The Movement We Helped Build: From Ian Macphee to Zoe Daniel
A Political Awakening: How Goldstein’s Grassroots Reclaimed Democracy – And Why the Fight for Fair Representation Is More Important Than Ever.
I don’t know where you were at Christmas 2019-2020, when Australia was literally going up in flames and Scomo was in Hawaii and wouldn’t hold a hose. I was on my couch, in the middle of what felt like my millionth existential crisis, wondering again: Where was the action? Where was the accountability and leadership on climate, fairness, and a better future for all of us?
Then my friend Denise from North Sydney called. She was feeling the same frustration, and then she said something that shifted everything: ‘Sue, you have to do in Goldstein what Cathy McGowan did in Indi and Zali Steggall did in Warringah.’ And I remember saying, ‘Sure, how do we do that?’
Fast forward to the end of 2020, where a small group of concerned Goldstein citizens came together—not political insiders, just ordinary people who wanted better representation. And so, Voices of Goldstein was born, a movement fuelled by frustration and hope because, let’s face it, someone had to do something.
How We Changed Goldstein in May 2022
In the heart of Goldstein, a suburb named after pioneering feminist Vida Goldstein, a political transformation took place on 21st May 2022—one that underscored a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the Liberal Party and the need for a return to centrist, community-driven governance. This transformation was personified by Ian Macphee AO, a former Liberal MP for Goldstein, and Minster in the Fraser Government, whose record in supporting refugees, voting for the Sex Discrimination Act in 1984 (even crossing the floor to do so), and championing a more inclusive and just society stands in stark contrast to the party’s current trajectory.
Ian Macphee’s Liberal Party vs. Today’s Liberal Party
Macphee was a true liberal in the classic sense—someone who believed in individual rights, social justice, and evidence-based policymaking. During his tenure, he embodied the principles of a broad, moderate Liberal Party that welcomed debate and progressive policy reforms. His work on refugee policy and gender equality demonstrated a commitment to a fair and inclusive Australia.
Fast forward to today, and the Liberal Party has moved far to the right under leaders such as Howard, Abbott, Morrison, and now Dutton. Macphee himself has been vocal about his disappointment, stating in 2021:
"The Liberal Party branches are now controlled by the Liberal Party head office, which does not listen to ordinary voters. If genuine Liberal voters can’t influence the branches, they must come together with other voters to support a really good, honest, broad-thinking, visionary candidate to represent them."
This disenchantment with the major parties, particularly the Liberal Party’s drift into ideological extremism, is not unique to Macphee. As he stated in 2021:
"The more independent Senators and Members of the House of Representatives we can have to review policies, and their implementation, the better—that's the state we've got to in our democracy which has been abused by power-hungry people."
Macphee’s critique highlights his disillusionment with the major parties, particularly the Liberal Party's shift away from its foundational principles. His call for grassroots support of independent candidates underscores the need for representatives who prioritise the interests of their constituents over party directives. Many moderate liberals and centrists have turned to the community independents movement, seeking representatives who listen to their constituents and advocate for genuine reform.
Why Ian Macphee Backed Zoe Daniel
Ian Macphee saw in Zoe Daniel what Goldstein needed: a return to strong, community-focused representation. Daniel, a respected former ABC journalist with a deep commitment to truth, fairness, and public service, emerged as the ideal candidate to reclaim Goldstein for rational, evidence-based politics.
In his endorsement, Macphee highlighted Daniel’s ability to listen, engage, and advocate on behalf of her community. Unlike major party politicians who are beholden to party headquarters and corporate donors, Daniel represents the grassroots movement that has been steadily gaining momentum across the country.
Embedding the Community Independent Model as the Best Path Forward
The success of Zoe Daniel and other community independents in 2022 was not just about rejecting the status quo; it was about proving that there is a better way to govern. The community independent movement is now focused on embedding this model as the best path forward for Australian democracy.
Since taking office, the crossbench has played a critical role in shaping key policies, working with the Labor government to address inflation, improve wage growth, invest in renewable technology, including Zoe Daniel securing legislation with a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 as a floor, not a ceiling, and pushing to get better pay and conditions in the childcare and aged care sectors, ensuring fairer wages and stronger support for essential workers.
Labor’s ability to significantly reduce inflation and implement necessary reforms has been strengthened by the presence of a robust crossbench including eight community independent MPs and one community independent senator in David Pocock, which has held the government accountable while ensuring critical legislation is passed. Zoe's voting record indicates a balanced approach across the three major parties showing she does not strictly align with any one party but makes decisions based on individual issues. This model of governance—where independents work collaboratively to push forward effective policies—has proven that Australia does not need to be shackled by two-party dominance.
2025: A Historic Opportunity to Solidify a Better Future
With over 30 community independents expected to run in the 2025 federal election, Australia has a chance to permanently recalibrate its political landscape. The rise of independents offers a pathway to a more inclusive, effective, and accountable government—one that prioritises the needs of people over party politics.
The message is clear: our democracy is damaged, but it is not beyond repair. By continuing to elect progressive, community-driven independents, Australians can lock in a politics of integrity, collaboration, and real solutions. Goldstein’s shift from a once-proud moderate Liberal seat under Ian Macphee to an independent-led electorate under Zoe Daniel is a testament to this transformation.
The future of Australian democracy is in the hands of the voters.
The choice is stark: continue down the path of ideological extremism and corporate-controlled party politics, or embrace a future where independents restore balance, reason, and true representation to Parliament.
The time for change has already begun. Now, we must ensure it is here to stay. Independence is the difference.
Onward we press
Resources
Ian Macphee Articles
Our Democracy is Damaged - only progressive independents can repair it - 4 Dec 2021
We need independents to check ‘Power Hungry’ political parties - 10 Aug 2021
Why so many incompetent men become leaders
10 min video by psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Vote Community Independents
Not shit candidates list
