Voices of Corangamite seeks independent candidate ahead of federal election
Recent numbers suggest it has next to no chance, but a group that is taking inspiration from the successful teal political movement says it’s entering the Corangamite contest with victory in mind.
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A local group is trying to mirror the recent success of teal independents, committing to put forward a candidate in Corangamite within the next fortnight.
Voices of Corangamite, made up of a small group of politically active volunteers, ranked action on climate change, integrity in politics, and energy issues as its top priorities.
Fairness, as well as respect for women and communities, also made the list.
Mik Aidt, co-host of The Sustainable Hour radio show alongside fellow volunteer Mike Lawrence, conceded the group had left its run late, but was confident the hunt for a candidate would not be a prolonged one.
“We’ve got a shortlist already, but we’re putting the call out to find any local heroes out there,” Mr Aidt said.
“There’s a whole feeling of a national movement towards independents.”
The election must be held by May 17, but April 12 looms as the preferred option because Labor would then not have to deliver another budget.
Mr Aidt said the group would not receive funding from Simon Holmes à Court’s Climate 200, which helped bankroll current teal MPs that include Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender.
Supporters are, however, being asked to donate directly via the Voices of Corangamite website, an effort that has raised $1135 of its $5000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
Corangamite is expected to be a close contest between the major parties.
It differs from electorates where teal candidates have historically had success, in that it is held by Labor by 7.6 per cent, rather being a one-time Liberal stronghold where voters protested against its lack action on environmental and social issues.
Mr Aidt said while the Corangamite candidate and Voices group would “collaborate” on decisions, he said Labor’s Libby Coker would “likely” be preferenced above Liberal newbie Darcy Dunstan.
“To be frank, we don’t want to steal votes from the Greens, or even Labor,” he said.
“It’s about those disillusioned Liberal voters who can’t bring themselves to vote for the Greens.”
Kate Lockhart, who unsuccessfully stood for Geelong council’s Murradoc ward at last year’s election, encouraged people to attend the group’s gathering in Barwon Heads this Friday.
“We have been inspired by similar groups that have sprung up across the country, with community-based independents running – and winning – in seats nationwide,” she said.
“We want Geelong and the Bellarine to be part of this movement that is reviving democracy in Australia and changing the way politics works.
“We’re in this to win it.”
Independents have not commanded a high vote in Corangamite in recent elections, with Damien Cole receiving 5 per cent of the primary vote in 2019, while Mr Lawrence polled just 1.5 per cent in 2016.
“Best-case scenario? Our independent wins and holds a crucial crossbench seat in a minority government, giving our community real influence,” Ms Lockhart said.
“Worst-case scenario? We send a message that locals won’t be taken for granted and shake up the two-party stranglehold on the Bellarine and Surf Coast.”
Mitch Pope is the Greens’ Corangamite candidate, while a host of minor parties including the Animal Justice Party and One Nation have not put anyone forward yet.
Originally published as Voices of Corangamite seeks independent candidate ahead of federal election
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