A former vice-captain of Echuca College and Campaspe Shire Student of the Year, Ms Sanif has been involved in socialist politics for several years.
She said she was motivated by what she called the “rise of far-right politics” and a desire to improve public transport, health services and housing affordability across the electorate.
“I feel we have a responsibility as left-wing people, wherever we’re from, to try and change the narrative and show the growth of the far right is not without a challenge,” Ms Sanif said.
Another key focus for her is making towns in Murray Plains places people don’t have to leave if they want to study, explaining that people pursuing higher, tertiary education, including herself, were often forced to move closer to their institution because public transport was unable to support a daily commute to and from Melbourne.
“If I could have studied what I wanted to and stayed here with my family, I would have, and I think it’s the same for many working-class people (across the electorate),” she said.
Other priorities for Ms Sanif include addressing climate change-driven heat increases by boosting subsidies for air-conditioning and insulation, creating a youth and arts centre, and introducing a five-year freeze on residential rents alongside an increase in public housing.
She said she understood her party may lead people to form quick opinions about her and her policies, but urged them to think about what could be possible if governments put people over profit.
“The world we live in is economically organised for working-class people to have absolutely no say and absolutely no dignity,” she said.
“The most basic thing you need to survive, which is a roof over your head, could be gone instantly if you lose your job and are unable to get support (which just shouldn’t be the case).
“I want to show people what can be possible.”
The Victorian election will be held on November 28.
