LABOR has nominated its Forest candidate to run against MP Nola Marino in the 2016 federal election.
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Lamp Inc chief executive officer Lorrae Loud was preselected by the Labor Party which would see her represent the South West in Canberra if elected.
Lamp is a not for profit organisation which has operated in the South West since 1996 and offers services for mental health support.
Ms Loud said she has always had a strong interest in politics and felt it was the right time to be involved and make a difference to the community.
“Forrest has been perceived as a safe Liberal seat for a long time and it appears because of this the region has not been considered for many new initiatives and supports,” she said.
“I will be a strong voice committed to bring attention to the needs of the region.”
Having lived in WA rural communities for 40 years Ms Loud said she understood the challenges facing the South West.
Her main concerns were education, health, employment, mental health and youth suicide and the way these issues manifested in regional areas and the need for regionally based solutions.
“The Labor Party has strong policies that directly address many of the issues that most concern me,” she said.
“So I see this election as an opportunity for me to stand up and influence positive changes in the areas I believe are essential to the ongoing growth and development of the region.”
After 20 years of conversations Ms Loud found it unbelievable there was not a youth psychiatric care facility outside of Perth and something she wanted to rectify.
She said it was stressful and a financial burden for families and young people who were hospitalised away from home.
Ms Loud said there was not enough funding and support for essential social services in country areas and she wants to make a marked impact in this area for regional communities.