Here in the #transitzone, because we believe it is significant in Australian political history, we have been examining and documenting the “Voices for” movement around Australia, the phenomenon of centre-right, grass roots democracy candidates targeting Liberal Party incumbents in what are ostensibly blue ribbon seats.
You’ve already met some of those candidates, all women, here in the Zone.
The launches of new independent candidates in these electorates continue apace. Celebrity candidate, Allegra Spender, daughter of the late Carla Zampatti and wealthy Liberal blue blood, John Spender, is the independent candidate for the affluent and diverse Sydney inner city seat of Wentworth, held previously by John Hewson, Malcolm Turnbull and before the current Liberal incumbent, Dave Sharma, by independent, Kerryn Phelps.
The large and diverse NSW rural and regional electorate of Hume, held by the federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor now has an independent candidate too – Penny Ackery. Her candidacy was launched in Goulburn recently.
Margo Kingston, usually based in Comboyne regional NSW, has hit the road for the #transitzone to observe some of the independent candidates’ launches and check out the candidates themselves.
She caught up with Penny Ackery on her rural property near Goulburn.
OPINION: Writer, Brett Evans at Inside Story online magazine: https://insidestory.org.au/the-battle-for-hume-heats-up/