An interested and enthusiastic gathering was treated to a conversation about the genesis of the community independent movement and its continuing effectiveness. It quickly became clear that politics can be friendly, easy and fun.
It was a pleasure to attend an event in Bathurst last Thursday evening, at which Kate Hook introduced special guests Denis Ginnivan and Phil Haines from the Federal Electorate of Indi.
We learned how the community independent movement emerged from ‘Voices of Indi’, a series of ‘kitchen table conversations’ that built on the desire for an alternative to the existing Party affiliated MP. Cathy McGowan emerged from this process and won the seat in the 2013 election. Her successful grassroots campaign demonstrated an effective alternative to party politics and generated the ‘Voices’ movement in other electorates (some of whose representatives form the current cross-bench). In 2019 Cathy handed the Indi baton on to the current Member, Dr Helen Haines.
It quickly became clear to us that political participation in a community independent’s electorate does not mean the community supporting a Member’s pre-determined position, but involves voters stating what is important to them and being listened to. Everyone has the opportunity to engage by talking to friends and neighbours, finding out what people value, and feeding it through to their MP. The meeting talked particularly of the importance of engaging youth in the political process and how to reach out to them on their terms.
Because a Community Independent does not have to follow a particular Party ideology, the specific directions of a Party hierarchy, or the demands of hidden vested interests, they can act according to their values (transparency, integrity, honesty), taking into account the needs of their constituents and reaching out to all the people in their electorate. A member of the audience noted that the people of Calare had become used to this when we were ably represented by the late Peter Andren.
Our guests explained that, as a community independent, Helen focusses on understanding what the legislation before the Parliament would mean for her constituents. She decides whether to vote for it, try to amend it, or vote against it by approaching the affected people in her electorate, encouraging feedback, and seeking advice from experts. She also uses Question Time to keep the Government accountable, particularly to raise concerns that come not only directly from Indi, but also affect others in regional Australia. In addition, she can put new and often difficult issues (eg Federal anti-corruption commission) before the Parliament.
The evening left all of us keen to reach out to others and spread the good news of the advantages of Calare being represented in Canberra by our own community independent, Kate Hook.
Report by Leonora Ritter- Volunteer for Kate Hook