Practical Commitments for a Better Footscray

Footscray deserves safer streets, stronger local businesses, better community facilities and a government that listens.

As an independent candidate, I will focus on practical outcomes, responsible spending and making decision-makers answer for their promises.

I cannot promise to solve every problem overnight. But I can commit to raising local concerns, scrutinising government decisions, working across political lines and reporting publicly on what has—and has not—been achieved.

These are the five priorities that will guide my work as your representative.

---

1. SAFETY

Safer Streets and Public Spaces

Residents should not have to put up with crime, repeat offending and antisocial behaviour as part of everyday life.

If elected, I will:

• Push for stronger police responses to crime, repeat offending and persistent antisocial behaviour, including better coordination between police, transport authorities and local government.
• Prioritise local crime hotspots by raising documented concerns about shopping strips, transport hubs and public spaces with the relevant authorities and seeking clear responses on what action will be taken.
• Demand accountability for repeat problems, including asking for explanations when persistent safety concerns remain unresolved and pressing for evidence-based enforcement and prevention measures.
• Give residents and traders a stronger voice by collecting reports of recurring safety problems and raising them directly with the responsible agencies.

My commitment: I will maintain a record of the major safety issues I raise, the responses received and the follow-up action required. I will report progress publicly every three months.

My goal is straightforward: safer streets, more effective enforcement and a community that can use local facilities without fear.

2. OPPORTUNITY

More Local Jobs, Stronger Businesses and New Investment

A thriving Footscray needs businesses that can succeed, commercial areas people want to visit and more opportunities for local workers.

If elected, I will:

• Work with local traders and council to identify the main barriers facing businesses, including vacant shops, safety concerns, commercial costs and obstacles to investment.
• Push for a practical vacancy-reduction plan that brings property owners, businesses and council together to identify suitable uses for empty commercial premises and make better use of underused spaces.
• Press for targeted business support that helps viable small businesses grow, encourages entrepreneurship and connects local employers with jobseekers.
• Scrutinise government grants and investment programs to ensure local businesses have a fair opportunity to access support and that public funding delivers measurable local benefits.

My commitment: I will seek to establish regular discussions with local traders and business representatives, publish the key problems identified and report on the actions taken to address them.

My goal is a more active Footscray, with stronger local businesses, more employment opportunities and renewed confidence to invest in our community.

3. COMMUNITY

Better Services, Public Spaces and Local Representation

Government decisions should reflect the needs of the people who live, work and raise families in Footscray—not just the priorities of politicians.

If elected, I will:

• Hold regular community forums to hear directly from residents, traders, families and community organisations about local problems and proposed solutions.
• Push for better access to essential services, including healthcare and community support, by identifying service gaps and pressing the responsible government agencies for practical responses.
• Defend valuable parks, trees and green spaces by scrutinising proposals that threaten community assets and demanding that alternatives and environmental impacts be properly considered.
• Press for better community facilities that meet the needs of a growing population, including accessible recreational spaces and facilities for families and young people.

My commitment: I will hold at least one public community meeting each quarter, publish the main issues raised and explain what action I will take or which authority is responsible.

My goal is a community where residents have a genuine voice, essential services meet local needs and public spaces remain valuable assets for future generations.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING

Growth That Works for Footscray

Population growth must be matched by infrastructure, services and planning that protect the quality of life of existing residents.

If elected, I will:

• Scrutinise major development proposals and public projects by asking for clear information about costs, timelines, traffic, environmental impacts and the effect on surrounding neighbourhoods.
• Push for infrastructure to keep pace with growth, including reliable public transport, safer pedestrian connections and adequate community facilities.
• Demand genuine consideration of alternatives when proposed developments threaten important green spaces, trees or community assets.
• Monitor major local projects and commitments by seeking progress updates from the responsible agencies and raising delays, cost increases or unmet obligations in Parliament where appropriate.

My commitment: I will maintain a public list of the major local infrastructure and planning issues I pursue, including the responsible authority, the action requested and the latest available progress.

My goal is development that delivers lasting benefits—not growth at any cost, and not major decisions made without proper scrutiny.

5. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY

Transparency, Responsible Spending and Results

Public money must deliver public value. Residents deserve to know what governments promise, what projects cost and whether the promised results are delivered.

If elected, I will:

• Scrutinise government spending and major projects, questioning poor-value proposals, unexplained cost increases and spending that does not deliver clear community benefits.
• Demand transparent reporting on election promises, including funding, delivery timelines, delays and changes to announced commitments.
• Use parliamentary processes to seek answers, including questions to ministers and scrutiny of relevant budgets, reports and government decisions.
• Work across political lines where it benefits Footscray, supporting worthwhile proposals regardless of which party puts them forward while challenging decisions that do not serve our community.
• Report honestly on progress and setbacks, including when a proposal is rejected, funding is unavailable or another level of government has responsibility.

My commitment: I will publish a quarterly accountability update covering the major issues I have raised, the responses received, progress against my commitments and the next steps required.

My goal is to give Footscray an independent voice that asks difficult questions, follows through and puts community interests ahead of party politics.

---

AN INDEPENDENT VOICE THAT DELIVERS

I am not asking you to trust a list of promises without question.

I am asking you to judge me by the issues I raise, the answers I obtain, the decisions I challenge and the progress I report.

As an independent MP, I will not control every government department, council decision or funding allocation. But I can use my parliamentary position to scrutinise decisions, advocate for local priorities, work with others and hold those responsible to account.

My commitment is to be accessible, practical and accountable—and to tell you honestly what has been achieved and what still needs to be done.

Explore my full 5-point action plans in detail:

1. Safety Plan
2. Opportunity Plan
3. Community Plan
4. Infrastructure & Planning Plan
5. Government Accountability Plan

Hai Dinh
Independent Candidate for Footscray

Safety. Opportunity. Community.