Kate Lockhart named Voices of Corangamite’s federal election candidate

Just months after seeking a seat at City Hall, an independent candidate inspired by the success of the teal movement has shifted her attention to Canberra.

Voices of Corangamite’s (from left) Jo Murphy, Robert Patterson, Kate Lockhart, Mik Aidt and Cam Bray. Picture: Supplied.

An agricultural scientist who stood for City Hall in October’s council election is the latest candidate confirmed in the crucial seat of Corangamite.

Kate Lockhart will represent the Voices of Corangamite group at the impending federal election, using the recent success of teal independents across the country as inspiration.

Ms Lockhart, a Drysdale resident, dipped her toes in the political water last year when she was defeated by Rowan Story in a two-way battle in Geelong’s Murradoc ward.

She fell just short, receiving 48.8 per cent of the vote.

Having never been a member of a political party, Ms Lockhart said she was attracted to the independent movement because it focused on issues she was passionate about, citing climate action, gender equity, integrity, and transparency.

“These values are what I have worked for my entire life,” she said.

“I want to bring real, practical leadership to Corangamite that aligns with these principles.”

Ms Lockhart becomes the fifth candidate confirmed in Corangamite, just days after Surf Coast councillor and Libertarian Party executive member Paul Barker said he would stand again.

Two-term Labor MP Libby Coker holds the seat by 7.6 per cent but faces a strong challenge from the Liberals’ Darcy Dunstan.

Corangamite is a key seat for the Coalition in its bid to return to power after just one term in opposition.

Minor party and independent candidate preferences are expected to play a decisive role.

Darcy Dunstan and Libby Coker are in a close contest.

Ms Lockhart, who recently completed a women in leadership and local governance fellowship, said she had long advocated for better services and infrastructure for the Bellarine and wider region.

She is not deterred by the failure of Corangamite independents to command a vote above 5 per cent in recent elections.

“I will fight for real cost-of-living relief and make secure housing a priority,” she said.

“My pledge to voters is clear: I will listen, work hard, and focus on what matters most.”

Voices of Corangamite consists of a small group of politically active volunteers who list climate change, integrity in politics, and energy issues as its top priorities.

Prior to confirmation of Ms Lockhart’s candidacy, the group’s Mik Aidt said “disillusioned Liberal voters who can’t bring themselves to vote for the Greens” were the target.

“To be frank, we don’t want to steal votes from the Greens, or even Labor,” he said.

The election must be held by May 17, but April 12 looms as the preferred option, according to some Labor sources.

There must be at least 33 days between the election being called and polling day, meaning that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would need to visit Governor-General Sam Mostyn by Sunday if he wants an April 12 vote.

Originally published as Kate Lockhart named Voices of Corangamite’s federal election candidate