Independent Candidate for the seat of Caulfield

Why I’m Running:

As I was preparing to vote for the first time I realised something truly disappointing.I had seen ad after ad within which few policies were praised but opposing candidates and parties were condemned as unfit to govern. This was really discouraging as it created a sense that there wasn’t a single candidate in my seat who truly represented my interests and the interests of my peers, only career politicians concerned with fear-mongering about the worst case scenarios. These suggestions included perceived threats of stagnation (i. e. the maintaining of a status quo that few are benefitting from), increased antisemitism from politicians and declining healthcare and education standards while the  prices for services increased. My goal is to remind voters that they are not bound to vote only for big established parties and career politicians but that democracy is for everyone. This means everyone gets a fair go and if they mess it up we see real change.

Who am I:

I am a (soon to be) VCE graduate who has lived my entire life in the electoral district of Caulfield and whose family has lived around this area for over a century. I am passionate about Education, the Arts and civil involvement particularly in terms of encouraging young people to be aware of and participate in political discourse.

I am an actor, musician and composer. I have been involved with various ensembles, musicals and plays including recieving the Lyrebird award for Best Cameo in 2024.

I have experience in community leadership including my time as a synagogue board member, a Diller Teen Fellow and as an apprentice youth councillor for Hineni Youth and Welfare Australia.

Yaakov’s (Kovi’s) Policies

 Campaign priorities (broad strokes):

  • The number 1 priority of my campaign is to give a voice to everyday punters and emphasise that they should have as much (if not more) influence than bankrolled lobbyists. I want to encourage civil participation across local communities and remind voters that everyone deserves to have their voice heard.

  • As an independent I will not be bound to tow party lines and will therefore be able to assess the benefits and potential disadvantages as it affects constituents. 

  • I hope to shake up politics for the sake of young people.

  • As a young person one of the most important policies I hold is to listen to those with more experience with certain policies and to consult constituents who have expertise.

Individual Policy Breakdown

Corruption

Hold prior government accountable, eliminate corruption, investigate the fiasco of the commonwealth games.

Housing Crisis

Increased penalties for vacant and undeveloped or underdeveloped properties will see a greater availability of houses on the market as well as eliminating stamp duty for first time buyers.

Social Cohesion and Public Safety

Clearer enforcement of existing laws. Taking terror threats on places of worship and educational institutions seriously with a focus on discrimination (especially antisemitism).

Public Spaces and Community organisations

Oversee support for community organisations, cultural institutions and libraries. See that during school holidays and weekends that public school venues are actually used for community benefit and not locked up. Depicted above is the public school on my street which is built and maintained by the public purse. It is reasonable for schools to exclude the public while acting as schools but it’s ridiculous to ban all use of the space when vacant.

Education

Increased support for public school teachers including increased wages and reduced class sizes for public school teachers. Reinstitution of disability support in schools across the board. More flexibility in the curriculum to allow teachers to meet students where they’re at.

Reinvigorating the Melbourne Arts scene

Minimise payroll taxes for small businesses especially in the Arts and Educational institutions. Ensure grants are available for smaller community Arts collectives.

Transportation

Cheaper, faster, Safer and more reliable public transportation (both in the city and across rural Victoria). Though expensive in the short term it will massively increase quality of life and reduce traffic and road maintenance issues as well as being a more sustainable long-term economic and environmental decision. I would also like to oversee an improvement in the maintenance of our bike paths, with emptier roads thanks to faster trains encouraging more cyclists.

Healthcare

Ensure public healthcare is actually safe, affordable and accessible (unlike Labor’s empty promises), reducing the risks for those who cannot easily afford insurance. This will be achieved by reestablishing the allied health hubs that were shut down at the inception of NDIS.

Welfare

Increase access to supports and housing for vulnerable victorians including youth, students and people with disabilities.