Independent Deb Leonard has had a busy few weeks campaigning around the electorate.

Last month, campaign volunteers organised a youth forum, to identify solutions to issues facing young people in the Monash electorate.

Transport, mental health, costs of living and climate emerged as the top concerns, with the young participants proposing forward-thinking policies to address these challenges.

The forum brought together students and staff from local schools and universities.

"We need to listen to the innovative ideas of our young people to move beyond politics and develop genuine solutions," said Leonard.

Key mental health issues included the need for improved services, interdisciplinary teams in schools, better resources and support for staff in public schools.

Employment and further education opportunities in the local area were also raised, and the underutilisation of the Wonthaggi TAFE campus, with suggestions on way to foster connections and combat isolation among young people in regional areas.

Cost of living issues, increasing Centrelink payments and a fairer tax system were raised in the forum.

The environment and climate change were also key concerns.

"Our young people have a vital stake in our region's future. Their voices deserve to be at the centre of this election conversation," Leonard said.

Door knocking

On February 16, 100 plus volunteers took to the streets of Drouin to doorknock for the independent campaign.

A choir of volunteers also performed outside Woolworths as Ms Leonard handed out flyers to passersby.

At a public event in the town, Leonard also made her first major announcement — ensuring funding for a new West Gippsland Hospital.

Integrity and transparency in politics was also announced as a policy to the crowd, with Ms Leonard saying: "I'm announcing my integrity policy first because it is the critical foundation for better outcomes for communities — no matter what the issue".

"If you want to fix a house, start with the foundation," said Leonard.

"If we want to address the cost of living crisis, housing, climate, and funding for roads, we need to fix integrity in government first. Because when politicians act with integrity, taxpayer money goes where it's needed, not into some secret deal, a mate's pocket or where the parties think it will win them the most votes.

"Integrity isn't just about cleaning up politics; it's about building a foundation to ensure decisions are made fairly and transparently, and in the best interests of the community."

Deb Leonard said it was through 1000s of surveys, conversations with the public and over 3500 doors knocked across the electorate so far that these policy priorities were formed. Other leading issues of concern for people are: cost of living, housing, roads, climate action, coastal erosion, NDIS and farming.

Funding for infrastructure is also key to Ms Leonard's platform. "Our region has been missing out when it comes to federal funding for roads, recreational facilities and infrastructure."

Donation laws

Ms Leonard has also criticised the new electoral laws passed by Federal Parliament last month.

"At a time when cost of living is skyrocketing, the major parties' priority is funnelling millions to their re-election campaigns."

The reform increases public funding to $5 per vote, channelling an extra $82 million to the major parties compared to the 2022 election, she said.

"The Coalition alone will get $6.1 million and Labor $8.1 million in additional 'administrative assistance' every three years. Meanwhile, independents and minor parties get nothing."

While introducing a $50,000 cap on donations to candidates' election accounts, the law does not restrict the major parties' ability to bring in unlimited funds to their administrative accounts through a web of state and federal branches.

"The major parties have over 100 associated entities that they can use to multiply donation caps and hide millions in funds from vested interests," Ms. Leonard said.

"Independents simply can't compete under these rules — which is exactly what Liberal and Labor want."

She said the expenditure caps are equally unfair, limiting independents to spending $800,000 per electorate while allowing the major parties to spend up to $90 million combined across the country.

"Our political system is broken, with the major parties more interested in preserving their own power than representing the people.

"We need more independents in Parliament to fight for integrity, transparency and fairness.

"I'm running to be a strong voice for Monash and to make politics about people again, not just a game of self-interest for the major parties. It's time we brought integrity, transparency and common sense back into politics."

Deb Leonard's policies can be found on her website.