Independents for Canberra has launched an open round of nominations for support candidates, intended for those looking to get their first taste of running in an election.
“This will help us fill our tickets with five people in each electorate, increase the variety of voices represented in this year’s election, as well as providing campaign experience to a variety of new Canberrans interested in being part of the independent movement,” the group’s co-founder, Thomas Emerson, said.
“Aiming to enhance diversity of political representation in the ACT”, the group is calling for “everyday heroes who represent the diverse voices of the Canberra community”.
The group invites members of the local community to nominate anyone they believe could effectively fight for better outcomes in the Legislative Assembly. The group is particularly interested in:
- People from working-class backgrounds
- People of colour
- First Nations people
- People with disability
- LGBTQ+ community members
- Women
- Young people
Nominations can be submitted at independentsforcanberra.com/nominate. Nominations close on 31 July.
“Independents for Canberra is dedicated to transforming the political landscape by electing independent leaders who truly represent the concerns and priorities of the ACT’s diverse community,” Mr Emerson said.
The movement emerged early this year, and is focused on grassroots leadership. It intends to “break the party-system stronghold at the ACT Election in October, bringing real change and accountability to the ACT Legislative Assembly”.
“Responding to growing community sentiment that the three major parties remain out of touch with voters and continue to fall short in addressing critical issues like housing affordability, fairness and economic sustainability, Independents for Canberra is committed to bringing fresh, grassroots leadership to the ACT Legislative Assembly,” Mr Emerson said.
This support candidacy nomination initiative draws inspiration from grassroots movements in the United States that redefined political leadership, Mr Emerson said.
In 2016, Democrat politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) emerged from a large-scale online call for nominations led by Brand New Congress, a political action committee with the mission to elect hundreds of new progressive congressional representatives.
Her nomination, submitted by her brother, was one of thousands received through this public process, “exemplifying the transformative impact of community-driven support in identifying new voices for leadership roles,” Mr Emerson said.
“Independents for Canberra is now, similarly, seeking nominations from friends, family, colleagues, and supporters of local heroes who have demonstrated dedication to their communities but may not be traditionally politically engaged or see themselves as prospective politicians.”
That might include teachers, students, healthcare workers, advocate, community organisers, or community connectors.
Dr Vanessa Picker, lead candidate for Brindabella, who describes herself as “a young, queer, neurodiverse woman with disabilities from a working-class background”, said she was motivated to initiate the campaign by having seen closed doors in front of her and others like her when it came to entering the political world.
“I found that even as a politically engaged, eager prospective candidate, I faced closed doors from the major parties,” Dr Picker said. “It’s no wonder we lack genuine diversity. If we want our elected representatives to be truly representative, we must open up political pathways.
“The Independents for Canberra movement has resonated strongly with me because I believe we need to be doing politics differently. We can’t talk about change if we’re not overhauling all aspects, including how we attract people into politics.
“I’ve been told time and again that Australia might not be ready for ‘someone like me’ in politics. That saddens and concerns me. When will we be ready, if not now?”
Mr Emerson, who is also his group’s lead candidate for Kurrajong, said he was excited to see increasing numbers of Territorians join the movement.
“We’re connecting with people of all different backgrounds who want to see more authenticity in politics,” Mr Emerson said.
“People are tired of all the political point-scoring where a lot is said but not a whole lot ever really changes.
“It’s time for change, and we’re devoted to attracting a wide range of Canberrans to the independent movement to help bring about that change. That’s why we’re now inviting people to nominate someone they see as an everyday hero to run as a support candidate under our banner.”
