I haven’t posted on this blog site for a very long time what with my own study and PhD research, commuting weekly between Wodonga and Melbourne, teaching at Melbourne Uni and still trying to be of some help at our business, life has been a bit hectic.
Some of those things are now off my plate, but I now find myself taking on what could possibly be an even bigger challenge- contesting the Federal seat of Indi as an Independent candidate. This blog will, for the next few months, be a record of this journey.
Over the past few years I have spent a great deal of time thinking, studying and writing about society: how it works and doesn’t work, who wins and who loses, how the things we think we know come to be known, who has power and who has none, and most importantly for me how the lack of a ‘fair go’ can impact on the lives of children across their life course. Whilst thinking, studying and writing about these things will very soon result in me being conferred a PhD, it seems to me that this isn’t enough.
Since I was quite young I have had a strong sense of social justice. From my teen years I was involved as a volunteer in the community and understood how significant and lasting the impacts of poverty and disadvantage could be. I could see how the opportunities I was able to provide for my own children through education, sport and recreation, and a strong family support network were not afforded to everyone. These things have driven my study and now they are one of the things that drive my decision to enter politics.
Children living in rural and regional Australia do not have the same opportunities afforded to them as their city counterparts. It is harder to access the high levels of education and training, harder for families to afford to send their kids to uni, and harder for them to find jobs.
I believe that the future of this country lies in its regional development. Our cities are splitting at the seams, but here in places like NE Victoria we have fantastic potential to grow and thrive. But we need to be smart, look to the future, think sustainably and work to our strengths.
So to this end I have begun my campaign to win the hearts and minds of the people and enough votes to win the seat. What I would mostly like to share on this blog is what I learn along the way: the people and places; the new ideas, understandings and lessons; and how I grow as a result.
I hope you enjoy being part of this journey with me and look forward to your comments, ideas and suggestions.
Jennifer Podesta 