‘Teal independents’ will make House of Reps what it’s meant to be – representative

We’re witnessing a political stirring to action, borne of despair with Liberal moderates who can't advance their local voters' concerns

THE INSPIRING STORY of the 2022 election campaign is the rise of the community independent movement, and particularly the role of women and young people in this new political awakening. It is a movement of the people, arising within their communities.

Variously dubbed the “teal independents” or “Voices of” candidates, they represent a political stirring to action reminiscent of the voting rights protests of the early 1900s, the feminist movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the peace movement of the 1970s.

Since Cathy McGowan’s win against the incumbent Liberal in Indi in rural Victoria in 2013 and again in 2016, the independent movement has taken shape in electorates around the nation, from small country towns and farming communities to the suburbs and cities.

The extraordinary work of our campaign team resulting in my win in the Wentworth by-election in 2018 showed that, beyond all expectations, an almost 20 percent swing is achievable for an independent in a previously safe Liberal city electorate.

That opened the door for communities in other areas to say, “You know what, we want a representative in Canberra who represents OUR views”.

“Teal independents” have a realistic prospect of winning in several electorates with prominent Jewish communities, particularly Wentworth, Goldstein and Kooyong.

The fact that so many women are standing in seats currently held by the Liberal Party is partly a reflection of the frustration with lack of progress on gender equality in political representation, and the treatment of women, particularly in the political workplace.