In Canberra we are especially attuned to how federal politics has been transformed by independent representatives who are holding the government to account on matters of trust, integrity and accountability. As we enter the final weeks of the ACT election campaign, we're all pushing hard to bring this kind of transformation to the Assembly.
A Special Pre Pre-Polling Event with Federal Independents on the ACT Election
We are excited to announce that Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, and Independent Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, will be holding an event with Independents for Canberra candidate Thomas Emerson and other local independent candidates to discuss the role independents can play in the Legislative Assembly. The event will be held on the final evening before the opening of the ACT Election pre-polling period, and you can submit questions to the speakers in advance.
Date: Monday 7 October
Time: 6.00 - 7.30pm
Location: Capital Brewing (Dairy Road, Fyshwick)
Spots are limited so please be sure to register your attendance here.
This promises to be a terrific evening, and one not to miss. Bring your questions and wear your IFC merch. We hope to see you there!
While I’ve got you, here’s some recent media in case you missed it.
Latest News
Vikram Kulkarni's bold vision for Canberra
Independents for Canberra Candidate Vikram Kulkarni believes that housing, health, and education are fundamental rights. As an independent candidate for Yerrabi, he is committed to advocating for transformative policies that guarantee every Canberran has access to these fundamental essentials. Read about Vikram's story here.
'Humiliating': Women changing in plain sight has rugby club boss joining Independents for Canberra
The Gungahlin Eagles have lashed the "humiliating" state of Nicholls Enclosed Oval - their home turf - with female athletes being forced to change in storage containers or in plain sight of the public. Eagles club president Trent Pollard has joined the Independents for Canberra on the road to the ACT election, vowing to fight for community sport facilities after years of inaction. Read the Canberra Times article here.
Sue helped save Canberra United. Now the former Matilda is in the ACT election
The former Matildas goalkeeper who spearheaded a campaign to save Canberra United says funding inequities for female athletes fuelled her move into the ACT political arena. Sue Read has officially joined the Independents for Canberra, adding her name to the ballot in Kurrajong. Read the full Canberra Times story here.
‘Canberra Decides’ election debate with Dr Vanessa Picker
Independents for Canberra candidate in Brindabella Dr Vanessa Picker, ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Kurrajong candidate Rebecca Vassarotti, Liberals Murrumbidgee MLA Ed Cocks and Deputy Chief Minister and Ginninderra MLA Yvette Berry recently engaged in an election debate about poverty in the ACT. The Riotact article reviewing the event is available here.
Candidate nominations finalised and declared
Independents for Canberra announced four additional candidates on Wednesday morning, bringing our total to 20. Check out the Riotact’s summary of the official candidate declarations that took place at lunchtime on Wednesday here.
Learn More About Your Local Independents for Canberra Candidates!
With candidate nominations now having closed, ElectionsACT has published a list of Candidate Statements where you can learn a bit more about our candidates. Details are available via the links below:
You can also now familiarise yourself with the ballot paper when you go to vote, here:
We will publish a set of digital ‘How to Vote’ Cards – calling for people to vote for all Independents for Canberra candidates first (1 to 3, 1 to 4 or 1 to 5, depending on the electorate). We will share these with you next week.
Thank you for supporting the independent movement.
It’s time for change!
Leigh