A sea of people in red clothing filled the Devonport Showground function room to show their support for Braddon Labor candidate Justine Keay on Sunday.
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While giving glowing endorsements for Ms Keay, Opposition leader Bill Shorten and deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek announced that a Labor government would set up a Headspace centre in Burnie for the North-West, and would hire 50 more Centrelink workers.
Ms Keay said she and other Labor senators felt like their offices were pseudo Centrelink offices.
“Thank you Bill for announcing 50 extra jobs here for Centrelink in the North-West and five extra people to go around the electorates and to meet people in their homes,” Ms Keay said.
Mr Shorten said they were going to stop treating pensioners and people receiving government payments as a second class.
“People on the North-West and West Coasts shouldn’t have to fight a bureaucratic battle every time they try and get the support they need. That’s why Labor will fund 50 additional staff at the Burnie and Devonport Centrelink services, injecting $3.6 million into the local economy.”
Mr Shorten said it was a big part due to Justine’s advocacy that a Labor government would build a new Headspace service in Burnie.
“When a young person is struggling with their mental health and they are attempting to seek help, there is a small window to intervene and help them and their loved ones,” he said
“At the moment, existing state government and private services are struggling to cope with demand. And for many young people, these services are not easily accessible.”
Ms Keay announced a $60 million commitment to upgrade the Bass Highway.
“Brett Whiteley has repeatedly and deliberately misled North-West and West Coasters by saying the Bass Highway would receive $400 million and today his deceit has been exposed,” she said.
Mr Shorten said voters could elected a 7th generation Tasmanian, a local champion, a mother of three, someone who was fierce and passionate for progress.
“We have a candidate who gets up every day determined to make lives better for the wonderful community she resides in.”
Ms Keay said Labor had a formidable team in Canberra she was desperate to be apart of again.
“It is my privilege to be able to fight for my community in Canberra. To tell the stories of people who are experiencing inequality and the stories for successful businesses and individuals.
“The people of Canberra know what we stand for, we are tight, we are loyal and you will never divide us.”
