Pre-polling for the federal election starts soon, so I thought I’d write an article suggesting how readers might like to vote if they’re interested in changing the makeup of Canberra’s federal representatives.

Now, I don’t think for a moment there will be a change of personnel. 

I also think, sadly, in my view, the coalition have not quite been able to keep up the momentum stated October 2023 with the voice referendum result, and I don’t think they have the time to arrest the swing back to the government. 

The local campaign has been lacklustre, and the Liberal campaign hasn’t really given its candidates free rein to secure the media exposure they need to show their mettle and become known to the electorate.

However, having had a good look at most of the candidates, and the parties contesting the election in the ACT, I’d recommend the following. 

Given my admitted bias toward the Coalition, some of this may not surprise many readers. But let me say, I have voted Labor before (for my old mate, the late Jason Hinder) and if I were in NSW, I’d vote for the Minns Government, as I think Minns is doing a good job.

In the ACT, I’d agree with my old friend Elenor Grassby, who would often say, “If you can’t vote Labor, vote Liberal,” and indeed, vice versa. I’d make a possible exception for David Pocock, who has been a good local member.

So, here goes — in the Senate, you must vote for at least six groups above the line or at least 12 individual candidates below the line. So, you may as well vote for all seven groups or all 14 candidates standing. Rule number one in my suggested voting: whatever you do, PUT THE GREENS LAST.

So, in the Senate, I’d suggest: Liberals 1, HEART 2, David Pocock 3, Animal Justice 4, Sustainable Australia 5, ALP 6, and Greens 7 — or you can leave them off entirely.

In the House of Representatives, you must number every square. In Fenner, I’d suggest: Bola Olatunbosun (Liberals) 1, Elizabeth Kikkert (Family First) 2, Andrew Leigh (ALP) 3, and Dani Hunterford (Greens) 4.

In the seat of Canberra, I suggest voting Will Roche (Liberals) 1. Or, if you prefer true independents, you could vote Claire Miles 1 and Will Roche 2. After that, I’d recommend Claire Miles (Independent) 2, Mary-Jane Liddicoat (HEART Party) 3, Teresa McTaggart (Animal Justice) 4, Alicia Payne (ALP) 5, and Isabel Mudford (Greens) 6.

In the seat of Bean, my suggestion is David Lamberton (Liberals) 1, David Smith (ALP) 2, Jessie Price (Independent) 3, and Sam Carter (Greens) 4.

The reason I put David Smith second and Jessie Price third is because David is a sensible Labor guy, and Jessie is backed by Holmes à Court and is thus a Teal and not a true independent.