Elizabeth Farrelly: Ex SMH columnist on her tilt at parliament

A former SMH columnist controversially removed from the masthead has told of her initial heartbreak and desire to “keep the b******* honest” as she runs for office.

A former Sydney Morning Herald writer controversially removed from the masthead has said she will “keep the b******s honest” as she makes her pitch for public office.

Columnist Elizabeth Farrelly had worked for the title for more than three decades when incoming editor Bevan Shields announced her services were no longer required.

He said the decision was made as she had failed to disclose her registration as a Labor candidate in the December local elections.

Ms Farrelly, speaking to the Inner West Courier, said she was “heartbroken for about a day” before deciding there was more out there for her.

The author and architecture critic is now standing as an independent in the Strathfield by-election set for February 12.

“I thought they were unfair,” she said of the newspaper’s decision. “Just for a political affiliation.

“I was there for such a long time and it was such an important part of my identity.

“And now that it’s over I look back at how much fun I had. But there are other things that are fun, too.”

Elizabeth Farrelly (pictured) is standing as an independent in Strathfield.

She added: “There’s a whole big world of opportunities out there.”

Strathfield residents will go to the polls on February 12 to elect a new member to the NSW parliament after longstanding Labor MP Jodi McKay retired at the end of last year after six years serving the seat.

Ms Farrelly will be competing in what is a packed field with Jason Yat-Sen Li (Labor), Bridget Sakr (Liberals), Courtney Buckley (The Greens), Rohan Laxmanalal (Animal Justice Party) and Ellie Robertson (Sustainable Australia Party).

She added: “Some regard me as provocative as a writer, but I think of it as just truth telling – and I think we have a desperate need for truth tellers in our democracy. And in Australian democracy in particular.”

Speaking about what she could bring to the role, she said: “What I see myself doing is sort of offering a service to the electorate – and if they’re interested that’s great.

“What’s driven me to stand is a sense that Sydney is betraying itself and making itself a less beautiful, less environmentally sustainable and a less sort of enchanting city.”

She places the blame with government, and said she is running in part to offer a fresh voice and perspective.

“I think it’s really important that we start to rethink the role of government, and to re-inhabit the idea that government is about protecting the public interest,” she said.

“Although one independent is just one independent, potentially in the situation of a minority government that person could be quite useful, keeping the b******s honest.”

Elizabeth Farrelly out campaigning in Strathfield. Picture: Supplied

She does have experience in politics, as a City of Sydney councillor from 1991-1995, which she says was an immersive experience in the sphere and the workings of local government.

“Not least because it was in the lead up to the Olympics, and we also worked closely with the Keating government,” she said.

However, she doesn’t see herself as a seasoned political veteran, and part of her motivation for standing is to diversify the candidate field.

“I think it’s important that ordinary people – people who are not investment bankers and career politicians – are able to contribute to the democratic spectrum,” she said.

“Because at the moment, we’re pretty much locked out.”

Farrelly on the campaign trail. Picture: Supplied

She said that one of her promises to the voters of Strathfield is to stick to her principles – whatever the cost.

“I realise that this sounds a bit naive, but I don’t see why it’s so difficult for politicians to have principles and stick by them,” she said.

“I suppose my promise is to always try to prioritise the overall public good.

“That doesn’t necessarily mean bending over backwards to give everybody everything they want, which is clearly impossible, but trying to balance that desire against the overall public good.

“But also not giving in to the demands of the profit takers, which I think is happening far too much now.”