Kate Dezarnaulds says Gilmore is ready to turn independent, despite Labor leaning exit polling

A South Coast businesswoman turned political candidate believes an independent can steal the election in Australia’s most marginal seat, despite fresh exit polling suggesting a Labor stronghold.

Businesswoman Kate Dezarnaulds believes Gilmore can fall into the hands of the independents. Picture: Tom McGann

A South Coast businesswoman and former chamber of commerce leader has vowed to win the nation’s most marginal seat at the upcoming federal election as an independent – despite fresh exit polling suggesting Labor stronghold.

Independent candidate for Gilmore and Berry woman Kate Dezarnaulds told this publication on day one of voting she believed Gilmore – which is held by a razor thin .2 per cent margin – was ready to go independent.

“There’s plenty of people who are really frustrated with the state of politics in Australia and in Gilmore,” she said.

“The two-party system doesn’t seem to be getting the job done on the really big picture issues we’re facing.”

Ms Dezarnaulds said her background as a businesswoman and former Berry Business Chamber president gave her a fresh perspective to lead the electorate, which stretches from Moruya to Kiama.

It was a rainy pre poll day one in Batemans Bay. Picture: Tom McGann

She said the rental crisis could be eased by building more ‘build-to-rent’ developments, which in turn would free up more homes to buy.

“Independent member popularity has grown across Australia because we aren’t bogged down by what the big parties tell us to believe,” Ms Dezarnaulds said.

Independent candidate for Gilmore, Kate Dezarnaulds with supporters at pre poll. Picture: Tom McGann

“A lot of people are telling me they want that here too.”

Some voters at Batemans Bay’s pre poll booth agreed, claiming “big party politics” had failed them.

“Liberal and Labor aren’t getting anything done,” one said

“I think regional areas need independent members,” another added.

But, exclusive exit polling results from the Daily Telegraph suggest sitting Labor MP Fiona Phillips may have the edge.

From 200 anonymous votes at the Batemans Bay pre-poll booth on Monday and Tuesday, 90 went for Ms Phillips, 68 went to Liberal candidate Andrew Constance, and just 17 went to Ms Dezarnaulds.

The remaining 25 were spread across other parties.

Despite the low numbers, Ms Dezarnaulds remains upbeat.

“We will find out what happens on election day,” she said.

She also confirmed she would “definitely” run again if unsuccessful.

“It’s addictive – and I’m just getting started,” she said.

The federal election will be held on May 3.

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Originally published as Kate Dezarnaulds says Gilmore is ready to turn independent, despite Labor leaning exit polling