SWAN HOUSING JUSTICE CAMPAIGN
The SWAN campaign for housing justice will continue relentlessly in 2025. The housing and homelessness crisis on the Mornington Peninsula is now getting national attention. See the ABC article below.
Victoria has tipped billions into social housing — here’s where it’s going
A $5.3 billion fund — billed as the nation’s largest-ever investment by a state government in social housing — was rolled out in Victoria four years ago. Now questions are being asked about where the money’s being spent. Read the full story
SWAN SURVEY OF CANDIDATES IN THE MPSC ELECTION 2024
Prior to the 2024 Council elections SWAN conducted a survey to identify which candidates had policy ideas and plans for addressing social justice and equity concerns on the Mornington Peninsula.
Most residents want to know who will work to make the Peninsula a better, more inclusive, and fairer place for everyone before they vote. Twenty four out of the 37 candidates submitted a response (65%).
We are disturbed that some candidates failed to contribute on such critical issues*. It is important that all candidates at least reply to a short survey as a demonstration to voters that they are willing to respond to community concerns.
A summary overview of the survey responses follows, along with links to the individual candidate contributions.
*Responses were not received from Bill Daish (Briars – has since retired his candidacy), Anthony Marsh (Briars), Marie Murray (Brokil), Dennice Allen-Breeschoten (Coolart), Neil Biggins (Coolart), Bruce Ranken (Moorooduc), Andrea Allen (Nepean), Susan Bissinger (Nepean), Krysten Le Marshall (Nepean) Tom Davies (Tanti), Cam Williams (Tootgarook) and Mark Palmer (Warringine).
REASONS FOR STANDING FOR COUNCIL
We asked candidates why they are standing for Council. CLICK HERE for Q3 responses.
HOUSING JUSTICE
Mornington Peninsula Shire currently has the fourth highest rate of homelessness in Victoria, with an increasing number of women and men sleeping rough, many of them on our foreshores. During the past six months, SWAN has been meeting with elected representatives and community groups to press the issue and advocate for the Peninsula’s fair share of funding for housing solutions.
Candidates were asked for their suggestions about how Council can help to increase the supply of public and social housing; provide emergency accommodation, including for women and children experiencing family violence; and ensure local community support centres receive increased funding.
The feedback we received was mainly positive with three quarters of the respondents offering a range of solutions to the current housing crisis on the Peninsula. They suggested strategies that Councillors could undertake to attract State and Federal funding, including for purpose-built emergency and refuge accommodation, and extending preventative support services. Also mentioned was the use of vacant government land, incentives to investors to build more accommodation, the removal of red tape barriers to housing development, and the implementation of the Triple A Housing Committee’s strategies and actions.
We identified several candidates who stand out for presenting clear, well considered and viable solutions that could be pursued, including Josie Jones, Eddie Matt, Nic Robertson, Nick Fallaw, Paul Pingiaro, Max Patton, Patrick Binyon, Kathryn Smith, and sitting Councillors David Gill and Despi O’Connor. Extracts from some of their suggestions on how Council can address the housing and homelessness crisis are below.
Council can offer land or unused buildings for temporary housing and strengthen community outreach programs to ensure women and children have safe, immediate support. Josie Jones (Nepean).
The Community Support Centres are vitally important to our community members and I am in full support of local government increasing funding to these organisations who support and protect our most vulnerable citizens with expertise, experience and obvious dedication. Eddie Matt (Nepean).
Advocating for more targeted funding from State and Federal governments to expand shelter capacity and crisis services…. Fast tracking social housing developments if possible. Max Patton (Benbenjie).
I would look to leverage state and federal funding opportunities, actively seeking out grants and programs dedicated to affordable housing. Paul Pingiaro (Tanti).
I believe freeing up some port land will assist in this as well as better advocacy to other levels of government. Kathryn Smith (Moorooduc).
I will continue to advocate for crisis accommodation and better affordable housing on the Peninsula pulling any lever I can at Council. Despi O’Connor (Briars).
We look forward to candidates who become councillors not only speaking up about the housing and homelessness crisis, but really doing something about it.
The complete list of responses to our two questions on housing justice can be accessed here:
Representatives of the SWAN Women’s Housing Justice Group
SUPPORT FOR FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE
Following the misinformation campaign associated with the Voice referendum last October, it is vital that constituents know which candidates will actively advocate within Council in support of the First Nations community. Candidates were asked how Council can increase community awareness about the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and if they would advocate to ensure the full implementation of the Shire’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The vast majority of respondents said that, if elected, they will endeavour to implement the RAP in full and raise community awareness about the historical context and current issues experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people living on the Peninsula. One quarter are very strongly committed to doing so. We are hopeful that, with the support of the newly elected councillors this will become a more inclusive and equitable community for us all. However, it is important to note that a small number of the respondents failed to show any real understanding of, or willingness to engage, with First Nations people and their concerns.
Those whose contribution showed that they are at the forefront of advocacy in support of First Nations people are: Andrew De Bartolo, Josie Jones, Max Patton, Eddie Matt, Patrick Binyon, Kathryn Smith, and sitting Councillor Despi O’Connor. Extracts from some of their responses are below.
Listening to elders and allowing them to teach tradition to residents on the peninsula. Expose locals to language and culture. More truth telling in council spaces and forums. Andrew De Bartolo (Tootgarook).
We have one of the largest populations of First Nations in the state… a fantastic opportunity to support First Nations groups and the Land Council to bring the community together to learn about our heritage. I will work with these groups… Kathryn Smith (Moorooduc).
Consultation with our local Aboriginal leaders and associations, such as Willum Warrain, ensuring any discourse is guided by Aboriginal community members to ensure an accurate representation. Continued engagement with… the Bunurong Land Council… Eddie Matt Nepean).
Now more than ever – there needs to be higher levels of engagement with the Indigenous community and learning in all parts of the community…. we must first engage the Bunurong Land Council so they can determine how they would like to raise community awareness. Max Patton (Benbejie).
… I would support initiatives that improve access to Willum Warrain for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people… such as free transport or shuttle buses… leadership programs and access (for First Nations youth) to employment services and pathways… increased (First Nations) representation on Council. Patrick Binyon (Brokil).
Council can increase community awareness by supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives … collaborating with local Indigenous groups to celebrate heritage through workshops, festivals, and storytelling… acknowledging significant sites and ensuring Aboriginal voices guide cultural preservation efforts. Josie Jones (Nepean).
The complete list of responses to this question can be accessed here:
Representatives of the SWAN First Nations Group
OTHER ISSUES
Finally, we asked candidates to nominate the range of issues for which they would personally advocate, if they were elected. It comes as no surprise that all of them said that they would work to ensure transparency and accountability to constituents in council decision making. Only a couple of candidates did not nominate protecting the environment and mitigating climate change as issues they would proactively support.
The vast majority nominated ending gender violence as one of the issues they would promote. All but one said they would endeavour to increase diversity in Council and community decision making, including with respect to age, people with disabilities, gender, ethnicity. Following are some of the strategies and ideas candidates say they will pursue to end gender-based violence and increase diversity, if they are elected.
I will work to ‘re-establish a Women’s Refuge in Rye/Rosebud area and bring additional specialised Domestic and Family Violence services such as Orange Door further down the Peninsula to reduce the pressure. Monique Toms (Nepean).
Primary prevention to create the long-term community change required to stop the violence before it occurs. Nick Fallaw (Tanti).
A main reason for standing is to advocate for crisis accommodation for victims of domestic violence. Elizabeth Woolcock (Brokil).
Women need equal/better wages giving them more independence to leave violent domestic abusive living situations… Men need assistance through education and other support networks to find different solutions to violent behaviour. Nic Roberson (Warringine).
One of the main reasons I am standing is to create more domestic violence and mental health services. Andrew De Bartolo (Tootgarook).
The Peninsula is in dire need of dedicated family violence outreach support workers to engage with affected women and children in the community, and to streamline a safe and effective exit strategy for people escaping family violence. Eddie Matt (Nepean).
I will encourage the establishment of more facilities to cover demand along with developing community education and counselling programmes to reduce the incidence of domestic violence. Daniel McCaffrey (Kackeraboite).
I want to ensure the diverse voices of the ward are heard at the decision-making table. Max Patton (Benbenjie).
The complete list of responses to this question can be accessed here:
Representative of the SWAN Women Against Gender-based Violence group
This video includes clips from Journey Beyond Fear which is screening Sunday 16th June 2024 in Rosebud. A film well worth seeing.
JOURNEY BEYOND FEAR
Refugee Week Special Event
Hosted by the Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) & supported by Mornington Peninsula Shire
Date: Sunday 16th June
Time: 2.00pm
Location: Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud
Rosebud Parade, Rosebud VIC 3939
Journey Beyond Fear is an inspirational film following a teenage girl and her Afghan refugee family in Malaysia as they wait for, an eventually achieve resettlement in Australia.
4 out of 5 stars … a journey well worth taking – David Stratton
Following the screening of the film, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers, Robyn Hughan (Producer/Director) & Steve Warne (Co-Producer). MCing will be local resident and longtime supporter of refugees, Rosemarie Draper (OAM).
Tickets are available via
https://www.peninsulacinemas.com.au/Movie/Journey-Beyond-Fear or at the Cinema.
An online video Trailer for the film is at: https://vimeo.com/287224555
For more information about the film go:
Video of the Rosebud Forum on the Voice is available on our YouTube Channel
Please share this link with friends or family who want facts about the Referendum.
Thanks for Yanni at Two Tails Publishing for this video and to Mornington Peninsula Shire and Australian Communities Foundation for funding for the Forum.
The VOICE to Parliament Referendum
For information CLICK HERE
Southern Women’s Action Network Position Paper re the Constitutional Enshrinement of an Indigenous Voice [1]
Our country is facing a critical moment in our history. There is significant unfinished business to address. ‘The Uluru Statement from the Heart’ (2017) gifted by First Nations Peoples to all Australians guides the way. It invites us to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to create an equitable future for us all.
The Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN), comprising over 200 members across the Mornington Peninsula, accepts this historic proposal as originally formulated and requested by First Nations Peoples. We strongly support its call for lasting systemic change through the Enshrinement of an Indigenous Voice in the Australian Constitution. Furthermore, we support the establishment of a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of Agreement-making between governments and First Nations and Truth-Telling about our history. These reforms are practical and just. They are long overdue.
In March 2021 we documented our position on constitutional protection in a submission to the Indigenous Voice Co-design process commissioned by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt. We expressed our concern that Australia lags well behind other countries in upholding the key principles of The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. First Nations Peoples in this country do not have “autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs”.[2]
Our proposal was amongst the 90% of submissions received from over 9,400 people, communities and organisations to disregard the government’s requirement that respondents restrict any recommendations to mere legislative change. We argued that matters dealt with by legislation alone can too readily be amended or eliminated. This will not ensure that the concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are addressed. Moreover, legislating a voice prior to the nation endorsing a constitutionally protected First Nations Voice to Parliament will not achieve the long lasting systemic change that is required. Constitutional protection would ensure that any significant alterations concerning the First Nations Voice would need to be passed by Referendum.
SWAN applauds the commitment made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his election night victory speech (May 2022) to implement The Uluru Statement from the Heart – in full and support his pledge to hold a referendum to Constitutionally Enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
When enacted, this will ensure that our Constitution is amended in line with international standards on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This will guarantee that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have a lasting say in the laws and policies that affect their lives and lead to better policies and outcomes for their communities. It will profoundly enhance government capacity in Indigenous affairs policy development and law-making.
Bipartisan support is critical for such a Referendum to succeed. All Australians must be well informed before they cast their vote. SWAN is contributing to this advocacy and education process. Our members are actively sharing information in their communities and political forums about why a decision to proclaim a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution is so crucial for the future of our nation.
Southern Women’s Action Network, June 2022
| There are many ways to become better informed and show your solidarity and support.· Sign up to The Uluru Statement from the Heart website: ulurustatement.org to learn more about the process that led to the Statement, the background to the key reforms and to receive update on how you can be part of this movement for change.· Listen to the Lowidja O’Donohue Oration by the first female Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney. https://www.dunstan.org.au/events/lodo22/· Listen to the 2021 Mabo Oration by Megan Davis: https://aiatsis.gov.au/presentation/summit-keynote-megan-davis · Share this position paper with others and start a conversation with your family and friends about the reforms that are required to achieve justice for First Nations.· Read the SWAN submission to the Indigenous Voice Co-design process on the Supporting First Nations Peoples page on the SWAN website: swanwomen.org.au· Download this factsheet prepared by Reconciliation NSW to share with your family, friends, and co-workers: reconciliationnsw.org.au· Sign the digital Uluru Statement from the Heart canvas: fromtheheart.com.au· Write to your MP to show your support for the Uluru Statement and to ask them to actively request that a Referendum be held as a priority. ulurustatement.org· Read ‘Everything you need to know about the Uluru Statement from the Heart’ (2021) by leading First Nations Constitutional experts, Megan Davis and George Williams. |
[1] N. B. SWAN acknowledges that while a substantial majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Peoples unequivocally support a Constitutionally Enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament, not all First Nations People share the same perspective.
[2] The United Nations Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples, Article 4. (2007). un.org
Download above Position Paper on Indigenous Voice to Parliament
25th Birthday Celebration (March 2022)
Due to Covid this was delayed from November 2021. The delicious cake was cut by Denise Hassett and Fran Rule, foundation members.
Celebrating Fantastic Women
Statement from the National Women’s History Museum on the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg made history as only the second woman-and the first Jewish woman-to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Yet her legacy extends far beyond this historic role alone. Ginsburg was a brilliant legal mind; a fierce advocate for pay equity, gender equality, and women’s rights; and a champion of representation, justice, and democracy. Most importantly, she inspired girls and women all over the world to chase their dreams,
fight for their seats at the table, hold positions of power, and to use their voices to make the world a better place.
The loss of Justice Ginsburg is profound. As we join our nation in grief, we also celebrate the tremendous and inspiring life she led and the gifts she has left with us: a more just, equitable, and representative world. We’ll continue to honor her incredible accomplishments and the many ways she’s left her mark on women’s history by not just telling her story, but by working to ensure that all women have their voices heard and their stories shared.
To that end, we’re establishing a doctoral fellowship in Justice Ginsburg’s name to support research that furthers greater understanding of women’s roles in our society.
Please visit our website to learn more about Justice Ginsburg and join us in celebrating her legacy.
National Women’s History Museum
Email: info@womenshistory.org Website: womenshistory.org
Museum, 205 S. Whiting Street, Suite 254, Alexandria, VA 22304
Interesting Article in the Age from Nyadol Nyuon, a recent speaker at SWAN
Yes, the South Sudanese community faces struggles, but there is hope
SWAN turns 21 ! (November 2017)
To celebrate this significant achievement we dispensed with our usual format. Instead our November 2017 meeting was a joyful celebration where foundation members and members from over the years shared stories and delicious food. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the past and to catch up with each other again. There was memorabilia to jog memories of all of the wonderful speakers that we have been priviliged to listen to at SWAN. There was also shared laughter when various ex committee members enlightened us about certain organisational ‘mishaps’. It was encouraging to hear how things have on the whole improved over the past 21 years. The 21st sparked new enthusiasm for SWAN to continue to inform and highlight matters regarding social justice for women. A personal highlight were the messages from members unable to attend, through these, in fact throughout the whole 21st celebration, ran a common thread of strength and fairness illustrating what is possible when women join together united in a common cause.
Southern Women's Action Network 