Wentworth Independents: candidate search for the eastern suburbs Zali Steggall

A powerful group inspired by the feats of Zali Steggall is pouring resources into the Liberal stronghold of Wentworth and reckons it has just the candidate for a historic win.

The Wentworth Independents group is gearing up to announce its candidate to attempt to overthrow Liberal Dave Sharma.

The movement, which launched quietly several months ago, has greatly increased its social media presence in recent weeks, has begun funding an advertising campaign and spoken to dozens of potential candidates.

Group members say they are “inspired by” and “share values” with movements behind Ms Steggall and newly crowned North Sydney independent candidate Kylea Tink.

The Wentworth movement is inspired by Zali Steggall

Former Wentworth MP, Professor Kerryn Phelps, confirmed to the Wentworth Courier she seriously contemplated running again.

The highly respected doctor has instead decided she will support the independent movement and its candidate.

Individuals behind the Wentworth Independents include Woollahra lawyer Michael Joseph, who is named as authorising the advertisements, renewable energy advocate Blair Palese and philanthropist Lyndell Droga.

“We‘ve met with more than 30 possible candidates and we’re close to choosing a candidate and hope to make an announcement before Christmas,” Ms Droga said.

Ms Droga told the Wentworth Courier it was imperative Australia sign onto global climate action measures which have come out of COP26, like transitioning from coal and reducing methane emissions.

“We need to commit to real reduction targets by 2030. Our government‘s lack of climate leadership is holding Australian businesses back from the incredible economic opportunities that low carbon innovation offers in our region and globally,” Ms Droga said.

“Unfortunately, while Dave Sharma pays lip service to being concerned about issues like changing climate, he votes the same on that and every other issue as Barnaby Joyce.”

Dave Sharma has long advocated for climate action. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Sharma said his record on climate action spoke for itself.

“I’ve delivered a binding commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, an upgraded 2030 emissions reduction target and obtained a guarantee that the offshore oil and gas project PEP-11 will not proceed,” Mr Sharma said.

Mr Sharma said the accusations made against him by the group were “simply wrong and misleading”.

“Independents talk a big game but in truth you need to be part of a government to deliver,” Mr Sharma said.

Prof Phelps made history when she was elected as an independent member for Wentworth.

Professor Kerryn Phelps made history in Wentworth. Picture: John Appleyard

“All of the issues that compelled me to run in the by-election in 2018 are still manifestly present, but even further amplified so of course I thought about running again,” Prof Phelps said.

“I have had many conversations and deliberations about how I could best contribute to our country’s future and came to a decision that I would support the work of the community-based independent movement without being a political candidate myself.”

Prof Phelps said an “evolutionary leap” was taking place in the Australian political landscape.

“The Wentworth by-election triggered an extraordinary political awakening we have rarely seen in Australia,” Prof Phelps said.

“The independent movement has mobilised as a response to the frustration many people have felt with the current system.

“I am very supportive of the work of the Wentworth Independents and other similar movements around Australia who are determined to see politics done differently.

“When their chosen candidate is announced, it will be the culmination of an extensive process to find the right person with a strong grounding in the community who reflects the contemporary values of the electorate, someone who will speak up for the people and vote accordingly.”

Ms Steggall told the Wentworth Courier she saw many similarities between her electorate and the east.

“Wentworth is very much the sister electorate to Warringah,” Ms Steggall said.

“Obviously the work started with Kerryn. She did a phenomenal job winning the by-election and then she just by a whisker lost the general election.”

Ms Steggall said she believed an independent will win Wentworth building on what Prof Phelps began.

“I do believe they can win. A) because it’s been done before, we saw that with Kerryn, and B) I think there is the same level of awareness of the big issues we need to tackle, that same level of feeling disaffected and disenfranchised by major parties in Wentworth that there was in Warringah.”

An election must be held by May 21 next year but it has yet to be called.