By Ann Marie Angebrandt
LONG-TIME disability advocate Christine Williams will throw her hat in the ring in the November State election as the western region candidate for one of Victoria’s newest political parties.
“I want to represent the mainstream of society who don’t want union officials or wealthy people speaking for them in Parliament,” she said.
As the newly endorsed candidate for the fledgling People Power party, the Hoppers Crossing resident said she is hopeful about her chances of winning an Upper House seat.
“We need to chip, chip, chip away at what we have now, and I’m not going to go into this without giving it my all,” she said.
“It’s about time we listened to the grassroots.”
A life-long polio sufferer and fighter for rights for the disabled for more than three decades, Ms Williams said the party’s charter for action on disability was its main attraction when she was approached to run.
She points out that about 12 per cent, or close to 10,000 Wyndham residents, are classified as disabled.
“My heart lies in that area, but I’m interested in the entire platform of the party that focuses on those who now have no voice.”
Ms Williams plans to continue her role with the Wyndham Disability Advocacy Group as well as her work with the Western Region Disability Network.
She will also maintain her role as a social welfare volunteer with the Salvation Army.
As she begins to structure a campaign that will include public meetings and mass mail-outs, Ms Williams said she doesn’t see herself running against specific individuals, including Wyndham councillor Henry Barlow.
He is contesting the same seat for the Labor Party.
“I have to be realistic about my chances, but there is definitely room for some new players,” she said.
The electoral restructuring for this election has been designed to give minority parities such as People Power a better chance, she said.
“I believe my life has been mapped out in a certain way, and as long as I stay true to my creator’s wishes, I’ll succeed.”
The People Power party is hoping to field other candidates to contest the 11 Lower House seats for the western region.
“I’m honoured I was approached, and after giving it some thought, I knew this was a wonderful opportunity,” Ms Williams said.
