THOMAS EMERSON - LEAD CANDIDATE
Thomas is the leader of Independents for Canberra and a proud inner-north resident whose passion for building healthy communities led him to establish Canberra’s first holistic movement studio, Praksis, in Campbell. He launched IFC after two years working as an adviser to ACT’s first independent Senator, David Pocock.
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SARA POGUET - LEAD CANDIDATE
Sara is a dedicated Canberran and businesswoman who has lived in the ACT for over 25 years. She is dedicated to building a Canberra that serves its people, focusing on healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and the environment. Sara has been recognised as one of Australia’s ‘Top 30 Managers under 30’.
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BEN JOHNSTON
Ben was born and raised in Canberra and is well known in the hospitality sector as the business owner at the Old Canberra Inn and Dickson Taphouse. He is passionate about supporting the creative arts and is an active community member, having led the organising committee for the Winter Solstice Swim since 2019. Ben wants to bring more vibrancy to Canberra and has firsthand experience negotiating Canberra’s education and healthcare systems. After teaching the Primary Ethics program at his son's school in Sydney, Ben is convinced these classes should be taught in every school.
SUE READ
Sue grew up in Canberra and studied psychology and neuroscience at the ANU before going on to become a registered psychologist. She served as a goalkeeper for the Australian women's soccer team, the Matildas, and runs her own health and psychology practice, Life Unlimited Psychology, which has provided mental health and resilience training to thousands of Canberrans. Ms Read spearheaded the recent Save Canberra United campaign to keep our women's A-League team from folding and appears regularly on ABC Radio Canberra as our city's resident psychologist.
TENZIN MAYNE
Tenzin is a Master of Political Science Student at the ANU and is proud to call Canberra home. Before relocating, he earned a degree in economics from the University of Adelaide, where he gained valuable experience working for a state parliamentarian. This role deepened his understanding of the importance of fostering a healthy and vibrant community. Driven by a vision for a sustainable and inclusive Canberra, Tenzin is committed to advocating for transport services that serve all Canberrans, as well as education policies that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. His dedication to building a brighter future for the next generation inspires his community engagement.