By Parker McKenzie
Casey MP Aaron Violi was elected to federal parliament in May 2022; and reflected on the challenges and successes of the year in a conversation with the Star Mail.
Mr Violi, who replaced the long-serving MP Tony Smith at the May 21 federal election, said he has learned a lot about how Canberra and parliament operate after seven months on the job.
“Canberra operates in quite a unique environment and from that perspective, it is disconnected from the electorate and what is happening in everyday society,” he said.
“It is a really important reminder for myself to make sure I’m out in the community, visiting groups, talking to constituents and really understanding what’s happening and what the challenges are.”
He said some of the biggest challenges for people living throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges included the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis and skill shortages.
“Whether it is energy prices, interest rates continuing to go up, the cost of groceries or fuel costs, the cost of living inflation is definitely a challenge for everyone,” he said.
“Skill shortages have been the number one issue that businesses have spoken to me about not just since being elected, but throughout the campaign and since the lockdowns have ended.
“That’s why I’ve been fighting really passionately and working with Dan Tehan, the Shadow Minister of Immigration, and the government to look to put a designated area migration agreement in place in Casey because that will allow businesses to get better access in very targeted ways to skilled migrants that they need.”
Mr Violi said on a personal level, his highlight has been meeting the “amazing people in the community.”
“I go meet with different groups and I’m just blown away by how giving people are, how passionate they are for the community and how they don’t ask for anything in return,” he said.
“Being elected was also a highlight, I’m a third-generation resident and I unashamedly love Casey. The opportunity to represent my home is something I’ll be forever grateful for.”
He said he would like to thank everybody in the electorate and “those who participated in the democratic process” whether they voted for him or not.
“We’re at our strongest as a country when we’ve got a strong democracy and I really appreciate the support that I’ve received from the community since being elected,” he said.
“My office is always open and we are here to help people, so if you have a challenge, please reach out to the office and we’ll do everything we can to help.”
