The Smarter Choice: Why Community Independents are the Change We Need in Australian Politics

Secure Your Future: Why Community Independents Are the Smart and Safe Choice for Real Representation

Albert Einstein famously said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This wisdom applies not only to science but to life and politics as well. When something isn’t working—whether it’s a relationship, a job, or how we vote—the smart thing to do is reflect, learn, and choose a better path forward.

For decades, Australians have put their trust in the major political parties, hoping things would improve. Yet time and again, they’ve been let down by broken promises, corporate-driven policies, and leaders disconnected from the realities of everyday life. The 2025 federal election presents an opportunity to break this cycle and forge a new path. Community independents, offering a refreshing and practical approach to politics, are the smarter, safer choice.

At least 30 independents, including seven sitting MPs, will contest seats in the House of Representatives—representing one-fifth of the lower house. This movement includes 20 candidates in regional Australia, where the need for better representation has never been clearer. These leaders offer a chance to turn Australia into the "lucky country" it was meant to be—not through complacency, but by making our own luck with new, accountable, and community-driven politics.

Doing the Same Thing Won’t Fix What’s Broken

For too long, Australians have endured the same patterns in politics, hoping for change that never comes.

The Liberal-National coalition, once champions of family values and stability, SME business communities, farms and fibre, now prioritise division, corporate profits and the fossil fuel industry over community well-being, inclusivity and a clean, sustainable future. Policies on mining, energy, land clearing, and banking often favour big businesses, property developers, miners, and billionaires, leaving voters feeling ignored and marginalised.

Labor, the traditional party of the working class, has made commendable strides in areas like securing better pay for workers and demonstrating stronger economic management compared to their conservative counterparts. Their advocacy for renewable energy and job creation has been a step in the right direction. However, they remain tied to vested interests, such as the gambling lobby and industries impacting environmental protections, which undermines their broader goals. While they champion necessary transitions to a a renewable economy, their support for workers in traditional industries has sometimes fallen short, leaving communities reliant on coal, gas, and manufacturing uncertain about their future. Promises of “just transitions” have often lacked the clarity and investment needed to instil confidence in these regions.

Both parties treat change as something to impose, rather than something to shape collaboratively with communities. Doing more of the same won’t solve these issues, but there is a better way.

Why Community Independents Are the Smarter Choice

Community independents represent a refreshing approach to politics—one that prioritises people, accountability, and practical solutions over ideology. They represent a growing number of Australians who reject extremism and want fair, inclusive representation. Here’s why they’re the smarter, more informed choice:

1. Accountability to Voters

Independents answer only to their constituents—not party leaders or corporate donors. They don’t have the luxury of hiding behind party platforms, which fosters real accountability and transparency. Their focus remains on delivering outcomes that matter to the people they represent.

2. Understanding Local Needs

Community independents live and work in the areas they represent, giving them a firsthand understanding of local challenges. Whether it’s securing infrastructure, supporting local industries, or creating regional jobs, they advocate for tailored solutions that address the specific needs of their communities.

3. Freedom from Corporate Influence

Unlike the major parties, which rely heavily on donations from corporations and lobbyists, independents are typically funded by grassroots movements. This independence allows them to prioritise what’s best for their communities, free from the influence of big money.

4. Stability During Change

Major transitions, like the shift to renewable energy, can feel overwhelming when imposed without adequate consultation. Independents take a collaborative, pragmatic approach, ensuring policies protect livelihoods while embracing progress. They provide stability by prioritising inclusive, community-driven solutions.

5. Skills, Capabilities, and Real-World Experience

Community independents bring a high level of professionalism, intelligence, and real-world experience to politics. Many have extensive skills in:

• Analysis and Negotiation: Independents are adept at scrutinising policy, identifying gaps, and negotiating solutions that benefit their communities.

• Communication and Collaboration: Their ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and build consensus helps ensure more balanced and effective policy outcomes.

• Practical Expertise: With lived experiences outside the political bubble, they bring knowledge from fields like business, healthcare, education, journalism, sustainability, and community work to inform better legislation.

This combination of professionalism and real-world intelligence ensures that community independents deliver good governance and better legislative outcomes, benefiting all Australians.

A Growing Collective Voice

With 30 independents contesting the 2025 election, including sitting MPs like Zoe Daniel in Goldstein, Zali Steggall in Warringah, Monique Ryan in Kooyong, and Helen Haines in Indi, this movement is no longer a fringe effort. Independents are forming a powerful bloc capable of holding governments accountable and shaping balanced, fair policies.

What’s more, the diversity of challengers stepping forward is inspiring. Among them are Alex Dyson in Wannon, a former Triple J radio presenter bringing fresh energy to regional Victoria; Deb Leonard in Monash, a corporate lawyer fighting for fairness and transparency; and Ben Smith in Flinders, a sustainability professional committed to climate action, regional development, and tackling homelessness to create inclusive communities. Nicolette Boele in Bradfield, a renewable energy and ethics expert, is running with a vision for a more sustainable and fairer future.

These candidates, alongside the sitting independents, represent Australians from all walks of life who are ready to restore trust and show that politics can be better.

Proven Results, Real Impact

Independent MPs have consistently delivered tangible outcomes for their communities and the nation, including the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), policies that balance environmental and economic needs, and the critical commitment to a 43% carbon emissions reduction by 2035 as a floor, not a ceiling. They’ve also achieved action on HECS reforms, protections for superannuation, better pay for childcare and aged-care workers, and significant progress on healthcare reform, education funding, and housing affordability.

These leaders have shown that independents are not just symbolic figures—they are effective representatives who collaborate across party lines to deliver real outcomes. Their focus on practical solutions over political point-scoring proves that politics can deliver results that matter.

Making Our Own Luck

The phrase “lucky country” was originally a critique, pointing to Australia’s complacency and reliance on natural resources rather than innovation. But by embracing this new wave of community-driven politics, Australians can redefine what it means to be the lucky country. We can make our own luck by choosing leaders who listen, act, and put people first.

Einstein’s words remind us that real change requires breaking free from the patterns that don’t work. Supporting community independents isn’t risky—it’s the smarter choice. They represent leaders who prioritise accountability, local solutions, and inclusive decision-making.

This election, Australians have a chance to reshape the political landscape and demand a government that works for everyone. It’s time to stop doing the same thing and expecting different results. It’s time to vote smarter.

This election, make your vote count. Choose a community independent—because Australia deserves better.

Onward we press

Resources:

Not Shit Candidates List