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Respected Merri-bek councillor Sue Bolton announced on January 28 that she is contesting the federal seat of Wills for the Socialist Alliance. The seat is currently held by Labor MP Peter Khalil.

As Australia is a wealthy country, Bolton said “it is unacceptable that so many people can’t afford to rent or buy a home”.

If the one-in-three large corporations were taxed, Bolton said, the funds could pay for a massive public housing renovation and build program. That would “fix the housing crisis”, she said.

Bolton said Labor, ostensibly the party for workers, is presiding over a growing divide between the rich and poor. She blamed corporations for causing inflation because their drive for windfall profits increases prices that cause inflation. This then deepens poverty.

“Food, utilities, education, health and all the basics of life should be available for all,” Bolton said. “However they are being cut to pay enormous sums on the military and tax cuts for the rich.

“The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines will cost at least $368 billion. These billions need to be used to address the climate crisis and underfunded services.”

Bolton has used her position over the last 15 months to work with communities to push Merri-bek Council take a stand opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

She faced push-back from Labor councillors, but eventually won support for some of the most in relation to Israel’s war.

Meri-bek’s solidarity with Gaza became a benchmark for anti-war activists across the country who wanted their councils to also take a stand.

“We need politicians who will fight for human rights and justice and stand up against genocide,” she said, a reference to Khahil’s refusal to take a pro-Palestine stand.

“Labor says it wants peace in the Middle East, but it has refused to impose any sanctions on Israel, thereby revealing its double standards.

“How can we trust politicians that refuse to condemn a genocide? If they won’t do that, they certainly won’t fight for us.”

Khalil needs to go, Bolton said, because he blocks progressive action. She said her 12 years of experience as councillor means that she has what it takes to wage a fight with the community for outcomes that they want.

“We need a radical shift to deal with inequality here, the climate disaster and end the genocide in Gaza.”

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