Independent challengers spruik their influence on government policy as a sign of the benefits they bring
Many haven’t been elected yet – and they may never be – but a field of independents is already taking credit for a more progressive agenda emerging ahead of the“The benefits are really clear,” says Jacqui Scruby, a “teal” candidate for the seat of Pittwater.“The indirect [effect] is driving the conversation – putting policies on the agenda that the major parties won’t touch, and forcing them to address those issues.
Climate 200’s executive director, Byron Fay, cites the government’s commitment to reduce emissions by 70% by 2035, ban offshore oil and gas drilling in NSW waters and make the state’s pokies cashless by 2028 as proof independents have had “an enormous impact”.“If this is what these community independents can achieve just by putting their hands up, what’s possible if they actually get elected?” he says.
“Certainly Perrottet has got the message and moved to the left but I am not sure it’s as much of a victory as [the independents] think it is. It’s a coalition and the Nats [National party] aren’t budgeting one inch.”Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian “People in these areas have had a taste for indies,” he adds, noting the intersection between targeted state seats and recent federal “teal” victors including Dr Sophie Scamps, Kylea Tink and Allegra Spender.
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