Sarah Hathway, a former Socialist Alliance councillor in the City of Greater Geelong, announced on February 15 that she will contest the seat of Corio.
“We need community activists to present a democratic alternative to the two major parties, which are selling out working people’s rights,” Hathway said.
She said her campaign is focused on real cost-of-living solutions for growing numbers missing out on the basics, such as a secure home and job.
“I am sick of hearing Richard Marles [sitting MP] talk up weapons and war when so many are struggling with a lack of affordable housing and rising cost of living pressures,” Hathway said.
“Marles’ focus on jobs in private weapons manufacturing shows how completely out of touch he is.”
Hathway criticised the major parties for committing at least $368 billion of public funds to nuclear submarines, as part of the AUKUS deal.
“The nuclear-powered submarines may never arrive, whereas we urgently need frontline services to be properly resourced.”
Hathway is known for her activism to defend and restore public services.
As a councillor she campaigned for council to support a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and opposed its support for local arms manufacturing.
She won unanimous support for council land to be retained for social housing, rather than sold to private developers.
She supports the community-led campaigns against the waste incinerator at Lara and the gas import terminal in Corio Bay.
Hathway, a 34-year-old social worker and unionist, lives with her partner and daughter in Corio, and has spent more than a decade campaigning for peace, the environment and workers’ rights.
Her campaign banner is: Community need, not war and greed.
When the Murdoch-owned Geelong Advertiser described Hathway as “divisive”, “controversial” and a “firebrand”, she said it shows how far removed it is from the reality of people’s lives.
“Standing up for rights and services — against corporate greed — is what .”
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