Since Independents for Canberra, a group supporting community independents to contest this year’s Territory election, was announced at the end of January, organisers say that dozens of locals have expressed their interest in running as candidates, and that potential candidates are emerging in every electorate.
“The purpose of the party is to provide a platform for genuine community candidates, whose sole focus is delivering better outcomes for Canberrans, to get elected in October,” the group’s secretary, Thomas Emerson, said.
“It’s time to reinvigorate ACT politics, bring fresh perspectives to the [ACT Legislative] Assembly, and start a community-led conversation about what we want for our city’s future.”
Independents for Canberra will announce their endorsed candidates in the middle of the year.
Among the potential candidates is public servant Anne-Louise Dawes.
“I was born in Canberra, and have lived here almost all my life,” Ms Dawes said. “I am proud to have been a career public sector bureaucrat, mostly for the Federal government and at a senior level in areas as diverse as aviation, migrant and refugee settlement, disability policy, health, aged care, education, and the arts.
“Much of my work has been in crisis management, and I feel we are at something of a crisis point in our democracy. New voices are needed; voices who want the best for their communities.
“I am excited by the commitment of the Independents for Canberra to listen to the views and aspirations of the residents of each electorate and to drive the change people want to see. I am happy to be a part of the process to identify the best people in each electorate to represent their communities. I am also willing to be a candidate if that is what my community wants.
“I have lived in [the electorate of] Murrumbidgee for thirty years, and have seen some pockets of significant transformation, good and bad. Much of the success – including thriving little villages like Chifley, a vibrant community and neighbourhood – has been driven by passionate residents and diligent local business owners. I’d love to see positive community-led change propelled by strong partnerships with the ACT Government.
“With Senator David Pocock making a tangible difference federally, there is a real opportunity to build on that effort with MLAs elected under the Independents for Canberra banner at a local level.”
Independents for Canberra say that anyone running under their banner must be committed to 10 core principles:
- Every voice is heard: We will strive to ensure nobody gets ignored or left behind.
- No vested interests: We will base our decisions solely on the needs of our communities.
- Empowering locals: We will support local initiatives, businesses and community organisations.
- Accessibility: We will be active participants in community life, prioritising direct contact with the residents of our electorates.
- Hard work: We will fight for the ACT with unflagging energy and a focus on delivering results.
- Integrity: We will follow through on our commitments, be accountable to our community and admit to any mistakes.
- Long-term thinking: We will look beyond the election cycle, taking actions for a better present and future.
- Evidence-based policy: We will ground policy in evidence and update our positions when new evidence emerges.
- Collaboration: We will work constructively with each other and with other MLAs whenever possible.
- Independence: We will operate and vote as independents, remaining free to disagree.
Independents for Canberra formally registered as a political party last week. The Deputy Electoral Commissioner confirmed the party’s registration in a notice listed on the ACT Legislation Register.
“We’re excited to level the playing field for independents, who have been disadvantaged by an electoral system that clearly favours the major parties,” Mr Emerson said.
“The registration of Independents for Canberra as a party will give community independents their own column on the ballot paper. History shows it’s almost impossible to get elected in the ACT’s Hare-Clark system without your own column.”
Mr Emerson, the son of former ALP minister Dr Craig Emerson, is an advisor to Senator David Pocock. The party’s registered officer, Clare Carnell, barrister and ANU law lecturer, is the daughter of former Liberal Chief Minister Kate Carnell.
The group is also running regular community meetings across the ACT to canvass the concerns, priorities, and aspirations of people in each electorate. One meeting will be held at the Weston Community Hub on Sunday 17 March from 4pm to 5.30pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and have their voices heard. Information on these events is available at www.independentsforcanberra.com.
