only wasteful but deeply ignorant. Meanwhile, cars continue to park illegally on corners (especially during school holidays), genuinely obstructing visibility and risking safety – yet nothing is done.
And for all the native trees that were torn out to make way for new footpaths, where is the replanting? Where is the plan to restore what’s been lost? Council’s priorities seem entirely backward. Do we want sterile, treeless streets with no wildlife? Is that really the endgame? The climate crisis is here. Biodiversity loss is here. We cannot afford this kind of shortsighted destruction disguised as “management.” We need common sense. We need nuance. We need policy that values the life in our streets, not just the concrete.
Nat James, Tootgarook
Trump confusion
In reference to John Flynn’s statement that he draws inspiration from Donald Trumps style of government (Make Australia great again, Letters 15/4/25), I find myself wondering exactly which part of Trump’s so called “revolutionary” politics he admires. Is it the building of a wall stretching from Cairns to Broome or cancelling our $700b dollars in international trade deals to enforce tariffs.
Does Flynn support the idea of sending the 30% of our immigrant population to a prison on Christmas Island? Or dismantling the judicial system whenever it disagrees with Peter Dutton’s agenda? Perhaps its the practice of punishing dissenters – making sure they never work again that’s most appealing.
Then there’s the threat to education and free thought, withdrawing funding from universities if they express views that diverge from the current government. Is this the kind of leadership Flynn is promoting?
Maybe, in this vision, Peter Dutton could enlist his friend Gina Rhinehart to take the stage with a chainsaw, symbolically slashing government sector jobs – a theatrical flourish to accompany real world cuts. And when it comes to nuclear energy, perhaps he’ll buy uranium from her too, completing the circle of mateship capitalism.
If this is the inspiration Flynn sees in Trump, it raises serious concerns about the future direction of Australian politics.
Helen Dalton, Rye
Trump comedy
Does John Flynn of Rosebud write his own material? If so he must get a gig at next year’s comedy festival. The idea that one could support both Trump and traditional values is hilarious – sheer genius.
Unless of course we take those values to include vanity, duplicity, vulgarity, sexual abuse, disrespect for the law, intolerance etc.
Ashley Wharton, Flinders
The housing crisis
We have a housing and homelessness crisis in this country and in our local community the situation is one of worst in Victoria. As an older person I find it very unfair that young people cannot afford a home indeed distressingly some of them are living in tents on our local foreshores.
Let’s face the facts the housing and homelessness crisis has been over a decade in the making and governments have been too slow to acknowledge the reality of their failure to support the building of more new homes both private and community housing. Indeed it is only recently we have a designated Minister for Housing in the federal government.
There is also no question that the Mornington Peninsula is not getting its fair share of federal and state government funding for community housing and crisis accommodation. It’s a disgrace that the very real and growing needs of our local community are being consistently overlooked. This situation must change.
When you are voting beware of the short term sugar hits being offered by politicians and parties and spend some time asking local candidates how they are going to realistically assist your children and grandchildren to have the security of place to call home.
Marilyn Hoban, Mornington
Climate stance
It was pleasing to read that Sarah Race, Labor candidate for Flinders, is prioritising climate change and the environment in her campaigning (“Smith talks business, McKenzie makes two new pledges, Race leans into climate and cost of living as field of seven set”, The News 22/4/25).
Many concerned about the climate crisis will be disappointed that the Mornington Peninsula Shire council just voted to dump their climate emergency declaration. As global temperature records continue to tumble, and sea level rise risks our coastal areas, this stance could be considered negligence. Australians need leaders prioritising solutions that will tackle cost of living and climate issues in one fell swoop.
Amy Hiller, Kew
A positive future
Despite some numbers not being easy calculated – e. g energy cost reductions. There is only one serious choice at this time for the future of this great country and for the Mornington Peninsula at this time, a vote for a Labor government.
For Sarah Race as a true local candidate who has lived, breathed and served this community bringing up her family and working to make it a better place. And for Anthony Albanese who has improved our overall debt and guided us through some obstinate and obstructive Coalition opposition and the delays initiated by the Greens who want perfection in every decision regardless of the cost to the nation.
Yes we are better off than we were, have there been and are there challenges yes there are. But only a compassionate and caring Labor government can continue to guide us into a better future.
Ken Norris, McCrae
Liberals flip-flops
Zoe McKenzie, the Liberal candidate for Flinders is standing for a party that has a policy position for every occasion. They started off with a policy that did away with “working from home” then ditched that policy when it was found to be unpopular, but now, the Liberals believe doing away with “working from home” is a really good policy whose time hasn’t come yet.
Next we have sacking 41,000 public servants, which was changed to not sacking 41,000 public servants, which has now been changed to, we will get rid 41,000 public servants as vacancies arise.
What’s next, oh yes, first we have the Russians are coming, that was changed to, that was a mistake, the Russians are not really coming, which is now changed to, but they may be coming. And finally we have Ms Cash who says if you vote for Dutton you get Trump, which was changed to, well no he is not like Trump at all he is his own man, until now when we have Ms Price who says let’s “Make Australia Great Again”.
So for Zoe McKenzie it really is a smorgasbord of policy positions, she has one for every occasion depending on to whom she is talking. You really couldn’t make this stuff up.
Bob Impey, Mornington
Dirty campaign
Early in the election campaign, after I received a negative mail out, I wrote asking for a respectful, honourable campaign. I was hoping there would be a genuine contest of ideas, policies and plans for the future of the electorate of Flinders. Nearing the end of the campaign I have been more than disappointed at the demonising nastiness that has been evident on social media and some mail outs.
Policies aside, as I come to my decision of who to vote for, I know I want the MP who represents me to be a positive, grounded local who does not rely on disparaging the opposition to gain votes. I will be glad when, and hope that, the divisiveness and tensions within our community end on election night.
Rosemary Bates, McCrae
Zoe will be in opposition
With Labor likely to win the upcoming election, if Zoe McKenzie wins, she will find herself in opposition again. And let’s be honest – when you’re in opposition, you’re powerless to make real change. No matter how much Zoe talks about delivering for the peninsula, the reality is that she won’t have the ability to do so – as she hasn’t for the last three years.
We’ve seen this before: promises made, but little to show for it. When you’re not in government, you can’t deliver the changes you talk about. Zoe’s time in office has been a perfect example of this – lots of talk, but no action. She may claim to have the solutions, but in opposition, she simply won’t have the power to back them up.
The truth is, Liberal and Labor hate each other so much that they end up stifling progress at every turn. Rather than working together for the good of the country, they spend their time fighting over petty points, leaving communities like ours stuck in limbo.
The peninsula deserves more than just another politician making empty promises. We need someone who can actually deliver for our community, no matter the party in power. Zoe McKenzie’s promises won’t change anything – because, once again, she’ll be sitting on the sidelines.
Craig Fern, Sorrento
Zoe’s Higgins tilt
Thanks to Kerrie McCoy of Dromana (McKenzie’s past, Letters 15/4/25) for pointing out our current Flinders MP’s previous attempts at election in 2019. Andrew Barrett also of Dromana (Lies about McKenzie, Letters 23/4/25) made clear that Zoe McKenzie was not on the AEC Ballot in 2019. She could not have been because she did not win Liberal Party preselection in the inner South East Melbourne seat of Higgins.
It took quite some digging find out where she really wanted to be a successful candidate because as Kerrie said, the information was not in the Herald Sun, nor The Australian. However The Guardian of 24 February 2019, and The Age of the same date reported that McKenzie lost to Katie Allen in the preselection for Higgins for that year.
Given, as Andrew Barrett reports Zoe McKenzie as articulating many times “that she lives in her only home in Sorrento which she bought in 2012”, you have to wonder why the Higgins attempt if she wasn’t living there. It’s quite some drive to the electorate office.
The contrast between the two areas couldn’t be more stark and clearly, we are the second choice or our current MP. The commitment to the peninsula and its residents cannot be questioned for either the former shire councillor, Sarah Race nor the CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, Ben Smith.
Don Juniper, Bittern
The parties are worried
The major parties are rattled. And it is no wonder. For the first time in a long time, they are actually being held accountable by someone who is listening to the community. Ben Smith is not playing by the usual rules. He is not dropping in with promises right before the election. He has been here the whole time, working with local charities, raising his family, and doing the work long before a campaign was on the horizon. That is what makes him a real threat to the old way of doing politics. He is not backed by party donors or factions. He is backed by locals, just like us.
The fear campaigns, the misinformation, and the sudden flurry of attention from candidates who previously did not bother to show up all point to one thing. An independent like Ben can make a real difference. We have a real chance to vote for someone who puts the community first, not the party machine.
Judy Seager, Mornington
Smith integrity
I realise that now we’re at the pointy end of the election campaign, voters are bound to become more suspicious about any of the candidates’ motivations, not to mention their capacity to fulfil their promises. Perhaps this is simply part of the Australia character – an in-built distrust of politicians – and it’s not altogether unwarranted. Even so, ultimately we all have to make a choice – and let’s remember that it’s not really that onerous a duty – it’s a treasured right which is denied to the vast majority of people around the world.
I make no secret of being a proud Ben Smith supporter. I decided to give him my vote, and my help based on his track record helping people in great need on the peninsula. I’ve heard unsolicited recommendations from people who have worked with him and people who have benefitted from his assistance. Every time I’ve spoken to him, I’ve found him to be astute, thoughtful, attentive and above all, positive. Like most of us, he seeks solutions, no conflict and suspicion. Unlike most politicians, he has the skills and vision to achieve those solutions. That’s why I consider him the best choice for Flinders.
Jeff Cook, Balnarring
First independent vote
I’m voting for independent candidate Ben Smith this election. It’s my first time voting for an independent but the policies and direction of the major parties (fossil fuel backers; Trump-style rhetoric;) concern me.
I have been impressed by Ben’s ethos of climate action, housing equity, integrity and social justice. And his promise to listen. Host monthly town hall meetings and actually listen. As a 25+ year resident I haven’t felt listened to, by the incumbents. And yes, I’ve met with them all.
Having investigated Ben Smith’s donation base – over 35,800 donors through Climate 200; and 400 local donors – I am heartened to see a groundswell of people from all walks of life who support science-based climate policies and consequently a strong cross-bench.
I am concerned about the world that we are leaving our youth (including my four young adults), concerned the incumbent LNP 2nd preference is going to One Nation (far-right); but Ben Smith gives me hope for a fair and just future.
Karina Smith, Somers
Why I’m supporting Ben
I’ve been more invested in this election than I have in years. The reason is the community independent candidate Ben Smith. Despite all the argy bargy mud throwing politics we witnessed, Ben remained calm and focussed on the goal. Ben led with integrity all through the campaign, when others go low, he goes high. This is twofold as it demonstrates he has integrity plus he knows that what you focus on multiplies.
So Ben is focussed on housing, food, energy costs, gambling reform, GP access, Rosebud Hospital investment, aged care improvements, NDIS improvements, mental health access, accountability in politics, the Mornington Peninsula getting its fair share, small business support, fully funded public education, better public transport, protecting our beautiful peninsula, climate solutions, keeping our communities safe and finding better solutions to end domestic and family violence. It’s a very important list, that covers our important issues here locally.
A local person wanting to focus on our local issues after meeting thousands of people during his “Politics in the Pub” sessions in every town. Of course Ben will be voting on the domestic and international legislation but not at the expense of our local needs.
Ben has earned the votes of thousands because he is invested in helping us get better outcomes for everyone, especially those doing it tough.
Tracey Asquith, Hastings
It’s our turn
We’ve seen some incredible independents shake up politics across the country, like Jacqui Lambie, David Pocock, and others, and it’s exciting to think that it could be our turn now. They’ve shown us that there’s another way—politics can be about real people and progress. And I’m optimistic that we can get the same with Ben Smith as our independent.
I know a few people who’ve gotten involved in Ben’s campaign, and honestly, it’s been amazing to watch. This campaign isn’t being run by party insiders or political machines. It’s powered by locals who genuinely care about the Peninsula and want to make things better for everyone. Ben brings experience, integrity, and a calm, thoughtful approach.
The two-party system has been failing us. We all know it. There has been failure after failure. Robodebt. Veterans Affairs. Car Park rorts. For decades no one good or in their right mind has wanted to go into politics because everyone knows it’s a dirty game. So it’s really refreshing to see people like Ben, who has worked in the community for a long time, put his hand up. He’s here to actually represent the community so we can have our say in the direction of the country. I’ve had enough of the same old, and I’ll be voting for Ben.
Kiran Hayes, Sorrento
Optimism
Being part of the community movement behind Ben Smith has been one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had in a long time. It’s been genuinely refreshing to connect with people, young and old, who care deeply about this place and want something better for it.
I’ve made some incredible, lifelong friends through this campaign, people I might never have met otherwise. We come from all walks of life, but what unites us is that we’ve all had enough of politics as usual. I’ve lost trust in the big parties. I’ve seen how disconnected they’ve become from the real world, and frankly, I don’t think they deserve the benefit of the doubt anymore.
Politics is a dirty business, and that’s exactly why we need honest people in it. People who actually listen, who show up for us, the community, and who don’t owe favours to party bosses. That’s why I’m backing Ben. He’s thoughtful, community-minded, and not afraid to take on the tough stuff. I truly hope he comes out the other side of this campaign as our new MP. He’s exactly what the peninsula needs, and what politics needs too.
Kim Robbins, Safety Beach
I’m done waiting
In 1995, while walking along McCrae foreshore with my family, my son and daughter noticed holes in a number of eucalypts and banksias, some estimated as 100 years old or more. Regrettably these trees had been deliberately poisoned. I alerted the press and it hit the front page of the local peninsula news that week. I was quoted saying: “How dare they do this so blatantly. They are for the enjoyment of future generations. Nobody has the right to take that away”. But nothing came of it. No one was fined and we watched forlornly as we lost the trees.
Thirty years on, the issues are the same: dunes eroding, bushland cleared, and the major parties still waving glossy promises that never sprout. This election I’m done waiting. I’m giving my first preference to Ben Smith – our community independent who’s putting us first. If you love our environment, peninsula’s unique beaches and bush, join me. Vote 1 Ben Smith.
Peter Marsh, McCrae
No to Smith
Smith has never answered my assertion that he is not an independent because he is beholden to Climate 200. He has to by virtue of the fact that he accepts their funding which is not unconditional.
There is no problem with Ben receiving funding as all candidates do. The problem is the deception that he is free to vote on any issue without being accountable to any organisation. Not true.
He no doubt agrees with Climate 200 that renewables are the only way to achieve net zero in spite of the enormous environmental damage required to establish the wind and solar farms, not to mention the unknown effect on wildlife. He doesn’t seem to mind that other developed countries that have gone down this path now have the highest electricity prices in first world countries.
Already our efforts to increase renewables , much boasted about by Chris Bowen have cost countless billions, possibly as high as $35 billion, of tax payers money. Everything to do with renewables; solar panels, electric cars, batteries are all subsidised. They would not be financially viable without subsidies. How long can this practice go on for? Our country is already heading for $1 trillion debt.
That’s Albanese’s idea of building for the future.
Yes Mr Ray Peck, I do agree that we have to take note of who is saying it but that is always secondary to the message. That lesson should have been learnt 2000 years ago when possibly the greatest message ever was rejected by the great scholars of the time.
Keith Davis, Somers
Stick to doing good work
The highest calling of the independent candidate in Flinders is probably the very good work he is doing for many people of our Mornington Peninsula. His supporters in this election are deluded about what he would achieve if in federal parliament. For the benefit of most residents here, let us look forward to the self-delusion of many letter-writers being overcome by the realism of a majority of voters in our electorate. There are many writers who are clearly gullible in choosing to support Ben Smith because he says he just wants to please local residents of this electorate. He would not achieve most of his proclaimed objectives in the parliament as an independent member. Most people who vote for him would ultimately be disappointed, if he were to be elected.
William Whipp, Sorrento
Climate change is great
We are currently enjoying the best summer and early autumn that Victoria has had for decades. If this is climate change, then bring it on! A few facts for our climate change religious zealot correspondents who seem to live in Hawthorn, Kew and Mt Martha.
- Without oil and gas, we would not have;
- most antibiotics or pharmaceutical’s so millions would suffer or die
- fertilisers so millions would starve of starvation
- mobile phones, tv’s or radio’s,
- steel or most metals so the basis of our standard of living would not exist (Housing, transport, electricity cables, solar panels !?)
- fuel for tractors, and agricultural machinery enabling us to grow food, and for trucks to be able to distribute food
- Scientists say that the world has been both colder and warmer than it is currently. There is nil evidence overall of increased cyclones, bushfires or other weather events, and no shortage of rain. There is an increase in mobile phone cameras recording events.
- There is nil evidence that a warmer world would be deleterious to human life. Many more humans die of cold rather than heat and currently humans cope with temperature variations from -40c to +45c.
- Carbon Dioxide represents 0.04% of the earth’s atmosphere and a minimum of 0.02% is essential to maintain plant life and to ensure that the earth’s temperature does not drop to catastrophic levels for human life.
- Renewables may provide 40% of the electricity supply on average, and if ignoring the huge subsidies by governments, and the need to overbuild capacity, some renewables may be ‘cheaper marginal’ electricity sources when they are working. However providing reliable 24/7 electricity supply backup will rely on gas generation which must be included in the huge cost of unreliable renewables.
Alan Reid, Sorrento
Go Joe
These pages are certainly alive with community concerns and how refreshing to see independent candidate Joseph Toscano bringing national vision and new policies to the electoral scene. Emphasising support for public wellness to enrich life across all areas, health, education, housing, aged care, climate emergency etc, and to make the greedy corporations accountable and contributing to the wealth of all Australians. Go Joe!
Ian McCallum, The Patch
Frontier wars
Anzac Day – we all remember and honour those lost once again. But where is the remembrance of those killed in Australia’s Frontier Wars? Historians and scholars estimate that a similar number were killed during these as during World War 1. The Frontier Wars persisted for well over 100 years as the frontiers moved to every part of the continent from the 1790’s to 1930. We need to accord these warriors the respect due to patriots who were defending their homelands against an invader. “This is the war that made the nation not the fateful invasion of Turkey at the direction of the imperial government.” (Henry Reynolds).
Remembrance is seen as a compelling national duty. “Lest We Forget”. The Australian War Memorial’s stated mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. We need to get on with this duty when it comes to where we all live.
Joan Doyle, Dromana
Shout out to SE Water
A digital water metre was recently installed on our property. Within a week I had a message on my phone advising that a substantial water leak had been detected. After one phone call a plumber arrived within a day, they found the leak (from very old pipes) and fixed the problem, all at a very reasonable cost. A follow up message a few days later confirming no further leaks were detected.
Thank you South East Water. A huge saving on a valuable resource and our water bill.
Joy Hille, Mount Eliza
Time for thinking?
Sadness, come election day. So many picking up a non event as the major reason for their vote; cost of living? Yes an increase, equally no, not political.
Taxation laws favouring the rich is political, as is climate change.
Billy Shorten tried the obvious one, negative gearing, voted out by the sheep easily led majority, albeit shooting themselves in the pocket to favour the rich.
As if that’s not enough we allow the smiling Peter Dutton to promise chocolates, dressed up as boiled lollies, one after the other, following three years of nothing, other than a deep resentment of Victoria, with our thanks (a reprieve from nonsense?) for Easter, Anzacs, the Pope and the dangerous Donald Trump.
Anthony Albanese has been sucked in, up to a point. Cost of living my backside. Recalling Hawthorn coach John Kennedy’s famous words “Don’t think, do!”
May 3rd, Collingwood and Geelong – such is life.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
