Community call for independent candidate

Voices of Bass (VOB) has begun the search for an independent candidate by calling for expressions of interest to be sent to info@voicesofbass.com.au by February 27.

Deb Leonard, who ran as a community-chosen independent in the Federal election, praises the group for taking the initiative.

“Voters of Bass are essentially taking back control of democracy by engaging in this process,” says Leonard.

“The community want someone who represents us, who is chosen by us, not a party with vested interests”

“I answered an advertisement from Voices for Monash calling for someone to represent our community, and I’m so glad I did.

“At the time, I was so fed up with politicians, from all sides. Left or right, I could see that decisions were not being made in the interests of normal people, politicians were not listening to what people want or need.”

Leonard came third in the 2025 federal election, with a primary vote of 17 per cent, behind Labor on 20 per cent and Liberal on 32 per cent. Due to the close contest, preference counting took several weeks and saw Liberal’s Mary Aldred winning the seat.

But Leonard says she sees her campaign as a success regardless of the final outcome.

“Even though I wasn’t elected, my campaign brought to light many local issues that have been ignored by the major parties in the past. I had a huge community behind me that was inspired to achieve better.

Connections were made; lasting friendships and a sense of comradery were the outcome.

“This is the opportunity for people to be part of something actually meaningful – working for better outcomes for their local community and for all Australians.
“As we’ve seen in Federal Parliament, independents can make a real difference,” she says.

“During my campaign, some of the main issues that people brought up with me were housing, roads and funding for local sports and recreation facilities There are all issues that an independent in State Parliament could make a huge difference on.”

Voters are turning away from the major party in droves, with infighting, vested interests, lack of funding for regional areas and the Emergency Services Levy all pertinent issues.

“Independents don’t have to toe a party line – they are free to advocate for what their community needs and can attract major funding for infrastructure and services. This is the chance for the people of Bass to get better representation,” says Leonard.

“Becoming a politician was never on my radar – I was just a normal community member fed up with the status quo. In my opinion, that is the best type of person to run as an independent – not someone who is fuelled by political ambition.”

Voices of Bass encourages anyone who is feeling fed up and wants to make a meaningful difference to apply to be supported by VOB to run for election.

“You will have an entire community of people behind you to help, you will have an incredible experience and see just how much people can achieve when they work together,” Leonard says.

Anyone interested in nominating themselves as an independent candidate, or finding out more, should email info@voicesofbass.com.au or visit voicesofbass.com.au

Following the close of expressions of interest, members will be able to hear from and vote for their preferred candidate to support. Membership is open to all voting residents of Bass.

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