Hello supporter
Welcome to newsletter No 2 in my campaign.
It has been a big week in politics with lots of talk about political donations, especially donations to independents. You may have read in the local paper that my campaign is not seeking big financial backers and I want to be clear, this includes funding from Climate 200, a political funding organisation that is giving money to some Independents.
We had numerous early discussions with Climate 200 as many of our stated goals are aligned. However, we eventually realised we weren't as aligned as we first thought, their interest was in money-led campaigns, our interest is in community-led campaigns. Their determinate of a good candidate was how much money had they raised, they were not interested in my character, the validity of my community connections nor did they show interest in the Hughes community in general.
Anyone who knows me knows that I would never focus my campaign efforts on fundraising and especially not in January when people everywhere were under so much stress. We were also uncomfortable that Climate 200 wanted us to share campaign information, especially as they were talking to another candidate in Hughes. We decided Climate 200 support was not a good fit for my campaign so we did not go forward with a funding application. We are very comfortable we made that decision.
I have, however, received donations from wonderful people, including my family, who all care about democracy and integrity, who are excited to be part of a campaign that is focused on our community, and who have made no demands on me. For them I maintain my integrity, I am inclusive, and I seek to be informed about the issues that are important to Hughes.
My campaign will not be flashy, but I wouldn't want it that way. It is staggering how much money can be frittered away on pointless branding and advertising. I will be quite happy if I never see another Clive Palmer billboard or text message. Money is not synonymous with ethics and integrity, we all know that.
My team and I also explored getting an office. However, when our cheap and cheerful option fell through, we realised we are happy to be where our community is. So for us, it will be tables, chairs and conversations where you are, at local places, events and halls. That will do us just fine. Please keep an eye out for upcoming events and for the purple and green team.
You can be certain that no matter what happens, over the next few months I will make a mark for Hughes. I will raise our issues including mining under the Woronora water catchment and air quality measurement around the Moorebank Intermodal, and I will put them on the National stage.
If I win and neither of the major parties have enough seats to form the government, I will negotiate with both in good faith. At the top of my list will be support for a robust Federal Integrity Commission and significant political donation reform. I will require action on climate change that respects the recommendations of the International Panel on Climate Change. I will expect a commitment of at least 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Business Council of Australia and NSW State Commitments. I will need to hear how both parties aim to increase diversity in the parliament, and that goes beyond increasing the number of white women in their ranks (yes I see the irony in that statement). I want to see how they intend to recruit candidates that have a diversity of professions, social backgrounds and life experiences.
Anyway, back to the day-to-day stuff, if you wish to donate I am always happy for the help and if you can spare some of your time or skills we would love to have you share this journey with us.
I always want to hear from the Hughes community, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
