Independents for Canberra is today announcing another four candidates to contest the 2024 ACT Election.
Leanne Foresti has been endorsed to run as a lead candidate in the electorate of Ginninderra alongside Mark Richardson.
Ms Foresti owns and operates a reputable concrete remediation business with her husband, is the mother of four children and has previously worked in immigration. She said consistent delays in payment times and the costs of running a business in the ACT had forced many small businesses like hers into a precarious position.
“There’s really no incentive to run a small business in the ACT. Subbies and small businesses are tired of being forgotten,” Ms Foresti said.
“More broadly, I see a deep disconnect in our society – we see it in our kids, in our seniors, in our families, at work, and in our communities.
“We need to find ways to increase connectedness because we know that connected communities lead to a happier, more supportive and more productive society.
“As a mother and a small business owner, I’m worried by what’s happening in our education and training systems. We need major reforms to inspire, motivate and empower our youth to find their purpose and feel a sense of belonging.”
Riley Fernandes is stepping in as a lead candidate in Brindabella alongside Dr Vanessa Picker after Nicole Lawsonn was forced to withdraw for personal reasons.
Ms Fernandes is a second-year psychology student, musician and young single mother. She said she was driven to put her hand up as a candidate by her firsthand experience with physical and mental illness, financial hardship and social isolation, which motivated her to ensure sufficient support is provided to community members who need it.
“I’m speaking with Canberrans who are overworked and under huge financial pressure. The cost-of-living crisis is overwhelming many of us,” Ms Fernandes said.
“The people who struggle the most and face the greatest barriers to positive change are often the ones who have the least access to support and feel the most shame in asking for it.
“The current status quo in government is to deliver top-down, one-size-fits-all solutions that aren’t working for the people of Tuggeranong. We can do much better.”
Ms Fernandes also called for greater support for the arts sector with major music festivals being cancelled and local venues collapsing, leaving many local artists stranded.
“I see a future for Canberra where if someone wants to start a business or pursue a career in the arts, they encounter an environment that helps them prosper. No matter where you are from, who you are, or what challenges you face, you should be met with the support you need to live a meaningful life,” Ms Fernandes said.
Support candidates are also being announced in the electorates of Yerrabi and Murrumbidgee.
Vikram Kulkarni is a proud resident of Crace, an ACT public servant and a former general manager who has been endorsed to run in Yerrabi. Mr Kulkarni said he was committed to driving meaningful change and addressing the critical issues facing the community, with a particular focus on tackling social and economic inequalities.
“It's time for transparent leadership, with politicians accountable to the people they represent,” Mr Kulkarni said.
“I envision Canberra as a national leader in health, wellbeing, housing, education, sustainability, and innovation – a city where our children flourish under bold, equitable leadership.”
Nathan Naicker is a dedicated Molonglo Valley resident and father of two who is deeply passionate about Canberra’s future and has been endorsed in Murrumbidgee. With a distinguished career in the Australian Public Service in areas including economics, transport and health, Mr Naicker said that he was ready to bring his experience and passion to advocating for policies that prioritise the wellbeing and prosperity of all Canberra residents.
“I have seen how our health system, infrastructure, transport, and public housing have suffered from neglect and false promises,” Mr Naicker said.
“We need change. It’s time to rebuild Canberra’s future.”
The leader of the group, Thomas Emerson, said the power of the independent movement was being made clear by the range of different candidates who were putting their hands up to run under the Independents for Canberra banner.
“People from all different backgrounds can see how independents are changing the face of politics across the country and they want to be part of bringing that change to the Legislative Assembly. Our community is crying out for local politicians with integrity who they can trust and who aren’t wedded to party lines or occupied with political self-interest,” Mr Emerson said.
With 10 lead candidates endorsed across five electorates, Independents for Canberra is now running an open recruitment campaign for further support candidates, calling for Canberrans to nominate everyday community heroes as prospective candidates at www.independentsforcanberra.com/nominate.