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existing policy makers. Above all, I am passionate about women and family-based issues. I want to reform social services and support for the elderly, children in foster care, and those from disadvantaged families studying in public school. This work overlaps between State and Federal governments and I will advocate for changes and improvements.

Pratibha Sharma: I have always wanted to serve the community and this is my way of giving back to the wonderful community of Werribee. Every person has a right to raise their family in a safe environment with access to facilities like education, good health and transportation. Being a single parent, I know the hardships the average person faces on a daily basis, and I am standing for issues that I strongly believe in. As they say, “Never underestimate the power of the common man”.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: I want to protect, advocate and promote the interests of my constituency and highlight the issues that are important to them. The Government should work for the people, not work for itself, and invest in future generations. I want to foster the best in Victorians, care for those who need help, and help everyone in our community achieve their aspirations. These are the values of Liberalism which I hold so dear.

What strategy did you use to campaign for votes in the election?

Tarang Chawla: I did not dream of joining politics from a young age. I view it as a civic duty. Through years of community work and the recognition I have received along the way, such as being a Young Australian of the Year Finalist among other accolades, I have a social media following. I use that to communicate directly with voters.

I do not have the big budgets of the major party candidates who receive donations. I have something more powerful – the community who are fed up with being taken for granted.

I have been attending many events across cultural communities with the message that we all have a responsibility to end violence against women – our biggest law and order issue which costs the economy $2.7 billion annually.

Campaigning is more than winning votes for an election.

I believe politicians have a duty to listen. I have been meeting residents of the south east daily and hearing firsthand what issues impact them. A vote for me is a vote for a better future for themselves and their family. Nothing beats personal engagement, but our politicians are afraid because they might get caught out lying. Telling the truth is much easier, so I enjoy meeting people.

Arnav Sati: I am a true independent who is a local resident and directly impacted by infrastructure issues. Being true to the local issues and advocate harder for fellow residents is the main strategy that I focus on.

Informing residents via social media including Facebook and Youtube on rorting MPs, parachuted candidates, preferential funding to marginal seats, inadequate advocacy in parliament and empty promises.

Clear messaging through flyers and election signs (put outside residential properties) also helps to get local residents aware on issues that I stand for.

Nildhara Gadani: As an Upper House candidate the region is quite large and there are 11 Lower House seats. My strategy is to ask voters to support me based on the incredible work that the Daniel Andrews government has done in the last four years. There are many projects that are still incomplete and need one or more Andrews government terms. So I am asking voters to support Labor and support me.

Pratibha Sharma: My strategy is simple. I am advocating for local community issues. Besides going door-to-door to introduce myself to the residents of the community who don’t know me already, I am going to public events where I can meet a large number of people and discuss with them their concerns and the steps we need to take to make Werribee safer and ensure that their concerns are addressed. I have also resorted to social media to make people aware of issues that I am fighting for and representing the community about. Many residents of Werribee are already familiar with me as I have engaged with them in several community and social events. I am getting plenty of support and ideas. I request local residents to come forward and vote for me this time and elect me as their representative who will be there locally for them.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: In my campaign I have been listening to members of the community, and speaking out on issues that are important to them. Victorians are sick of the crime, congestion and high cost of living in Victoria today. I’m doing everything I can to tell Victorians about the Liberals’ plans, to get back in control of these issues.

What are the three main changes you wish to make if you are to be elected?

Tarang Chawla: It starts with formal recognition that we have made great failings in keeping women and children safe. I will push for a formal apology to the women we have failed. This has generational impact on whole families and it cannot go on.

I will push for a more robust approach from government that prioritises a whole of community response. The prevention of violence is key, including the commitment of ongoing funding for the long-term, and active community engagement forms part of the solution to end violence against women.

The major parties are treating the voting public as fools. Women die as a result. Children die as a result. Families are torn apart as a result. Enough is enough.

I will ensure that government sees out the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations in full. If Government don’t do it, then it doesn’t cost them anything. Not one cent. But it costs our community dearly. If we fail the test, then innocent lives are at stake so it is crucial that this is done properly. I will see to it that it is implemented fully for the long-term to ensure that families are safe. For voters in the south east, when you vote for the upper house at the election on November 24, think of your loved ones and their safety and it’s easy to know what to do. Vote for an independent who, like you, is part of the solution.

Arnav Sati: I will work to resolve local infrastructure issues by advocating for more police resources, expanding car parks, increasing bus routes with better frequency, more funding to health services and adequate number of schools in the electorate.

I will work to keep communities united and stand as one single entity for the betterment of our area to have a vibrant, safe and liveable electorate.

I will always be available and regularly meet with fellow residents to identify, discuss and resolve local issues. As we live in a safe Labor seat and our current MP rorted, we haven’t seen him in a long time. This will definitely change if I get the local support to get elected as the MP of Tarneit.

Nildhara Gadani: I’ve already answered this in your question above, about why I am in this race. Under improvements for most marginalised Victorians, I would like to add homelessness. In fact, my political mentor Jasvinder Sidhu works across all these areas so I am working with him, looking at various polices and plans to present motions in political platforms.

Pratibha Sharma: My first and foremost focus is to get better healthcare services, especially in paediatric care at the Werribee Mercy Hospital. Currently there is no paediatric facility and residents have to travel to Sunshine Hospital to get access to healthcare for their children. Secondly, due to rapid growth over the past few years, the traffic and congestion has increased considerably and my aim is to expedite the expansion of roadworks and improve public transport services for the residents of Werribee. Another concern for Werribee residents is increased crime in the area. I intend to work closely towards more police presence and community projects that involve youth participation in order to help reduce violence.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: One, fix our school system, where education standards are falling behind the rest of the world and children with learning difficulties are falling through the cracks. Two, stop the wave of violent crimes, assaults and home invasions gripping Victorian suburbs. We need more police and harsher sentencing to keep our community safe from dangerous criminals. Three, get Victorians moving by investing in key infrastructure projects, new public transport links, and fixing congested intersections across Victoria.