Power of an Independent
Representing the vibrant communities of the Calare electorate, I firmly believe in the power and importance of independence in Parliament.
For me, being an Independent MP means I can truly put the needs and concerns of Calare front and centre, unencumbered by party affiliations or obligations.
You may not believe it, but when MP’s from the major parties go to vote in Parliament, most of them don’t know what they’re actually voting for. They just vote the way their party bosses tell them to.
Our Parliament should be better than that.
As an Independent MP I can:
Vote for constituent values, not party directives
In our diverse electorate, spanning regional towns, agricultural communities, and vibrant industries, the needs of our constituents vary greatly. As an Independent member, I have the autonomy to prioritise the issues that matter most to Calare, unbound by party directives. This flexibility allows me to advocate fiercely for our local interests, whether it's securing funding for vital infrastructure projects, championing agricultural initiatives, or fighting for improved healthcare services.
Introduce New Legislation
Being independent enables me to engage directly with the people of Calare, listening to their concerns and crafting policies that directly address their needs. As an Independent, I can introduce new legislation that directly addresses issues affecting our community. In the last twelve months I have helped introduce two bills to Parliament:
Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Foreign Entities Bill 2024
Which aimed to bring the goal of home ownership into reach for thousands more Australians each year by banning foreign buyers from snapping up homes on our shores for two years.
Interestingly, none of the major parties backed this bill.
Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill 2024
Which aimed to promote fair competition and pricing transparency in the retail sector, ultimately aiming to provide consumers with more choices, lower prices, and assist with current cost of living pressures.
Yet again, none of the major parties backed this bill.
Launch Inquiries
Benefiting from no restriction on party directives, I can strongly advocate for the launch of inquiries that are relevant and make meaningful impacts to our constituents. The current Parliamentary inquiry into insurers' treatment of flood victims in 2022 was driven by advocacy I carried out both locally and in Canberra. By launching such inquiries, I'm committed to advocating for their well-being and driving impactful change. It's crucial to ensure that the needs of our community are heard and addressed effectively, and I'm dedicated to making that happen.
Forge Alliances
Independence affords me the opportunity to collaborate across party lines, working together on shared goals rather than ideological divides. By working cooperatively with both government and opposition members, I can effectively advocate for policies that benefit Calare, transcending political barriers for the greater good of our community.