Andrew Hirst is a teacher, small business owner, husband and father who has lived in Cranbourne for several years. 

He has worked as a school teacher for more than a decade, teaching young people from all sorts of backgrounds and gaining a deep understanding of the issues that matter to them and their parents. He also runs a small education business.

Andrew decided to stand for One Nation in Cranbourne because he believes many of the concerns local people have are not being addressed.

“People work hard. They pay their taxes, pay the rent or mortgage and try to get ahead. But it’s harder to do that, not easier.”

Cost of living is one of those concerns. Housing is another. Cranbourne has grown enormously, but roads and services need to keep pace.

Crime is also an issue Andrew feels strongly about.

“I think people have every right to be concerned about crime. Nobody should feel uneasy in their own home or walking around where they live. We shouldn’t just accept that as normal.”

Andrew believes government needs to take these concerns seriously and do more to make people feel safe in their own community.

Education is also important to him. Having spent years in the classroom, Andrew has seen what works and what doesn’t.

“Kids need a good education. That means getting the basics right, having standards and making sure they leave school with the skills they need. We can always do better.”

Andrew knows people in Cranbourne don’t all think the same way or vote the same way. Some have traditionally voted Labor, others Liberal, independent or for minor parties. That doesn’t bother him.

“People don’t have to agree on everything. But I think a lot of us are looking around at the moment and wondering why some pretty basic problems aren’t getting fixed. We need a decisive change in direction, and we need people in Parliament who are prepared to actually deal with these issues.”

Andrew is standing for One Nation because he believes Cranbourne deserves that change.