Aldred visits San Remo

Federal Member for Monash Mary Aldread hit the pavement in San Remo last Thursday to hear from residents, alongside Liberal candidate for Bass Rochelle Halstead.

"My electorate is about the size of Jamaica in landmass, so it's very important I engage with all parts of the Monash electorate," Ms Aldred said.

The MP said among the issues raised by residents were ongoing cost of living pressures, the Federal Budget's impact on small business and veterans, and the reduction in private health rebates for people over 65.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced a plan to roll back the Howard-era rebates for older Australians, with the savings to be spent on more aged care beds and at-home care supports.

Ms Aldred also caught up with local CFA volunteers, and reiterated her commitment to $10 million in development funding for the Phillip Island Recreation Reserve.

"In fact, I'm going to be raising (the recreation reserve) in Federal parliament next week to keep the pressure on, because it's just such an important project for the community," she said.

One of the few fresh Liberal faces to be elected to parliament last year, Ms Aldred would not be drawn on recent polling numbers which projected her electorate as the most likely Victorian seat to fall to One Nation.

The Redbridge Accent national poll released last month projected Monash had a 98 per cent chance of turning orange if the election were held at the time of polling, although the estimates "may miss idiosyncratic electorates".

A similar poll released by DemosAU also had Monash as "firm" for One Nation.

"The only feedback I concentrate on is the feedback that I get directly from local residents that I'm talking to," Ms Aldred said.

"I do that day in, day out, and I'll keep doing that; the local community is the thing I'm 100 per cent focused on."

Superannuation

Ms Aldred will introduce her first private member's motion to parliament this week, compelling the Federal Government to act on reforming superannuation payout timeframes.

"It's now been over 18 months that the Albanese Government promised legislation to crack down on big super taking too long to pay Australians what is their money for retirement, and we're still yet to see any progress," Ms Aldred said.

In January 2025, the Federal Government announced plans to introduce mandatory service standards for superannuation funds, especially over its poor handling of death benefits.

Despite this, there are over 4000 Australians waiting up to four years to access their own money.