January 24, 2010

Public transport activist Margarita Windisch, the Socialist Alliance’s candidate in the February 13 Altona by-election, said today that free public transport was the key to overcoming Victoria’s transport and environment mess.

“Former transport minister Lynne Kosky’s resignation was overdue”, Windisch said, “but her performance was just a symptom of a larger problem for Victorians — the negligent Brumby government with its profits - before-people approach to public policy and inability to grasp the radical solutions needed.”

Windisch said that Victoria’s utterly shambolic public transport system was the predictable end-result of Labor’s continuation of Jeff Kennett’s destruction of the public sector.

“Privatisation has given Victorians the utter disgrace of Connex and Hazlewood — Australia’s most polluting power station and public transport that’s a joke.

“While Brumby wines and dines those with enough money to buy his ear, struggling public services, soaring utility costs and opinion polls are ignored. The State’s social services are in crisis, but Brumby prioritises spending over $300 million on refurbishing the Melbourne Park tennis centre!”

Windisch stressed: “It’s time for an approach that takes public opinion on climate change and public transport seriously. The Socialist Alliance campaign in the Altona by-election will do just that—speak out for an expanded, well integrated, frequent and free public transport system, one that working Victorians, people on welfare and our environment needs.”

Windisch added: “That can’t happen without taking the State’s privatised utilities back into public ownership.”

The Socialist Alliance candidate said that working towards a zero emissions economy was also critical, especially for the Bay area where rising sea levels could threaten parts of our suburbs.

“That’s why the Socialist Alliance campaign will also advocate an urgent shift to 100% renewable energy based on a massive green job creation program.”

Community welfare teacher Margarita Windisch is a former tram conductor. She participated in the successful 2009 Dump Connex campaign. Margarita is also an active union member and has taken part in campaigns against war and racism and for civil liberties, women’s rights and public services.

Margarita is interested to know what issues concern you and will be holding a ‘Meet ‘n’ Greet’ at Logans Reserve (corner of Pier and Queens Street Altona) from noon on Sunday, January 31. A relaxed BBQ including Eritrean food will be available.

Contact 0438 869 790 or 0425 230 597
Twitter https://twitter.com/MargieWindisch
Facebook www.facebook.com/SocialistAlliance
Email sawestmelb@gmail.com
Website www.socialist-alliance.org/melbourne/

MARGARITA WINDISCH