The Australian Financial Review (18 April 2024) reports that “fundraising juggernaut” Climate 200 is targeting 20 additional seats in the lead up the next federal election, and the electorate of Monash is included in their list.

Community group Voices for Monash (V4M) confirms it has been in discussions with Climate 200 and expects to receive funding to help grow the local movement of people-powered politics.

“While we are not reliant on funds from Climate 200, we welcome any financial assistance, and it certainly gives us confidence that Monash is a contender for a community-backed independent to win the next election,” says V4M Treasurer, Les Corson.

Since the last election V4M has been actively seeking community feedback about relevant issues and how people want to be represented. They plan to endorse an independent candidate to run in the next federal election to represent community values.

“We are hearing many people are frustrated with the two major parties and political game playing by politicians,” says V4M President,  Fiona McKenzie.

“Voters  want an independent voice who prioritises our community over party politics.”

Climate 200 stipulate that a condition of funding is that recipients must be able to “demonstrate a strategic path to victory”.

Their interest in Monash clearly indicates that this seat could be in contention from an independent at the next election.

Deb Leonard ran as a community independent at the 2022 election with the endorsement of V4M, and achieved an impressive 10.76 per cent of the primary vote. This was without any funding from Climate 200.

“I don’t think Climate 200 knew how much appetite there was for change in Monash, and I’m sure they were surprised when we achieved over 10 per cent of the vote in just a few months,” says Deb.

“This time around, we have far more time to plan and prepare, as well as having people on the ground with campaigning experience.

“I am certain that with the community’s help, an independent can win Monash and provide better representation for our region.”

But will Deb be running again? “That is yet to be determined,” she says.

V4M is currently undergoing a candidate endorsement process, which will not be finalised until June.

Deb indicated she is happy to run again, however “it’s not about me wanting the job – it’s about finding the best person to represent our community as an independent”.

“If that is someone else, I will throw my support behind them 100 per cent.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about community independents, and the endorsement process should subscribe to Voices for Monash via their website: voicesformonash.org.