“Progressive independents”: Candidates ponder “teal” values
It’s a colour that’s becoming more popular in the lead up to Tasmania’s local government elections, but what is teal? That’s what a new collective of independents is unsure of. TEAL OR NO TEAL>>
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Three independent candidates running for Kingborough Council in the upcoming local government elections say they embody what some might consider “teal” values, but are hesitant to label themselves.
Kingborough councillor Clare Glade-Wright, Taroona Community Association president Jill Hickie and disability advocate Di Carter have formed Kingborough Thrives.
They’ve banded together to show they share certain values and support each other, but assured they are still independent candidates.
The announcement comes after a group of independents running for Hobart City Council formed a collective, also assuring they’re not a party.
Ms Glade Wright was voted into council last year, after the Kingborough by-election and is now running for deputy mayor.
“It’s been wonderful to represent the community,” Ms Glade-Wright said.
“I’ve made a point of answering every email, taking phone calls and responding on social media.
The candidates said they shared values of kindness and equality, ensuring the economy thrived and protecting the environment.
“As a network of independents, we are agreeing collectively to these principles, however when it comes to decision-making we might not agree with each other,” Ms Glade-Wright said.
Ms Carter has worked in the community, disability and aged care sectors for three decades.
“The main issues for me are not letting people get left behind who are more vulnerable as the municipality grows and we make progress with housing developments,” Ms Carter said.
Ms Carter also lives on a wildlife refuge and plants white gum trees to help forty spotted pardalotes.
“As a marine zoologist originally I have a passion for making sure we leave Kingborough and the planet in as good order as possible,” Ms Carter said.
Ms Hickie said she’d worked for the City of Hobart in parks and bush care for 25 years and spent 15 years leading the Taroona Community Association.
“I am standing for making action in the area of climate change, we need to work regionally with local neighbouring councils, the state and federal governments,” Ms Hickie said.
“We also need to allow for appropriate development.”
The candidates said they shared what might be considered “teal values”, but weren’t fully embracing the colour.
Teal has become trendy after the rise of teal independents on the mainland during the federal election.
“It stands for progressive independence,” Ms Hickie said.
“We are using that colour in some of our promotional material.”
Ms Glade-Wright wasn’t rushing to adopt the colour.
“I’m really concerned about the wording of teal, everybody I speak to has a different idea of what teal is,” Ms Glade-Wright said.
“Some people think it’s a Liberal values set, others accuse them of being Greens values.
“Right now I’m really unclear as to whether Kingborough Thrive are teal.”
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