Haines returns serve on Liberal shots

LIBERAL candidate for Indi James Trenery has criticised the performance of Independent MP Helen Haines on the eve of a likely federal election being called. While claiming that bad decisions by the Labor Government over the last three years has led to a high cost of living, Mr Trenery turned his attention to Dr Haines' ability to bring change. "The Member for Indi, Helen Haines, for three years has had no policy to get the cost of living under control," he said. “She has not delivered on issues that are important to us – in the past three years, Helen Haines has not got funding for local health services, like a new hospital on a new site in Albury Wodonga, nothing for Mansfield Hospital or Alpine Health. “In 2023 Helen Haines announced a housing policy, which she said could bring down house prices. "In two years, not a single home has been built under her policy, not a dollar spent. “Helen Haines has been too busy focused on the wrong priorities, like campaigning for the divisive, nearly $500 million Voice referendum, and voting against things like minimum mandatory sentences for people convicted of terrorism offences. “Our communities are unhappy with this inaction and are looking for someone who can truly represent them." Haines Haines returned fire, refuting Mr Trenery's claims and said she's proud to have represented the people of Indi as their independent federal MP and she firmly stands by her track record. "Voters are tired of misinformation and plain mistruths," Dr Haines said. "I point the Liberal candidate to my cost-of-living policy announcements and my consistent work advocating for energy bill savings. "In complete contradiction to his claims, more than $7.1 million in grants have been secured by local health services, on top of their regular funding, since my election. "The people of Indi should be in no doubt about my priorities – for me it is always about what is best for the people of Indi. "There’s no party boss from Sydney or Melbourne telling me how to vote, what to say, or what to think." When it comes to the cost-of-living, Dr Haines said a year ago she voted to bring on debate on a bill introduced by Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie to hold the big supermarkets to account. "In contrast, the Coalition didn’t even bother to show up," she said. "I have worked successfully with both of the major parties in government – the Coalition Morrison Government and now the Albanese Labor Government. "I will take that same approach to the next election and base my actions and decisions on the best interests of Indi. "The Liberal candidate has so far failed to outline any alternative policies for Indi, how he would influence the national policy agenda, and how he would consult with the community in doing so. "All funding that has flowed to Indi is clearly outlined in my website and I encourage locals to take a look at the funding that has been delivered in their towns.” Dr Haines also highlighted her enabling infrastructure policy to assist in housing development which both major parties have now adopted as their policy, if elected.