ACT Policing Acting Inspector Mark Richardson has been endorsed as Independents for Canberra’s leading candidate in the electorate of Ginninderra – the group’s first lead candidate announced for the October election.

Acting Insp. Richardson is a local Belconnen resident who has lived in Canberra since 1998, and has served in the Australian Federal Police since that time. He is the Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing.

Acting Insp. Richardson said he decided to put his hand up as an IFC community independent to help bring about much-needed positive change for Canberra.

“I am dedicated to a future where Canberra is a safe and prosperous community for people from all walks of life,” he said.

“I have served the community for 26 years as a police officer. As an extension of that service, I’m putting myself forward as a candidate to represent my community in Ginninderra.

“People have become disillusioned about local politics. I’m focused on bringing integrity and accountability back into the political arena, so we can have faith in our representatives again.

“Many members of my community don’t have a voice, and I want to be an advocate for those people.

“I will stand up for justice and for victims’ rights because I’ve seen firsthand the consequences when that doesn’t happen.

“My motivation is to create a safer and more cohesive community for all of us.”

Independents for Canberra is selecting leading candidates in each electorate, based on their performance and demonstrated commitment to the group’s shared principles. Sixteen people sought endorsement as IFC candidates, after six community town hall events to canvass the priorities of residents across the ACT and an initial vetting process. The prospective candidates introduced themselves to the community and faced questioning at three recent public events.

The leader of the group, Thomas Emerson, said he was excited to introduce Independents for Canberra’s first formally endorsed candidate to the community.

“We’re fortunate to have been approached by a raft of passionate Canberrans who care about our community and are invested in the future of our city,” said Mr Emerson.

“Mark is a high-calibre individual with integrity in spades who speaks his mind and wears his heart on his sleeve. He wants to represent his community because he knows we deserve better in the ACT.

“This movement is about a diverse group of locals coming together to prove that this is our democracy. No vested interests, no hidden agendas, and no party politics.” Mr Emerson said the group would have more candidates to announce soon.