Candidate Q&A — the politics and personality of the four people vying for your vote in the seat of Roe

While much of the focus of State politics turns to the party leaders in Perth, this year’s State election provides an opportunity for the people of Roe to decide who gets to represent their region for the next four years. Four candidates from opposing political parties will vie for your vote to determine who earns the right to represent an electorate that covers more than 100,000sqkm, from the Shire of Esperance to the Shire of Williams. David Dwyer: Liberal Party Place of residence: Esperance Profession: Accountant Why should the people of Roe vote for you? I am honest and have the courage to stand up for what is right. I will put my constituents’ interests first and will do all that I can to improve their lives by promoting economic prosperity in the regions. Simply put: I will put my heart and soul into the job. What are your main priorities for the region? Jobs, jobs, jobs. The regions are great places to live, but to live here one needs a job — not just any job, but a meaningful job. To that end, economic prosperity is my No.1 concern. I want to put Roe on the economic map. What is your stance on Royalties for Regions? It is an important funding source for regional development and is not simply a means of funding government operational spending. R4R is the mechanism to overcome city politicians saying “nice idea, but we don’t have the money”. I will ensure the R4R fund stays intact and true to purpose. What should the Government do to help alleviate the region’s water crisis? We need some action on the ground, from clearing and maintaining town dam catchments to a complete refurbishment of Water Corporation infrastructure. Farmers need serious funding subsidies to encourage water storage and conveyance investment. If you could change one thing about State politics, what would it be and why? We need to bring back honesty, integrity and credibility to the role of parliamentary representatives, regardless of political party, to bring about a cultural shift whereby politicians work together for the best outcomes for the people they represent, and to put party politics aside for the greater good of Western Australians. What are three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses? I am a very determined person who will not give up or accept defeat. I have considerable experience in the business world, particularly in achieving outcomes, however I have been surprised by some people’s political self-interest. My approach is one of due diligence and thorough research before making decisions. How do you spend your free time away from politics and work? Gardening and home improvements. My wife and I could be described as do-it-yourself tragics. I’m an avid cyclist and enjoy watching most sport. Recently I started participating in cycling team events and attend two to three cycling events each year. I also enjoy travelling with the family. What is your favourite memory of living in the region? My wedding day — that’s when it all came together for me. I think it’s something to do with bringing up a family in a regional community where all your friends, associates, school mums and dads, your kids’ friends, everyone around you, they are all part of a community. Who was your childhood idol? My father — a man of honour, integrity and great wisdom. He was instrumental in establishing aged persons’ home Moonya Lodge in Manjimup where I grew up. He stood up for people who needed someone strong and articulate to represent them. He drummed into me the credo “stand up and be counted” — the best advice I ever got. Peter Rundle: The Nationals WA Place of residence: Katanning Profession: Farmer and MP Why should the people of Roe vote for you? I have a comprehensive knowledge of the electorate of Roe and am always happy to listen to my constituents and take their issues to the next level to help them. What are your main priorities for the region? I am concerned about our small businesses in Roe and how I can help them with shortage of employees and recovery from COVID-19. I am also worried about the lack of on-farm water supplies and the effect it’s having on our sheep numbers. We have 10 of 12 water deficiency declarations in the State in Roe, and this is a pressing issue. What is your stance on Royalties for Regions? I am committed to retaining the integrity of Royalties for Regions and haven’t wavered. It is fair and just for 25 per cent of royalties collected by the State to be returned to the communities that generate the wealth. This fund supports the delivery of services and infrastructure. What should the Government do to help alleviate the region’s water crisis? The Government needs to reinstate the Farm Water Rebate Scheme, which was a feature of the previous Liberal National Government. This encourages farmers to maximise the rain that does fall and improve catchments and water infrastructure. If you could change one thing about State politics, what would it be and why? The amount of travel that is required. Roe is 106,000sqkm and 5912-times the size of Mt Lawley electorate. It is a challenge to cover this area, and tiredness can be an issue. We need more regional representation, not less. What are three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses? Strengths: I listen and act — people can call me anytime. strong representation of constituents, good communication and positive relationships. Weaknesses: I take on too much, I do like chocolate and a few lollies, and my wife tells me I don’t buy her enough flowers. How do you spend your free time away from politics and work? Family, friends and sport. I have always played tennis, golf and squash. What is your favourite memory of living in the region? Growing up on the farm, and in turn Andrea and I bringing our kids up on the farm. I love the sense of community and the country way of hospitality. Who was your childhood idol? Bjorn Borg (tennis) and Stephen Michael (football). Brad Willis: WA Labor Place of residence: Katanning Profession: Small business owner, welder Why should the people of Roe vote for you? Mark McGowan has kept us safe and strong and deserves another four years as our Premier. What are your main priorities for the region? My No.1 priority is local jobs. I am also passionate about access to quality health and education and community safety. What is your stance on Royalties for Regions? Over the past four years, the McGowan Labor Government has invested more funding into regional WA than any other government in history. On infrastructure alone, our Government is investing a record $7.5 billion in the regions over the next four years. The McGowan Government guaranteed the future of Royalties for Regions, as promised. We’re delivering major projects right across regional WA, investing in job-creation, schools, hospitals, roads and services that regional people need. What should the Government do to help alleviate the region’s water crisis? We live in a drying climate caused by the effects of climate change. The McGowan Government will continue to provide access to high-quality water for regional communities and to ensure farmers have water available for their livestock. If you could change one thing about State politics, what would it be and why? More bipartisanship and less opposition for opposition's sake. What are three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses? I work hard, I like to get things done and respect others. How do you spend your free time away from politics and work? Sport, and I like to create things out of steel. What is your favourite memory of living in the region? I like our country lifestyle, and no traffic lights. Who was your childhood idol? Royce Hart, former Richmond Football player — I always wanted to be able to play like him. Cathie Kelly: Australian Christians Place of residence: Newdegate Place of residence: Newdegate Profession: Farmer, teacher Why should the people of Roe vote for you? Over 50 years residence in the electorate qualifies me to know the needs of the region. I have been a Shire councillor, P&C president, a State executive member of the National Party, chairman of the Townscape Committee, a chaplain and teacher. I am currently a farming partner at Hollands Track Farm, recognised internationally as a leader in regenerative agriculture. What are your main priorities for the region? Prosperity for farmers, regional businesses and local employees; restoration of rural communities; enhanced facilities and services for the electorate. What is your stance on Royalties for Regions? A great program which needs to be more focused on services rather than facilities. People are our greatest resource — nothing happens without them. We need more people in our regions with the gifts to resource us. What should the Government do to help alleviate the region’s water crisis? The Wheatbelt Integrity Group has research which demonstrates that when water catchments are lined, dams will fill from the small rains we have been experiencing over the past three years. In government, I will pursue subsidies for farmers to line their catchments, rather than spending money on water carting from already depleted supplies. If you could change one thing about State politics, what would it be and why? We have a big State. Local consultation is vital to the wellbeing of communities. One vote, one value has diminished the power of rural communities by enlarging electorates. I will work to reduce the size of electorates. What are three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses? I have need for greater working knowledge of political processes. I have been described as wise and perceptive. Some of the practical workings of enterprise escape me, but I am knowledgeable about issues of personal and political freedom, history and ethics. I am a big-picture person. How do you spend your free time away from politics and work? My passions are my congregation, reading and research, bushwalking, entertaining and parties. What is your favourite memory of living in the region? Fun with my family on the farm. Who was your childhood idol? Jesus of Nazareth.