There will be two ‘Kims’ for Canberra: Dr. Kim (“Kimbo”) Huynh, local ABC Radio presenter, ANU politics and philosophy lecturer, and dedicated Canberran, will join Kim Rubenstein on her ballot paper at the upcoming election.
Professor Rubenstein – constitutional and citizenship law expert, and one of the Financial Review’s ‘100 Women of Influence’ – is running as an Independent candidate for the Senate.
Dr Huynh arrived in Australia with his family in 1979, as boat people seeking asylum from Vietnam. For years, they ran a successful bakery in Jamison. He believes his perspective as a Vietnamese Canberran, his experience in small business, and deep ties with various sporting communities will be invaluable to the campaign.
Dr Huynh ran as an independent candidate in the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2016.
“I’m honoured and buzzed about joining Kim for Canberra,” he said.
“Kim Rubenstein is the most positive and capable candidate that Canberra has ever seen. We also happen to be good mates.
“Like Kim, I’m committed to integrity, climate action, diversity, and women’s safety.
“And like Kim, I’m for Canberra, the city that took my family in as refugees over forty years ago and which has backed me ever since.
“I’m looking forward to riding my bike across the nation’s capital with my ‘Kim for Canberra’ flag and giving everyone during these tough times something to smile about.”
As the host of a local radio show and as an academic, Dr Huynh said he was more than prepared to listen and learn.
“As an ABC Radio presenter, I like to think I’ve helped many people to tell their amazing stories, including carers, queer folk, blokes, poets, students, the disabled, migrants, and everyday members of our community.
“I think that’s a big part of a politician’s role: to listen to and learn from others. I know Kim R can do this.”
The two ‘Kims’ have been friends for 15 years, Professor Rubenstein said. She encouraged Canberrans seeking real representation in the 47th Parliament to Vote One for Kim For Canberra in order to elect her into the Senate.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joined by Kimbo on the ballot paper,” Professor Rubenstein said. “His enthusiasm and joy is something that every Canberran will benefit from.
“Our politics desperately needs new voices and perspectives. As Kim for Canberra, we are promoting the importance of bringing a diversity of life-experience into politics. This approach has been sorely missing from our Parliament.”
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