Tara Murray
Brimbank councillor Maria Kerr will have a second tilt at standing for state parliament after being endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the seat of St Albans.
Cr Kerr took to social media this week announcing she would stand for the seat of St Albans, which is currently held by Labor’s Natalie Suleyman.
Cr Kerr stood for the seat of Sydenham at the last state election.
Speaking to Star Weekly, Cr Kerr said having grown up in the electorate which is part of the electorate she understands the issues.
“I grew up in Keilor Downs,” she said. “To represent my community is the biggest honour.
“Being a councillor has highlighted even more what needs to be done.
“I want to highlight the lack of funding for St Albans and critical funding that is needed for the area.”
Cr Kerr said she thought she was better positioned standing this time round, due to her experiences on council.
She said she wanted the St Albans electorate marginal and to hold Labor to account.
“I want to see us get our fair share of funding,” she said. “I want to see the duplication of Taylors Road, more funding for mental health and major funding for people with disabilities and their carers.
“There’s a homeless problem in St Albans. I want to highlight these issues.”
Cr Kerr said the lack of an outdoor pool at the new leisure centre and the lack of government funding for the new facility, was one area where the electorate had missed out.
She also said that many residents were already not being supported how they needed to, without the development of social housing which is underway.
Cr Kerr is the third Brimbank councillor to nominate for the state election. Cr Virigina Tachos will stand as an independent for the senate, while Cr Trung Luu is seeking Liberal Party pre-selection in the senate.
