Voices for Monash has opened its candidate selection process for a local independent to run in the next Federal election.

Voices for Monash (V4M) was formed in May 2021 by a group of concerned locals who felt the Monash electorate's political representation did not adequately reflect the community's values nor effectively address the major issues facing our region and nation.

At the last federal election (2022) local lawyer, Deb Leonard, represented the community voice and the V4M Committee. Achieving over 21 per cent of the vote after preferences, Deb helped to make Monash a marginal seat with now ex-Liberal party member, Russell Broadbent holding on by a margin of only 2.9 per cent. 

Dissatisfaction with Mr Broadbent's representation of the Monash electorate has been confirmed through a series of community engagement events across the electorate this year. From Kitchen Table Conversations to evenings featuring guest speakers such as former Indi MP, Cathy McGowan, the growing dissatisfaction with the current representative is vocal.

The lack of access to the local MP and major parties has also been cited, with Monash residents concerned with the influence of vested interests as seemingly more important than concerns of local constituents.

Based on community feedback, Voices for Monash is seeking independent representation for Monash at the next Federal election and has commenced an independent candidate selection process.

Recent success for community aligned independents has seen a growing crossbench of articulate MPs with integrity, calling both major parties to account and implementing some great policies in Canberra. Many see these efforts as the only way to push back against corporate control of our public policies, especially inaction on climate and a lack of accountability, as well as the entrenched gender divide operating in politics and more broadly in society. 

Voices for Monash President, Fiona McKenzie stated, "I encourage anyone interested in becoming the Monash independent candidate to reach out to the Voices Committee for confidential conversation about applying for this critical role.

"The Committee group has been holding a number of community engagements over the past few months and there is a strong growth in the number of voters in Monash who are dissatisfied with their current representative and what he stands for."

A formal candidate selection process commences today with advertising in local papers and online. Applications will close at 6pm on June 16. The process will include shortlisting candidates who will then present to a Voices for Monash Members' forum on July 13, 2024 on why they would be the best person to represent Monash in federal parliament. Members of V4M will then vote for their preferred candidate.

Further information about joining V4M to have your say, read about its purpose and values plus the criteria for potential candidates can be found at www.v4m.org.au and the Facebook page facebook.com/formonash

/ Sponsored article /