My name is Danny Pearson and I am the Labor Member for the State Seat of Essendon, as well as the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and Minister for Finance.
My wife and I live in Ascot Vale where we are raising our five children.
My interest in politics was inspired by my family. My grandmother’s family lost everything in the Great Depression and she endured a life of hardship. For my grandmother, the Australian Labor Party was the only institution that truly protected working people.
I became involved in politics because I believe that the Government can profoundly improve the lives of its citizens – to implement policies that enable every member of our community to achieve their full potential. That’s why I stood for Parliament in 2014, and then again in 2018 because I want to help create a fairer, more just and decent society for us and for future generations.
As a former President of the Early Learning Association Australia, I know that a world class education for our children is an investment in our future. This is why the Andrews Government has rebuilt Strathmore Primary School, funded the largest expansion of Strathmore Secondary College in its history, and we are upgrading parts of Ascot Vale Primary School, Ascot Vale Heights School, Moonee Ponds West Primary School and Essendon North Primary School. The Andrews Government has invested over $25 million in schools in the State Seat of Essendon – an 80 per cent increase compared with 2010-14.
We have delivered more than 50 local projects across the State Seat of Essendon, including an environmental plan to help protect the Moonee Ponds Creek and Maribyrnong River, more peak-hour services on the Craigieburn line and more evening peak services on tram routes 57 and 59. We removed the Buckley Street Level Crossing and built 70 new car parks at Strathmore Railway Station. We are rebuilding public housing providing modern, energy efficient, affordable accommodation for vulnerable members of our community. And, we are creating safer local roads for cyclists and pedestrians.
The State Government has also introduced state wide reforms that are important to our community. We have introduced fair rent reforms, including the right for tenants to own pets, and abolished no-fault evictions. We have banned fracking, brought in a 50 per cent solar panels rebate and implemented our own Victorian Renewable Energy Target. We also reformed residential zones introducing mandatory height controls and minimum requirements for garden space. And we are providing free TAFE for priority courses meaning more Victorians will have the skills they need to find a job in growing industries.
It is a privilege to serve our community and helping constituents is my first priority. Should you require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office on (03) 9370 7777 or email me via danny.pearson@parliament.vic.gov.au. Together we can build a better community