Thursday, 17 October 2024

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region community survey

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:04): In July this year I sent out a survey to every household in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region. I wanted to know what issues were impacting the communities that I represent. I am happy to say that we received a great response, and my staff were very busy diligently ensuring everyone received a considered answer. I heard about what impacted people the most: 14 per cent of respondents said they were feeling cost-of-living pressures, 10 per cent were worried about access to healthcare services, 11 per cent said that they felt unsafe in their community, and 8 per cent cited rental affordability and inadequate public transport options as stressors. People also shared their stories. One that particularly delighted me was a story that came from a former pastor who enjoyed retirement with his wife.

He was very thankful for the work my colleague and I do in this place to further cannabis law reform, telling us that he and his wife consume cannabis most nights to sleep.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my questions. The insight that I gathered from this mail-out will help me better serve the diverse communities that I am so privileged to be able to represent here in this Parliament. I would also like to thank my staff for all the time and effort they put into responding to people’s queries, thoughts and questions. I am really grateful for all the work that they have done.