Policy Priorities - Sophie Torney for Kew Skip navigation
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Policy Priorities

The value of being a community Independent is that my policy priorities are developed through consultation with our community and informed by expert advice. As your representative and Independent member for Kew, my vote in parliament will never be influenced by party politics, donors, lobbyists or backroom deals.

I’m looking forward to meeting with you during the campaign - on the streets, and at community events.

Victoria’s integrity system isn’t working, and both major parties are responsible. If IBAC had been given the powers and mandate it needed when first established, many of the issues we’re seeing today could have been prevented.

Click here to read my full integrity policy.

I support a Royal Commission, but this will not stop future corruption. Without fixing the definition of corruption and expanding IBAC’s powers, corruption will continue to thrive in Victoria. 

As the former Chair of the Accountability Round Table, I have worked alongside Victoria’s most prominent integrity experts. We don’t need further reviews, and any politician suggesting otherwise is simply trying to delay the reforms experts have repeatedly told us are necessary.

My integrity policy is based on evidence, and the advice and recommendations of integrity bodies and leading integrity experts.

My priorities on integrity and transparency include:

  1. Fix the definition of corruption

  2. Grant IBAC ‘follow the dollar’ powers

  3. Implement all ‘Big Build’ Royal Commission recommendations

  4. Lower the threshold for public IBAC hearings

  5. Lower the requirements for an IBAC investigation to commence

  6. Make IBAC’s funding independent of Government

  7. Make it an offence to destroy or conceal evidence

  8. Strengthen lobbying regulations

  9. Real transparency on major project contracts

  10. Fix our FOI system

Click here to read my full integrity policy.

Victoria clearly needs more homes, but the current system isn’t working properly. Across Melbourne, more than 120,000 dwellings have been approved since late 2023 but not built. You can’t fix the housing crisis without addressing that problem.

My focus is on three priorities:

  1. Get approved homes built

There are tens of thousands of approved dwellings sitting idle. I will support reforms that remove barriers to construction, provide planning certainty and reduce unnecessary cost pressures so viable projects can proceed.

    2. Plan growth properly

We need more housing, but it must be well planned. That means better design standards, heritage protection and restoring a meaningful role for councils so development reflects local communities and capacity.

    3. Deliver more affordable housing

We need stronger inclusionary zoning targets so new developments include affordable homes. State levers should be used to encourage delivery, and where governments are not building enough social housing, they must partner with the sector and create incentives to close the gap.

Cost-of-living relief should focus on the real pressures households face - energy, housing and transport.

I support practical measures that reduce everyday costs, including energy efficiency, electrification and smarter infrastructure investment.

Victoria needs competent economic management, not short-term political decisions.
I support responsible spending, clear priorities and evidence-based policy that delivers long-term value for the community.

Climate action should deliver real benefits - lower energy bills, cleaner air and more resilient suburbs.

I support practical climate solutions, including electrification, urban cooling and stronger environmental protections.

Victoria must achieve net zero by 2045 at the latest.

People deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.

I support a balanced approach that combines effective policing, prevention and support for victims.

Local businesses are the backbone of our community.

I support policies that strengthen local shopping precincts, reduce unnecessary burdens and help small businesses thrive.

  • Treaty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to recognise First Peoples and reset the relationship between government and community. I support the Treaty process in Victoria.
  • Reconciliation must move beyond words. It requires clear action, accountability and long-term commitment.
  • We need honest truth-telling about our local history and the impacts of colonisation, including in our schools and public spaces.

I’m interested to hear directly from you about your policy priorities and how I can best represent you in parliament. Please fill out the contact form on my website and let me know what is important to you and your family.

My above policy priorities will be regularly updated throughout the campaign based on community feedback and expert advice.