Former Adelaide Writers’ Week director Jo Dyer to stand as an independent in seat of Boothby

Outgoing Writers’ Week director Jo Dyer – an advocate for the Adelaide woman who made disputed claims she was raped by a senior federal MP – wants to enter federal politics.

Outgoing Adelaide Writers’ Week director Jo Dyer will stand as an independent in the marginal federal seat of Boothby.

Ms Dyer recently made national headlines when she became the leading advocate for an Adelaide woman who alleged she was raped decades ago by former federal attorney-general Christian Porter when they were both teenagers. Mr Porter has repeatedly and categorically denied the allegation.

A theatre director, Ms Dyer said the national controversy involving her friend Kate – who died by suicide in 2020 – had focused her on the need for political change at the federal level.

Her campaign is self-funded and a GoFundMe page has been launched for supporters to donate, a spokesman said.

Ms Dyer said on Monday she was aiming to win Boothby so independents held the balance of power in Canberra.

Outgoing Adelaide Writers' Week director Jo Dyer has announced she will run as an independent in Boothby. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“We need a change of government and a reset in our toxic politics,” she said.

“Our democracy needs to focus on the existential crisis that is climate change, integrity and gender equity.”

Ms Dyer said both major parties were failing to address the issues.

“It is a combination of frustration and inspiration that has brought me to this point,” she said.

“The crisis is real, we must act now, and it’s time for people to step forward who want to create a safer and better society and future for our children.”

Ms Dyer said she remained appalled at the federal government’s handling of the sexual assault allegations against Mr Porter, who will retire at the next election.

She became involved in a high-profile court case when she successfully forced Mr Porter’s barrister off the case in defamation action he took against the ABC.

Jo Dyer (left) leaves the Supreme Court in Sydney with her lawyer during the case involving Christian Porter. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Jo Dyer, centre, with Adelaide Festival chairwoman Judy Potter and Premier Steven Marshall. Picture: Tony Lewis

“There was no investigation or inquiry… Mr Porter continued to sit at the cabinet table,” she said.

“That was a great insult to Kate and to women across the country who felt their voices were not being heard.”

Ms Dyer said the country needed “integrity, accountability and transparency in the way we are governed”.

“We deserve better,” she said. “Independents can drive policy change, hold the government to account and truly represent the people they serve at a community and a national level.”

Ms Dyer is the third woman to announce her candidacy for Boothby, currently held on retiring Liberal MP Nicolle Flint with a margin of 1.4 per cent.

Also seeking the seat, which covers most of Adelaide’s inner southern suburbs, are Liberal candidate and medical professional Dr Rachel Swift, and Labor candidate and former St Vincent de Paul chief executive Louise Miller-Frost.