Over 120 people attended the Pride Centre last Monday for a 90-minute St Kilda Ward Candidates Forum presented by TWiSK and chaired by former Mayor Bernadene Voss.
The event started with the disappointing news that independent candidate Jenni Roper had withdrawn from the event earlier that day.
In an email to the organisers she wrote:
“Dear Greg, Bernadene and audience,
I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend tonight’s candidate forum. Over the past few days, I have been subjected to personal attacks, bullying and intimidating behaviour targeting my campaign and family. This has included unwarranted criticism on social media, as well as the distribution of campaign material from unrelated political groups opposing my candidacy.
Unfortunately, this negativity has taken a toll on my well-being and after careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to prioritise my mental health by withdrawing from tonight’s event. I have reported certain incidents to the police and am taking steps to address this concerning behaviour.
While I am deeply disappointed to miss this important opportunity to engage with you all, I hope you understand my reasons.”
Fair and respectful forum
The forum was conducted in a scrupulously fair and respectful manner guided by the strict chairpersonship of Bernadene Voss. In attendance (seated from left to right of the stage) were Colleen Bolger, Tim Baxter, David Blakeley, Robbie Nyaguy and Serge Thomann.
The five candidates were all given equal time, and all were given an opportunity to answer every question with equal time.
The audience members were fair and respectful, responding in good humour and with interest for the entire 90 minutes. [See forum video link below]
Safety in St Kilda
The perpetual issue of safety and crime in St Kilda was one of the first questions. Candidates Bolger and Baxter emphasised the economic roots of increased crime. Bolger went a step further and called for greater support (from the State) on health issues, such as another safe injecting room. Nyaguy said the economic situation was working against many of the positive things that council was doing. Blakely emphasised the activation of vacant retail space, while Thomann stressed plans to have better liaison with the police.
Most candidates wanted to ‘park’ the St Kilda Triangle
Only David Blakeley was enthusiastic about the current concept of a live music venue on the St Kilda Triangle site. He said local music venues were totally behind an achievable proposal to build a music venue. Serge Thomann opposed the idea of a music venue arguing that the potential of the site had not been fully investigated. He argued for a panel of people with international vision to seek out ideas that would attract private investment. Both current councillors Baxter and Nyaguy were less optimistic. Robbie Nyaguy said council needed to stop wasting money on plans. ‘Plans some trees, fix the footpaths in the area,’ he said. Tim Baxter said he was in favour of letting ‘the mountain’ (money) come to us.
Overall, the tone was, don’t hold your breath.
Preference distributions and why
Voter’s preferences will almost certainly decide the result in St Kilda (and other wards). You can hear their preferences and the thinking behind the on the recording at about 1 hour 33 minutes.
TWiSK is aware that authorised and unauthorised election material has urged voters to put some candidates last.
Properly authorised election material with How to Vote preferences are an essential a part of our electoral system, especially as only votes with a number in every square will be counted – every voter must put a candidate last.
Unauthorised or anonymous election material is against the law and fines do apply.
You can view the preferences of all candidates here
Video timeline for all the questions
Use this timeline to jump to the questions that interest you.
Video timeline (hours.minutes)
0.32 Homelessness in St Kilda
0.38 Track record of achievements in St Kilda
0.44 Safety in St Kilda
0.50 Nightlife activity in St Kilda
0.55 Albert Park Reserve and Council
1.01 EcoCentre Funding
1.05 Rates, rate freeze?
1.10 Governance and council culture
1.16 St Kilda Triangle
1.22 Your How to Vote preferences
1.26 Climate emergency
1.30 Why you rather than other candidates
1.33 Candidates closing statements
