Not Sure Who to Vote For? Why Not Try Your Community Independent—It’s a Refreshing Change!

Election 2025 – Discover the Power of People Powered Politics That Puts You First

Apr 30, 2025

From Undecided to Inspired: My Journey

I’m a 40-year Goldstein resident, and I know how overwhelming it can feel heading into the final days of an election, especially the 2025 Australian election on 3 May. For years, I was an undecided voter—I’d never been affiliated with any political party because none of them truly represented me or my community. But everything changed at Christmas 2019-2020, when Australia was literally going up in flames and then-PM Scomo was on holiday in Hawaii, refusing to hold a hose. I was sitting on my couch, grappling with what felt like my millionth existential crisis, asking myself: Where was the action? Where was the leadership on climate, fairness, and a better future for us all?

I felt frustrated, helpless, and alone—until a call from my friend Denise in North Sydney kicked me into action which led me to co-found Voices of Goldstein that led to Zoe Daniel’s 2022 election win in Goldstein.

If you’re feeling deeply frustrated with the major parties and unsure about how to vote in 2025, let me show you why a community independent might be the refreshing change you’re looking for.

Seeing Through the Lies and Disinformation

This election, you’ve likely encountered a barrage of misleading information. In Goldstein, coalition-aligned groups like Australians for Prosperity, Repeal the Teal, and Better Australia all linked to the hate group, Advance Australia, are spreading lies through billboards, flyers, and Meta ads, falsely attacking Zoe Daniel’s record on climate and community. Nationally, Advance Australia added by religious cults and foreign volunteers are distributing questionable materials at pre-poll sites.

Trans-Tasman research shows 60% of Australians fear misinformation will distort their vote—I’ve felt that concern myself. But you can cut through the noise: check the facts. Community independents like Zoe publish their records openly. For instance, Zoe’s delivered bulk-billing gains in Goldstein and fought for emissions reductions—verifiable results, not empty promises. Don’t let the lies cloud your choice.

Here’s a vitally important video on disinformation and those seeking to overthrow our democracies and move us toward authoritarianism. Please share with everyone you know.

The Origins of Community Independents: A Movement for You

The community independents movement began in 2013 with Cathy McGowan’s historic win in Indi, a rural Victorian seat held by the Coalition for 82 years. Locals, frustrated by a disconnected MP, formed Voices for Indi, held kitchen table conversations, and mobilised 1,000 volunteers to elect McGowan. In 2019, Zali Steggall built on this model, ousting former PM Tony Abbott in Warringah with a campaign focused on climate and integrity, backed by 800 volunteers. The 2022 election saw a “teal wave,” with seven community independents elected, including Zoe in Goldstein, Allegra Spender in Wentworth, and Monique Ryan in Kooyong. These wins were built on listening to communities, not dictating to them, showing that politics can be about people, not parties.

What Community Independents Have Achieved for Communities

Since 2022, community independents have delivered real results. Zoe Daniel, Zali Steggall, Allegra Spender, Monique Ryan, Kate Chaney, Kylea Tink, Sophie Scamps, and Helen Haines in Indi have secured carbon emissions reductions, HECS debt relief, restored single-parent payments, and pushed for tax reform, stronger climate action, reduced gambling ads, action on violence against women, and political integrity. In Goldstein, Zoe’s work has locked in real climate targets with 43% by 2023, reduced HECS debts, improved healthcare access through bulk-billing gains, got better wages for childcare workers and is fighting for a complete tax reform and a ban on gambling advertising just to name a few. Steggall has championed truth in political advertising, while Haines has fought for a federal integrity commission - the list is long in terms of their achievements. Unlike major parties, community independents aren’t beholden to vested interests—they answer to you, focusing on what your electorate needs most.

Your Vote, Your Choice: Community Independents Empower You

One key difference with community independents is how they approach voting. Unlike the major parties, who hand out how-to-vote cards dictating their preferred order of candidates, community independents like Zoe Daniel don’t preference anyone. All they ask is that you put them first, then number every box in the order of your preference. This puts you in charge of your vote—your preferences, your voice. The parties want to control how you vote to serve their interests, but community independents trust you to decide what’s best for your community. It’s a refreshing way to ensure your vote reflects your values, not a party’s agenda.

A short video about Preferential Voting

Why More Community Independents Could Be a Game-Changer

With 38 community independents running in 2025—across seats like Monash, where Deb Leonard’s rap campaign highlights a fair energy transition, and Wannon, where Alex Dyson’s 1,600 supporters are tackling local issues like roads and aged care—an expanded crossbench is within reach. Experts predict a minority government, meaning independents could hold the balance of power, ensuring parliament prioritises your needs over party agendas. More independents mean better outcomes on cost-of-living, housing, and clean energy, and a safeguard against major parties entrenching power. Imagine a parliament that reflects your community’s voice—that’s what community independents offer.

Vote Community Independents: https://linktr.ee/CommunityIndependentsAU

What the Liberals’ Tactics Tell You About Their Priorities

The Liberal Party’s reliance on disinformation reveals their lack of real policy. Groups tied to former Liberal MPs, like Jason Falinski, are attacking community independents because they can’t win on ideas. Peter Dutton’s nuclear plans and cost-of-living measures lack substance, and his campaign’s backflips—like on referendums and citizenship policies—show a party adrift. When they resort to lies and fear, as seen in their proxies’ attacks in Goldstein, it’s clear they’re more interested in power than your community’s needs. Community independents, on the other hand, focus on what matters to you, free from party baggage.

A Refreshing Choice for a Better Future

From Indi in 2013 to Warringah in 2019, and the teal wave of 2022, community independents have shown what’s possible when politics prioritises people. In Goldstein, we flipped a safe Liberal seat because we listened to our community. Today, candidates like Deb Leonard in Monash, Alex Dyson in Wannon, and others across Australia are doing the same, standing up to far-right groups like Advance Australia and the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church infiltrating the Coalition.

If you’re looking for a fresh approach—one that’s accountable, community-driven, and focused on integrity—vote for your community independent on 3 May.

Together, we can build a parliament that truly works for us.

Let’s make it happen!

Onward we press

Resources

5 Feb 2025: A great link to Zoe Daniel’s National Press Club speech on YouTube. Feel free to give it a like and comment if that’s your style.

Vote Community Independents: https://linktr.ee/CommunityIndependentsAU

Websites

https://zoedaniel.com.au/

https://www.communityindependentsproject.org/

A short video about preferential voting

Here’s a vitally important video on disinformation and those seeking to overthrow our democracies and move us toward authoritarianism. Please share with everyone you know.

I’ve also written several letters to the Age about these issues:

Sue Barrett: every solution begins with a conversation

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