Melbourne byelection: Candidates battle in public forum
BY CHRIS HINGSTON
When Berhan Ahmed walksMelbourne’s streets he sees a great mix of people who need a voice in State Parliament.
Dr Ahmed, former Victorian of the year and African Think Tank leader, will officially launch hisMelbournebyelection campaign this week.
“The political system has become clogged by the same people with the same voice,” he said. “I want to show the people on the margins we all can participate and get involved.” Dr Ahmed said he wanted to improve housing, employment and transport infrastructure. Born inEritrea, Dr Ahmed came toAustralia25 years ago, first working as a tram conductor and taxi driver. He spent 10 years in Fitzroy public housing studying for his PhD and masters degree. He now works as a Senior Research Fellow in forest and ecosystem science at theUniversityofMelbourne.
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