Well, I already have a dog, but I am also meeting many new friends along the campaign trail.
I have taken Luna on the road to my public forums across Nicholls and while talking with people about the key issues many are adding to Luna’s day with extra pats and kind words.
I am well on my way to hosting forums in all towns — big and small — across the entire Nicholls electorate.
My biggest takeaway from this experience so far is that the issues that matter to people in these regions are as diverse and unique as the towns themselves, because as someone else once said: “all politics is local”.
In Nagambie people talk about the problems facing the electricity grid.
In Shepparton conversations range from health service pressures to housing and rental shortages, to parking, the bypass and labour shortages.
In Yarrawonga people blast high fuel prices and look forward to the bridge replacement.
In Strathmerton people worry about road safety.
In Seymour many are focused on health services and developing their region’s identity. I love their new branding: “Goulburn River and Ranges”.
Through these conversations I am gaining new energy and insight to get things done.
No social media stunts, Instagram posts or colourful political T-shirt wearing can beat quietly speaking face to face with locals passionate about their community or with life experience to share.
I am standing for Nicholls because I want to make a change for the good, to pick up all of those issues and more that are being raised with me across this region.
If I’m given the honour of representing Nicholls in Canberra, I will work as part of a party of government whose members can actually make and change laws that help direct resources to where they are most needed.
Sadly, no matter how hard they might wish it were different, independents in parliament sit alone.
They cannot be ministers or make and change laws.
Independents can only make noise from the sidelines, ‘calling on’ or ‘asking’ for this or that.
Our community deserves someone who not only puts the electorate first but is also at the government table to make decisions about issues as serious as the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and water crisis, or rural and regional health, or education pathways for our kids.
My focus now and if elected will be to keep travelling around the electorate to talk to as many people and groups as I can, to listen, learn, and then to act.
Luna, my maremma, will often be with me, and she is the friendliest and fluffiest dog you will ever meet.
You may leave slightly covered in white dog hair, but she will be happier having made more friends while we talk about critical local matters. And that’s what’s important.
Steve Brooks is the Liberal candidate for federal seat of Nicholls
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