Destined for politics, Aaron’s ready to represent his community

LIBERAL candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown, believes he has the right experience and values to be the next elected member for the electorate. 

A former councillor and deputy mayor, Mr Brown said he’s always loved the electorate he grew up in and would be privileged to be its next MP. 

It almost seems like Mr Brown was destined for politics, as his father, the well-known Alan Brown, was the Liberal member for Westernport (later renamed Gippsland West) until 1997.

“I got to go around with dad particularly in his later years, so I had the opportunity as a child to attend all the different events,” he told the Sentinel-Times. 

“I was always interested in talking about what he got up to and who he met.”

Aaron said his vision for the electorate is to see it thrive and be an ideal place for residents to raise a family, while genuinely listening to the community’s concerns. 

Mr Brown has been a member of the Liberal Party since 2009, and joined after being concerned about the development of the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant. 

“That was one of the main issues that made me want to join the party, I got involved in the local branches and really enjoyed it,” he said.

Since announcing his candidacy earlier this year, Mr Brown has been busy taking opportunities to meet the community and hear about local issues. 

“For example, when we announced funding at Lang Lang Showgrounds, I was able to meet with them and hear how they desperately needed upgrades and I was able to get a commitment from our party if we are elected,” he said.

“It was the same with the Phillip Island Football Club; it’s all about focusing on your electorate as a candidate. And if you’re lucky enough to become an MP.”

Other issues Mr Brown plans to focus on include erosion at Inverloch and shire wide, as well as concerns regarding sand mining operations in Grantville.

To also avoid any confusion, as Mr Brown and Nationals candidate Brett Tessari are both running in the election under parties which form a Coalition in the state government, he wanted to make it clear he is running against Mr Tessari. 

“I’m committed to winning the seat and gaining the trust of the Bass electorate.”

Mr Brown and the party had also recently announced they would invest $6m towards erosion issues at Inverloch if elected.