Ms Doutney is an arts
history major who has worked for the Powerhouse
Museum, the Australian Greens’
developer donations campaign, newspapers and for various social outreach
organisations in inner Sydney.
Ms Doutney would like to
see increased council resources for affordable housing, drug and alcohol
support, outreach for public housing
residents, health care
partnerships with the state government, a cap on large developments and
incentives for sustainable development.
“A big issue for me
is social justice and I think Sydney
is such a rich city, with so many disadvantaged groups,” she said.
“I would like to
see the council diverting resources from advertising and self-promotion into
things like rehab centres, wet and dry alcohol centres and mental health.
“I also think the
social outreach areas are especially important for the large number of public
housing residents we have.
“All these things
are really achievable and I think the Lord Mayor’s 2030 plan has started the conversation
already, so now we need to actually get in there and make it happen.”
Greens councillor Chris Harris welcomed Ms Doutney’s candidacy.
“I come from a business background and Irene is from a public housing [and
community services] background,” Cr Harris said.
“She has a keen
sense of social justice and seeks to represent those who don’t have a
voice.”
Ms Doutney said while
she believed the existing team of independents on council lead by Clover Moore had achieved much since taking office,
she was not afraid to offer criticism.
“I find when I go
and look at council, it’s really very much the cult of personality and focused
around the Lord Mayor,” she said.
“I would like to
see the council more democratised [with] more emphasis on social
programs.”
Ms Doutney said she
faces a formidable task in the election.
“Last time we only
missed out by a few hundred votes so we believe the position is winnable.”
Picture: Phil Rogers –
Irene Doutney is standing for the Greens in the Sydney Council elections.
Source: Central 23rd April 2008