I once stood for political office - for the ACT Assembly

I and a very good friend, Ann Bray, stood for the electorate of Kurrajong as independents for the ACT Assembly Election in October 2024. We thought it was time for a change after 23 years of the same party leading the Territory (Labor).

We didn't get in and between us we got 2.3% of the vote. But, importantly, we had a great time and we ran with some great policies. In the end there was no change in government although 2 independents did get in. One being Fiona Carrick - a true independent who did the hard yards, and against the odds, won. The other, Tom Emerson, who was the leader of a party of independents. The candidates from his party were some pretty mighty people but in the end the focus of Emerson's campaign was to get Emerson elected and there was very little mention of the other candidates. We needed three independents to create a hung Assembly but it was not to be.

Below is my unedited prelude to the election - for prosperity.

A blog written in February 2024

It's time for a change, It seems that everybody is saying it. Members of the Labor party are, privately, saying that we need a cross bench of good quality - true independents - to make sure we get better government.

The government is influenced far too much by the unions and through that by the big developers. Our education and health sectors suffer as a result.

The cost of light rail, as good as it looks, is hidden and the tax payers of Canberra just might be funding vanity projects for the needs of others. Is there a better way? Is there a cheaper way? Or is it the best way? We need the information needed to understand what is going on.

The self-employed are not even given lip service and their mental health needs ignored.

All this impacts our suburbs, our community sport and roads and other infrastructure. It impacts people.

We need a government that is held to account; that is forced to consult effectively and widely; and communicates with the community not with mirrors. We need evidence based policies not those developed to meet the needs of vested groups.

The government isn't evil it has just been there too long, far too long.

The Liberal Party is not ready for government. Their far right still controls its policies and beliefs.

Independents have to be the answer.

Was authorised by Peter Strong AM candidate for ACT Legislative Assembly