ERIC HAYWARD: FIGHTING FOR FAIR RENT, TRUTH-TELLING, AND FIRST NATIONS HOUSING
BY ASAD KHAN
Eric Hayward, a proud Noongar man and Greens candidate for Tangney, says it is time for bold change in Australian politics.
Drawing from his diverse background as a teacher, solicitor, and researcher, Hayward believes his experiences have led him to this moment.
“I think it’s all part of a journey,”
“We don’t always know the next step, but I believe more of our mob need to share their views about what needs to change in the political system.”
Cost of Living and Housing Crisis
At the heart of his campaign is the escalating cost-of-living crisis, particularly the impact of rising rents on families in his electorate.
“We need to freeze rents,”
“We can’t let landlords hike up rents every time a lease is renewed without accountability. We already have a rental crisis, and wages haven’t kept up.”
He painted a grim picture of families forced to make difficult choices.
“People are going without food, fuel, and medicine just to keep a roof over their heads. In a country making billions in profits, that’s unacceptable.”
Truth-Telling and National Unity
Beyond economic issues, he is also pushing for truth-telling and greater recognition of Aboriginal history.
“If we’re going to move forward, we have to acknowledge the past,” he said.
With major anniversaries approaching for both Western Australia and Australia, he sees a unique opportunity for reconciliation.
“I’d love to see the Aboriginal flag incorporated into our national flag, replacing the Union Jack. That would be a real symbol of unity.”
Addressing the Crisis in Aboriginal Communities
Mr Hayward is especially concerned about the worsening conditions for Aboriginal communities, pointing to severe overcrowding and record numbers of children in state care.
“The housing crisis is bad for everyone, but for our mob, it’s even worse. Families are crammed into homes not built for that many people,
“We need the government to use its $1.4 billion surplus to build social housing. The private sector isn’t going to do it for us.”
A Message to Voters
As election day looms, Hayward urged undecided voters to break away from the major parties and back the Greens.
“If you want change, you have to vote for it now,” he said.
“We’ve been calling for action on rent and cost-of-living pressures for years, and now the major parties are starting to copy our policies.
“We are the party that puts Aussie battlers first. If you want to send a message to the government and to Dutton’s nuclear party, vote Greens first—then choose the other party.”
With a platform built on justice, fairness, and real solutions, Hayward’s campaign is a call to action for those who feel left behind by traditional politics.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with the Greens candidate Eric Hayward: