By Justin Flynn
Libby Coker will again square off against Liberal MP Sarah Henderson for the seat of Corangamite at the next federal election.
Ms Coker was chosen as the Labor Party candidate for Corangamite, which is one of the state’s most marginal federal electorates.
“I’m standing again because not a great deal has changed in terms of people feeling they are being neglected,” Ms Coker told the Voice during a recent visit to Ocean Grove.
Ms Coker is a Surf Coast Shire councillor, a former school teacher, journalist and small business owner.
She lives in Aireys Inlet but says she is a regular visitor to Ocean Grove.
Ms Coker said she was passionate about education, respite care, gender equality and childcare services.
“Respite care on the Bellarine – I don’t think demand is being met here,” she says.
“I’m disappointed with the Turnbull Government’s cuts to education.
“Around 9000 families have been affected in Corangamite.”
Ms Coker said cuts to penalty rates for workers were also an issue, but there needed to be a balancing act to make sure small business owners were not out of pocket.
“I can assure people in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads that I will do my best to look at increasing people’s wages,” she says.
“The cost of living is going up and the cost of energy is increasing, but wages have flatlined.”
Ms Coker said she was keen to get out in the community to hear people’s views.
“I’m looking forward to getting out and about in Ocean Grove and this area much more than last time,” she says.
“I’m pretty passionate about trying to do something of value. I’m someone who will speak up.”
