The atmosphere was buzzing as single mothers from across Victoria gathered in the Wayi Djerrin Room at the iconic Women’s Centre last Wednesday to hear directly from election candidates about how their parties would address the issues that matter most to single mothers.
As women mingled, introduced themselves and enjoyed refreshments, these priorities were clear. Some were passionate about affordable housing, others wanted better support for single mothers escaping family violence, while others shared distressing stories of substandard rental properties being among the few options available to them.
Despite their diverse experiences and priorities, everyone shared one conviction: single mothers’ voices and experiences must not be overlooked in this Victorian election.
A robust discussion on the issues that matter
The forum brought together Sue Bolton (Socialist Alliance), Moira Deeming MP (Family First Victoria), Natalie Hutchins MP (Australian Labor Party), Anasina Gray-Barberio MP (Australian Greens Victoria) and Michal Kedem (Victorian Socialists).
Panellists presented different perspectives to the discussion as they responded to CSMC’s five election asks before taking questions from the audience. Their approaches varied, particularly on the availability of public housing, lengthy waiting lists and the rising cost of living.
Find out how the parties’ policies fare against our five election asks here.
But while politicians presented their policies and positions, it was three courageous single mothers who ensured the discussion remained firmly grounded in reality.
Putting lived experience at the heart of the conversation
Political forums can sometimes be dominated by bold promises and familiar talking points. At CSMC’s election forum, three single mothers helped cut through the rhetoric by sharing their personal stories.
Their contributions brought the issues being discussed into sharp focus, showing what policy decisions mean for real women and their families.
“Family violence changed my life in ways I could never have anticipated,” Maria shared, describing her experiences in refuge and the systemic barriers she faced while rebuilding her life.
Suddenly, the facts and figures being discussed by panellists had a human face.
Megan spoke about the lack of support and government resources available to her family, and the devastating flow-on effects.
“Unfortunately, the system is designed so supports are walked away once the danger or crisis is averted,” she said. “Left to navigate the private rental sector alone, we have been at the mercy of landlords and sky-rocketing markets since.”
A powerful reminder of what unites us
The forum created a warm, welcoming space for women from diverse backgrounds and with a breadth of experiences to connect, share their stories and put the issues that matter most to them directly to politicians.
For CSMC staff, it was also an opportunity to reconnect with single mothers who have been advocating alongside us for decades, while welcoming new members and supporters into the community.
A huge thank you to our panellists, our three storytellers and everyone who attended, asked questions and helped make the forum such an important conversation. Your willingness to listen, share and speak up is what makes collective advocacy so powerful.
Couldn’t make it on the night? You can still be part of the change.
Even if you didn’t make it to the election forum, you can still add your voice to the call for change by signing the Open Letter to candidates.
We’re calling on every party contesting the Victorian election to apply the Single Mother Test: do their policies work for a family with one parent and one income?
Every signature strengthens our call for a fairer Victoria, where single mothers and our children are seen, heard and included in the decisions that shape our futures.
Add your voice. Sign our open letter and share it with your community. Sign the open letter
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