Gangland widow Roberta Williams sets sights on Bill Shorten’s seat

GANGLAND widow Roberta Williams wants to run for federal parliament — and she’s planning on taking on Labor leader Bill Shorten.

• Carl’s daughter joins Williams estate fight
• Men just can’t get enough of Carl’s ex
• Gangland widow in fight to keep home

GANGLAND widow Roberta Williams wants to run for federal parliament and take on Labor leader Bill Shorten.

The convicted drug trafficker has been chosen to be the Australian People’s Party candidate for the seat of Maribyrnong at the next election — a Labor stronghold.

But her political aspirations could be over before they begin, having been declared bankrupt.

Williams said she understood her pre­selection would be considered controversial after spending less than a year in prison for a drug conviction.

The Federal Court last year declared her a bankrupt owing $300,000 to the Australian Taxation Office — a ruling which could eliminate her from the race.

Roberta Williams wants to run against Bill Shorten. Picture: Bradley Hunter

“If you’ve served less than a year in prison, you can run,” she said. “What better reason to get into politics?

“I’m someone who’s lived many colours. I’ve been homeless ... an abused wife dragged through the system as a child.

“I’m not a person who has sat behind a desk and had blinkers on.

“Of course ... any politician deals with it (hate) regardless of whether they are a criminal — a good person or a bad ­person.

“They either like you or don’t like you. I’m ready to win the vote of the people and ready to show them what I’m made of. I’m a people person.”

A prospective MP cannot be elected if they have been bankrupt but can apply to have it discharged before running.

Gangland boss Carl Williams was murdered in prison.

Williams said she would win the people’s vote, scuttling Mr Shorten’s plans to be Australia’s next prime minister.

“I like Bill Shorten. I’ve always liked him,” Williams said.

“I like his strategies and the way he presents himself. He’s a real people’s person.

“But I’m going to beat him.”

Williams’ run for office comes after years of fighting the state government which legislated against her getting compensation for ex-husband Carl Williams’ jailhouse murder and her battle with the tax office.

The ATO is set to seize the family home in Essendon — left to her daughter, Dhakota, by her grandfather, George.

George also left his tax debt attached to the property.

Although Williams is a political novice, she said her experiences with her youngest son, Giuseppe, who has autism, gave her insight into disability issues.

Homelessness would also be a central platform in her campaign.

ROBERTA WILLIAMS’ STANCE ON:

MARRIAGE EQUALITY

I have no view at this stage.

TAX SYSTEM

We will be implementing a one tax system, which will generate more income than the current government is generating, which will pay existing debts and put Australia into surplus.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Housing affordability needs to be reassessed to help everyone, especially low-income earners, to live appropriately.

NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME

The NDIS is the best thing brought in for disability so far.

SCHOOL FUNDING

Must be unlimited so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for parents for children’s education, including university. More funding for public schools, including schools for people with a disability.

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