‘Independent’ Frydenberg opponent exposed as former Labor member

An independent candidate running against Josh Frydenberg is a former Labor member who left the party because of her frustration at Kevin Rudd.

Former Labor member Monique Ryan is running in the seat of Kooyong.

The independent candidate taking on Josh Frydenberg in his Melbourne seat of Kooyong was a Labor Party member for three years.

Monique Ryan told the The Project on Monday night that she had been a Labor member until 2010, when she walked away because she was frustrated at former prime minister Kevin Rudd’s failure to take strong action on climate change.

The revelation by Prof Ryan, who is backed by the Climate 200 activist group, was seized on by Scott Morrison on Tuesday as he ramped up his attack on the co-ordinated push by independents to knock off government MPs at next year’s federal election.

“I said they were the voices of Labor and that’s proof positive that they are,” the Prime Minister.

Monique Ryan is taking on Josh Frydenberg. Picture: Gary Ramage

“This is not some independent movement. This is a political party that is opposing the LNP, the Liberal Party, the Nationals. This is a political movement funded by big money down there in the southern states to try and turf out the government — that’s what they’re about.”

Prof Ryan, the former director of neurology at the Royal Children’s Hospital, told The Project she was a “cleanskin” when it came to politics.

“I’m not wearing the same jumper that I was wearing 10 years ago, I’m not, I’m simply not,” she said.

“I’m not a tool of any person or any faction, I don’t have to toe any party lines, I am a true independent.”

She said she was taking on the Treasurer and deputy Liberal leader to offer Kooyong voters “a fresh, independent voice truly dedicated to our community”.

Mr Frydenberg said Prof Ryan’s admission was “a joke” and that the independents were “anything but”.

“The independent movement is a front for the Labor Party and the Greens,” he said.
Independent candidates supported by Climate 200 and grassroots “Voices of” organisations are also targeting the Victorian seats of Goldstein, held by Liberal MP Tim Wilson, as well as Flinders where Health Minister Greg Hunt is retiring.

Originally published as ‘Independent’ Frydenberg opponent exposed as former Labor member