Michelle Slater
A local community group is looking for independent non-party aligned candidates to potentially topple Member for Monash Russell Broadbent in next year’s federal election.
Voices for Monash is one of many community Independents groups springing up around the country as part of a backlash against party politics.
The movement Voices for Indi helped to usher-in federal Independents Cathy McGowan and later Helen Haines, while Voices of Warringah back Independent Zali Steggall to unseat Tony Abbott.
V4M member Tony Wolfe said the group had formed out of frustration that federal members were forging allegiances “first and foremost to their parties, rather than their electorates”.
Sitting member Russell Broadbent is one of the longest-serving in federal parliament.
Mr Wolfe said he believed it was “achievable” to run against Mr Broadbent, as the electorate had an appetite for change.
He said an Independent in Monash would have more clout as they could help sway the balance of power in Canberra.
“The two-party system is failing democracy in Australia,” Mr Wolfe said.
“An informed and growing crossbench could see more legislation being passed that is for the good of the nation and democracy, rather than party political self-interest.”
Mr Wolfe said the group had formed a couple of months ago to provide a forum to source a local candidate, but stressed V4M was not a campaigning team.
The Loy Yang unit controller said they were looking for someone from a diverse background who could bring cultural, age and gender equality, and recognition of First Nations to Canberra.
“We want less talk and more genuine action for this community,” he said.
“V4M believes that someone who is more accountable to the Monash electorate and who shares our values can make a difference in our parliament.”
For more, visit voicesformonash.org.
