I'm Tam and am here to serve you.

My intention towards sheep and other animal farmers in the region is to work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit farmers, animals, and the environment. I understand that animal farming plays a role in the Southern Grampians economy. My vision is to create a future where farms are resilient, not just in terms of economic challenges and climate change but also in their commitment to outstanding animal welfare standards. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, we can protect the land and ensure that the welfare of animals is at the heart of farming operations. I aim to support farmers by helping them diversify income streams, whether that’s through eco-tourism or sustainable farming practices, while simultaneously prioritising the welfare of animals and making sure they have every facility they need to do so. My advocacy for animal welfare is not in opposition to farming—it’s about finding a better balance where the care and treatment of animals can coexist with the economic needs of farmers. Ultimately, my goal is to unify, not divide, by ensuring that farmers feel supported as we tackle challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. I believe we can work together to create a future where Southern Grampians farms become leaders in environmental stewardship and exemplars of animal welfare, safeguarding the land and its resources for generations to come.

Promoting passenger rail in the Western District offers numerous advantages over buses, benefiting both locals and the environment. While buses are affordable, rail travel is more efficient, reliable, and less affected by traffic or weather conditions. It provides a comfortable and consistent option for daily commuters, students, and those needing to access larger cities for education, healthcare, or employment. Rail services also have the capacity to transport more passengers, reducing the need for multiple trips and lowering traffic congestion and emissions.

For locals, passenger rail would enhance regional connectivity, making it easier to travel between rural towns and urban hubs. This improved access could bolster local businesses, encourage eco-tourism, and provide new opportunities for work and recreation. Rail services are also safer and more fuel-efficient, offering a more sustainable alternative to buses and cars.

Furthermore, the reintroduction of rail could ease pressure on regional roads by transporting freight such as agricultural goods, thereby reducing heavy truck traffic. This would not only improve road safety for all users but also lower road maintenance costs. By investing in passenger rail, the Western District could enjoy a sustainable, connected, and economically resilient future for both residents and visitors. There has been previous interest in rail projects in Western Victoria, such as the Western Rail Plan, which aimed to improve regional connectivity and reduce reliance on road transport. I would fully support a return to this campaign.

Yes, we live on a conservation farm. Unlike a lifestyle property, which is typically for passive enjoyment, our farm is actively managed for conservation, wildlife protection, and biodiversity restoration. We focus on restoring endangered areas of forest, creating habitat for native and endangered species, and ensuring that the land can thrive for future generations. This type of farm plays an essential role in the health and wellbeing of the environment, as well as providing a place where visitors can experience a deep connection to nature and belonging to Country. By engaging in active land management, our conservation farm contributes to the preservation of the natural world, much like any traditional farm contributes to food production—only here, the crop we are growing is the future of our ecosystems.