That is the catch cry being used by regional Voices for Farrer member Vicki Meyer as the community group steps up its federal election campaign.
Voices for Farrer — formed to capitalise on the success of similar representation movements in other electorates — intends to endorse an independent candidate to run against incumbent Liberals Member for Farrer Sussan Ley when the federal election is held, expected to be in May.
A candidate announcement is expected soon, with Albury Mayor Kevin Mack hotly tipped as
Ms Meyer, who is a former Liberals branch president, said it might be the only way to truly shake up the ‘safe seat’ status that has been attached to Farrer for too long.
Voices for Farrer has opened a shopfront in Deniliquin and Ms Meyer said the vision was to have shops across the electorate.
‘‘The offices will be manned by volunteers and anyone can come in and ask questions.
‘‘We’ll also have a confidential questionnaire which will help with our approach.
‘‘Most importantly, the idea is one of feeling empowered — maybe then we can do something.
‘‘The appetite for an independent is as strong as it has ever been.’’
Ms Meyer said a lot can be learned from the Victorian state seat of Shepparton’s decision to elect an independent.
She said it’s a power Voice for Farrer hopes to harness for the local area.
‘‘Suzanna Sheed’s electorate (of Shepparton) has been awarded $600 million in funding.
‘‘Let’s start thinking that Farrer matters, and show that we have had enough of being forgotten.
‘‘We need action on water, on connectivity, jobs and education, and let’s get the heart back into Farrer.’’
In the neighbouring federal seat of Indi, in northern Victoria, Cathy McGowan was elected to federal parliament as an independent supported by the Voices for Indi movement.
In December, soon after Voices for Farrer was formed, it announced it would like to see Albury Mayor Kevin Mack run as an independent against Ms Ley.
Cr Mack, who has a reach throughout much of Farrer as the chair of the Riverina Murray Joint Organisation of Councils, said he was not yet sure of his intentions but said he has a genuine concern for regional communities and would like to see a better plan from the federal government.
19°C