Rosebud Hospital, housing, roads and the cost of living were among the issues put to candidates at the Nepean candidates forum on Wednesday 14 October.
Mornington Peninsula Shire hosted the event at Rosebud Country Club. The panel comprised Sianan Healy of the Greens, Darren Hercus of One Nation, sitting Liberal MP Anthony Marsh and independent Kim Robbins.
Simon Love, the shire's Government and Stakeholder Relations Lead, moderated the discussion. Candidates answered questions from the moderator and submissions received during registration and at the door.
Love said candidates had not received the questions in advance. No Labor representative attended; he said the party had been invited but had not responded.
The candidates' responses to the main questions are summarised below. The Victorian state election will be held on Saturday 28 November.
Question 1: How Would You Reduce Homelessness And Increase Affordable Housing?
Candidates discussed state funding, public and affordable housing, short-stay levy revenue and crisis accommodation. Their proposals differed on taxation, allocation of existing budgets and incentives for private rentals.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Called for more public and affordable housing, limits on rent increases and a fairer share of short-stay levy revenue. Also supported taxation to encourage vacant investment homes back into use.
“Housing is a human right.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Proposed tax-free rental incentives for spare bedrooms and granny flats. Supported crisis accommodation and outreach without committing a funding amount before examining state finances.
“What One Nation wants to do is actually reward people for … using an empty bedroom or a granny flat.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Argued the Peninsula should receive a fairer share of existing housing and homelessness budgets. Also wanted vacant or derelict housing maintained and returned to use.
“The issue is allocation.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Wanted transparency about short-stay levy revenue raised on the Peninsula and a fairer local return. Supported transitional accommodation and services for people experiencing homelessness.
“I definitely would be asking for some transparency”
Kim Robbins
Question 2: How Should Road Repairs And Dangerous Intersections Be Prioritised?
The discussion covered potholes, repair quality, dangerous intersections and how maintenance decisions are made. Candidates differed on contract boundaries and public or private delivery.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Wanted road maintenance returned to public delivery and investment in dangerous intersections. Argued commercial priorities should not determine which roads are repaired.
“road maintenance has been privatised and it should never have happened.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Emphasised dangerous intersections alongside potholes and called for more state funding for Peninsula roads.
“dangerous intersections are an issue as well.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Called for adequate funding, durable repairs and stronger contractor oversight. Said completed work should be checked before contractors are paid.
“you're not paying the contractor unless the job's done properly.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Proposed a separate Peninsula road maintenance contract and more transparent repair priorities, rather than inclusion in a much larger metropolitan contract.
“I think the first thing we could do is maybe lobby the government to remove the Peninsula and put it into its own contract.”
Kim Robbins
Question 3: How Would You Address Peninsula Link Delays And Project Accountability?
Candidates were asked how delayed resurfacing and other projects could meet deadlines, budgets and community expectations. Transparency, disruption to businesses and responsibility for delivery were recurring points.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Linked delays to outsourcing, reduced public control and a lack of infrastructure investment. Repeated her call for greater public responsibility for essential works.
“we need to see that investment coming back”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Proposed a statewide website recording road damage, repair responsibilities and deadlines. Wanted the same transparency applied to major infrastructure projects.
“We want everything to be transparent.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Said he was seeking clearer resurfacing dates from the minister. Wanted reduced peak-season disruption and penalties for the operator when the road is unavailable.
“If the road's not available for the public to use they should be penalized.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Questioned why the road needed extensive rebuilding and highlighted the effect of closures on local businesses and livelihoods.
“it's not acceptable because it actually affects people's livelihoods down here.”
Kim Robbins
Question 4: Would You Support A Separated Sorrento–Blairgowrie Bike Path?
All four supported active transport in principle. Robbins, Marsh and Hercus qualified their support against costs and other priorities, while Healy cited a Greens funding policy.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Supported the path and said the Greens backed allocating 5 per cent of transport funding to walking and cycling infrastructure.
“this is core policy for us.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Supported cycling infrastructure but said the project must be financially justified and weighed against more pressing needs.
“it'd be a good project to support but once again, it's gotta stack up financially.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Said he had supported the project on council and recognised its safety and connectivity benefits. Stressed that funding decisions require prioritisation.
“it is about prioritisation. You can't have everything.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Supported separate bike lanes in principle but wanted to review the business case and understand the effect on other infrastructure priorities.
“in theory, yes but I'd really like to understand the plans.”
Kim Robbins
Question 5: How Would You Fund And Deliver A Rosebud Hospital Redevelopment?
All four supported redevelopment. The discussion covered services, funding and continuity of care. Marsh said a private proposal he had seen involved a two-year closure; Hercus said a partnership should keep the hospital operating.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Supported a fully funded redevelopment remaining in public hands, with maternity, reproductive healthcare and diagnostic services. Said the Greens would press for it if they held the balance of power.
“It'd be wonderful if we could have maternity healthcare, maternity service back in the hospital.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Raised a public–private partnership as a possible funding model, retaining a public hospital within a wider health precinct. Said services should remain open during construction.
“But another proposal would be a privately funded option. Still a public hospital.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Reaffirmed a Liberal commitment to a full rebuild, with construction starting in its first term. Said there were no plans for a complete shutdown and prioritised more beds, emergency care and day surgery.
“hospitals are not something you compromise on.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Supported redevelopment and delivery of the funding commitment discussed at the forum. Raised continuity-of-care concerns and suggested pursuing an urgent care clinic with the federal member.
“I absolutely support the redevelopment of the Rosebud Hospital”
Kim Robbins
Question 6: How Would You Reduce State Debt And Improve Public Spending?
Responses covered spending cuts, taxation, contract management and economic growth. Candidates offered different approaches to raising revenue and reducing costs.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Proposed greater taxation of banks and large corporations to raise revenue for public services. Cited Greens costings and also discussed a federal fossil fuel taxation example.
“the money can be raised through appropriate taxation”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Wanted the Suburban Rail Loop scrapped and government expenditure examined for waste and further savings.
“we need full transparency. We need to see the books completely.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Advocated better contracting, reduced waste, a freeze on non-essential back-office hiring and business growth to increase revenue. Said the hiring policy did not mean dismissing existing employees.
“growing our way out of debt. Not taxing our way out of debt.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Wanted close scrutiny of spending and stronger contractor accountability, while supporting outsourcing where appropriate.
“A dollar that's wasted is a dollar that's not coming to the Peninsula to pay for services.”
Kim Robbins
Question 7: What Would You Do About Dental, Grocery And Energy Costs?
Candidates were asked about support for pensioners, renters, families and low-income households. The discussion covered dental care, publicly owned supermarkets, rental solar panels and energy policy.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Outlined free public dental care funded through gambling taxation, trial publicly owned supermarkets and support for renewable energy investment.
“all Victorians can see the dentist for free.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Questioned the practicality of free dental care. Favoured greater domestic use of Australian gas and reducing subsidies for large renewable projects.
“we should be using our own gas to generate cheaper energy here.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Questioned whether Labor's proposed dental appointment capacity could deliver its promise and whether a clinic would serve Nepean. Said he was not across the Greens' proposal.
“I have asked the government whether one of those will be within 50 kilometres of Nepean”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Supported dental assistance in principle and advocated encouraging landlords to install solar panels so renters could benefit from lower electricity costs.
“so that tenants are able to take advantage of inexpensive energy.”
Kim Robbins
Question 8: What Should Happen At Flinders Pier And Portsea Front Beach?
Candidates supported completing Flinders Pier. Portsea responses addressed consultation, possible engineering solutions and longer-term coastal protection.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Supported completing the pier, meaningful consultation and evidence-based coastal works. Linked coastal protection to long-term climate adaptation and a proposed polluter-pays tax.
“we support evidence based and cost-effective solutions”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Supported completing the pier and restoring Portsea Beach. Raised an offshore wave screen as one option and said the state should fund rectification works.
“The wave screen offshore is an option.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Reaffirmed a Liberal commitment to rebuild Flinders Pier. Supported consultation on Portsea without selecting a final engineering solution.
“whatever it takes, we'll get it done if elected to government.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Called for the Flinders Pier works to be completed and questioned why a heritage-listed asset remained unfinished. Her answer focused on the pier.
“I don't understand how a heritage listed pier is sitting there half finished.”
Kim Robbins
Question 9: Will You Protect The Green Wedge?
All four supported protection. Marsh distinguished residential subdivision from appropriate farming and tourism uses, while Healy also raised wildlife corridors.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Supported green wedge protection and securing land for wildlife corridors, including the Southern Peninsula biolink.
“Yes, absolutely.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Expressed support for protecting the green wedge.
“Oh, yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Opposed residential subdivision of the green wedge while recognising appropriate farming and tourism activities. Said housing should be accommodated within existing urban boundaries.
“I will die in a ditch to protect the green wedge”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Supported protection and working with the shire on protective planning measures.
“Absolutely yes”
Kim Robbins
Question 10: Should Hospital Staff Have To Pay For Parking?
An audience question asked how redevelopment could be funded without staff parking charges. All four opposed charging staff, but no detailed alternative to parking revenue was set out.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Opposed staff parking charges and linked the issue to hospital working conditions.
“your staff shouldn't be paying for parking”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Said hospital staff should not have to pay to park at work.
“I don't think staff should have to pay for parking at all.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Opposed paid staff parking and offered to raise the issue with the health service.
“we don't like paid parking on the Peninsula.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Initially took the funding question on notice, then opposed charging staff and said she would advocate against it with the government of the day.
“I would be happy to work with either government of the day”
Kim Robbins
Question 11: What Safe And Affordable Activities Would You Support For Young People?
Candidates discussed youth centre hours, shared community facilities, sporting clubs and transport. The question asked about activities outside school hours and how they would be funded.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Supported investment in activities and facilities, alongside more frequent buses and better public transport so young people could reach them.
“our public transport is absolutely dire.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Emphasised sporting clubs as activities and social connections for young people and families, with support for facilities and operating pressures.
“it's a good social outlet too.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Favoured sharing and improving use of existing sporting and community facilities, rather than relying on expensive new buildings.
“co-use of existing assets.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Suggested opening youth services after school rather than during school hours, with staffing costs redirected accordingly.
“the youth centre be open outside of school hours rather than during school hours.”
Kim Robbins
Question 12: How Would You Support Farmers And Food Security?
An audience question raised changing seasons, environmental pressures, food security and prices. Answers focused on levies, regulation and access to funding.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Wanted regulation designed more fairly for small farmers and food producers competing with larger operators and supermarkets.
“ensuring that regulation is actually equitable for local small food producers.”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Referred to One Nation policy and called for key agricultural farmland to be protected. Opposed data centres on agricultural land and raised concerns about large solar developments taking land away from farming.
“we want to ban data centers from any agricultural land.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Said the Liberals would scrap the emergency services levy. Also advocated less red tape and conditions encouraging investment in farming businesses.
“Farms are a business.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Linked support for farmers to revised regional classification, payroll tax relief and access to funding. An unclear phrase in the captions has been omitted.
“I think that would be a really important first step to help our farmers”
Kim Robbins
Question 13: Should The Peninsula's Metropolitan Or Regional Classification Change?
The follow-up covered the Peninsula's regional character, tax treatment and funding. Marsh and Healy warned against changing classification at the expense of green wedge protections.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Said the Peninsula did not fit neatly into either category. Wanted an approach reflecting local circumstances without sacrificing green wedge protections.
“we need to really be able to think about something that works better for us”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Recognised the region's rural character but wanted consequences assessed and farmland protected. Raised opposition to data centres on agricultural land and concerns about large solar developments.
“we certainly want to keep protecting that green wedge.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Said reclassification could weaken green wedge protections without guaranteeing investment. Argued metropolitan classification should bring metropolitan levels of funding.
“If you're going to be metro then we deserve metro investment.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Had just endorsed revised classification as a way to access payroll tax relief and funding for local producers.
“I think that's an excellent way to ensure the large producers have access to the payroll tax relief”
Kim Robbins
Question 14: What Is The Southern Peninsula's Biggest Challenge?
Candidates were asked to nominate one issue over the next four years and their plan to address it. Healthcare, housing affordability and the cost of living were the priorities named.
Sianan Healy
Greens
Named the cost-of-living crisis, including rent, mortgages, groceries, energy and fuel. Linked these pressures to rising homelessness.
“I'd say the cost of living crisis”
Sianan Healy
Darren Hercus
One Nation
Named housing and accommodation affordability, apart from Rosebud Hospital. Described renters being displaced and working families struggling to save a deposit.
“apart from the Rosebud Hospital it'd be housing affordability.”
Darren Hercus
Anthony Marsh
Liberal, sitting Nepean MP
Named reliable local healthcare and reiterated the hospital redevelopment commitment as a long-term investment for the Peninsula.
“reliable healthcare when and where you need it.”
Anthony Marsh
Kim Robbins
Independent
Named Rosebud Hospital and said she would press the government of the day for the local healthcare services residents need.
“the Rosebud Hospital is the biggest concern that people down here on Nepean have.”
Kim Robbins
