By Aaron Violi
Each and every day, I work for the people of Casey to make sure that our great community gets what it needs.
An important part of this responsibility is bringing Shadow Ministers to Casey to see and understand our challenges first hand.
One of the most consistent issues raised by individuals and community groups is the importance of reliable telecommunications infrastructure to ensure we can stay connected to one another and emergency services in times of need. One of my first priorities as an MP was to meet with both NBN and Telstra to discuss Casey’s communications challenges. I was pleased to welcome Shadow Minister for Communications, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson to Silvan and Kalorama in July, to speak with local community groups and see our unique environment to truly understand the challenges we are facing.
The rain didn’t dampen Shadow Minister for Small Business, the Hon Sussan Ley’s enthusiasm to visit small businesses in Mooroolbark and Montrose the same month. Speaking with the local traders made it even clearer how important and vulnerable our local economy is to workforce shortages and suppliers price rises.
One solution I am exploring is the establishment of a designated area migration agreement (DAMA). This arrangement would enable small businesses to employ visa holders to fill seasonal labour shortages.
The Shadow Minister for Immigration, the Hon Dan Tehan visited Coldstream and Wandin in August to meet with a range of hospitality, viticulture and agricultural businesses as well as with council to discuss this idea. The positive discussions were encouraging.
I was especially pleased when the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash accepted my invitation to visit Casey. We met businesses in Lilydale to discuss the challenging small business environment and apprenticeship training at Ranges TEC.
They saw how these local businesses are the heart of our community and have been built with the hard work and dedication of their owners and staff. I am determined to do everything I can to advocate for their success.
It has been a privilege these past four months to be your elected representative in Parliament. I warmly welcome you to our office if you need any assistance – my staff and I are here to help with any and all concerns that you may have regarding our special community.
If you’d like to tell me about issues that are important to you, please fill out my survey at www.aaronvioli.com.au, give us a call on (03) 9727 0799 or drop into our office.
