Peter George has a ‘real chance’ at winning upcoming federal election, Andrew Wilkie says

In 15 years representing the community of Clark in Canberra Andrew Wilkie can count on one hand how many independents he has endorsed after being asked hundreds of times. Here’s why he thinks this candidate has a ‘real chance’.

Independent member for Clark Andrew Wilkie endorses independent candidate for Franklin Peter George. Picture: Elise Kaine

Independent federal member for Clark Andrew Wilkie can count on one hand how many candidates he has endorsed in his 15 years in Canberra, despite being asked more than a hundred times.

He says independent candidate for Franklin Peter George is “a man worth endorsing” who has a “real chance” at winning in the upcoming federal election.

Mr George is an anti-salmon farm campaigner and a former foreign correspondent and Four Corners reporter for the ABC.

Mr Wilkie said recent polling strongly suggests a power-sharing arrangement for the next government, with the 2022 federal election seeing a “slump” in votes for the majors as around a third of Australians voted for someone other than a Labor or Liberal candidate.

Independent member for Clark Andrew Wilkie endorses independent candidate for Franklin Peter George. Picture: Elise Kaine

“Clearly, there is an increasing dissatisfaction with the major parties who are seen more and more as not representing the community,” Mr Wilkie said.

Mr Wilkie said as an independent Mr George would be “beholden to his community and his conscience”.

“And what a contrast that is with someone who is beholden just to their political party.

“What’s needed for these times is someone who can think independently, vote appropriately and be really plugged into the community,” he said.

Mr George said he hoped the next parliament will have a “strong independent crossbench” that can address issues as they arrive in their particular communities.

“A strong crossbench will be able to help guide us down the narrow road to a better future, where we can start dealing with some of the big issues facing us including the economy, the cost of living and the housing crisis”.

The seat of Franklin has been held by Labor MP Julie Collins since 2007, who is up for re-election.

Former Liberal stalwart Brendan Blomely is also running as an independent in Franklin.

Josh Garvin is a candidate for the Liberals and the Greens have endorsed 19-year-old Owen Fitzgerald.