Volunteer Voices

Aadya Mishra, Ashburton

Aadya is studying Science Global Challenges at Monash and wants to see more integrity and evidence-based decision making in our political system.

With Monique, there's a sense of excitement and a feeling we are doing something different. She has the freedom to genuinely represent our community and that is so refreshing.

I really love that Mon is not a career politician and she is scientifically literate. As a scientist in training, I feel it’s important to have evidence-based policies. If we believe science is a good way to understand the world, then we need people who understand science to make the right decisions, rather than career politicians.

Another thing that drew me to Mon was integrity. Gender and climate are important to me, but integrity in politics is the issue I am most concerned about. There's an insane culture of lobbying in the government - I don't understand how it's morally permissible.

When I first heard Mon talk about the #CleanUpPoliticsAct, I felt she distilled all the things I am worried about. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to vote for someone who represents my values. More transparency and integrity are changes I am really watching and hoping for.

Aaron Smith, Founder Tech Startup, Abbotsford

Aaron says Community Independents are authentic and honest and he wants to see their voices become louder.

I think the electorate voted for something ambitious at the 2022 election. It’s insane that as a country we're still tinkering around the edges on climate. The government has been described as “chronically unambitious,” which I think is true on climate and social issues like protections for LGBTQI teachers and kids. That's been kicked into the long grass. I am frustrated by that.

People are resistant to spin. It feels like the major parties are casting spin at us all the time and that’s where the Community Independents are different.

When you hear them speak, it doesn't feel like they're trying to stick to talking points. They answer questions authentically and honestly, provide constructive feedback on every bill, opposition where it makes sense, and suggestions on how to make legislation better.

As a result of the six Community Independents winning last time, it has spawned an entire movement and shown people that this sort of representation can be achieved.

With Monique, you can see that the bond between the community and our elected representative has grown.

I hope to see the Community Independents with balance of power after the next election. I want to see their voices become louder.

Amanda Broomhall, Hawthorn

Amanda has a professional background in information systems and says Mon is listening to the community and acting on peoples’ concerns.

I thought Kooyong would always be a blue-ribbon Liberal seat. Most people would think, “My vote doesn't count - I’m in Kooyong,” but boy, did we prove them wrong.

Monique and all of those who supported her showed that our vote does count. They showed a grassroots campaign, and a lot of work can achieve things. Change can be made. You can be hopeful.

With Monique, I saw an opportunity to support a Member of Parliament who is pushing for real change. She’s incredibly effective at listening to our community and reflecting community concerns. If there are enough people saying, ‘I've got an issue with XYZ,’ she will take that on board and advocate for change.

I had some concerns around Aged Care, and together we've identified issues within that sector to pressure the Government on and affect change in Canberra.

I like the fact that Community Independents have had a real life before politics - there’s a lot of value in that. They made a commitment to drive change, they're putting up bills and listening to more voices.

Kieran McGregor, Social Worker, Hawthorn

Kieran is a Social Worker in the health sector who says Dr Ryan respects the diversity of voices in Kooyong.

We are so lucky we live in a democracy. The forthcoming election is an opportunity for people in the new parts of Kooyong to embrace a powerful, new way of doing politics and to have a community voice.

Having a federal politician who is accessible and runs town hall events and pop-up offices in the streets and whose actions say, “I represent you. Come and talk to me, tell me what’s important and I will take that to Canberra,” that’s extraordinary.

I have lived in Kooyong for nearly 25 years, and apart from Petro Georgiou many years ago, it’s the only time I've seen a federal member present in the community and actively wanting to engage and listen.

When Dr Ryan hosted drop in drinks for LGBTQIA+ people, I'd never seen a sitting member do that. She voted for increasing legal protections for LGBTQIA+ people and is working to prevent discrimination. There's a real respect for the diversity of voices in the community.

I want Dr Ryan to continue to be brave, because she's done amazing things. We've got a very passionate community supporting her and we are absolutely behind her.

Michael Barden, Hawthorn

Michael is a retired small business owner who believes the community independents are changing the national conversation and providing a voice for their electorates.

If you value democracy and making parliament work for the people rather than the other way around, I think the community independents are doing a great job.

You can see the difference they are making by what they say in parliament, the meetings they have, and the pressure they are putting on the government. Mon’s successful petition about HECs debt is an example of that.

They are also improving the quality of debate. I’d like to see a much more mature debate about energy policy, taxation, cost of living, housing, and social issues. The major parties scream and yell at each other and toe the party line. They just want attention in the media.

When you hear a Teal speak, you hear nuanced, educated, properly thought through arguments. The Teals are all smart, educated women. They want to make the world a better place by listening to people.

Mon brings people together and has forums and seminars because she genuinely wants to understand what’s going on in Kooyong and be the voice of our electorate. With Mon, you know your voice matters.

Nancy, Kew

Nancy is a Medical Advisor in the public health care sector who says Monique has restored her trust in politics.

Supporting Dr Ryan was the single most hopeful thing I've done for a decade. That hope has remained with me because of Monique’s leadership and passion for community representation.

What sustained my hopefulness is that as I've got to know Monique, I’ve realised she’s fiercely intelligent and genuinely interested in making a difference. It’s never about her, it's always about how she can represent the community in an authentic way, independent of personal ideology.

I think it is wonderful how Monique has employed a Chinese Engagement Officer because she cares so much about raising the profile of this large and diverse community. She listens to their concerns, has also advocated for more efficient processing times for Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa 188, and helps Chinese constituents access government services.

Her genuine connections with the community and advocacy on issues like the cost of universities, Aged Care, and the NDIS demonstrate her authenticity, courage and honesty in representing the community.

Climate change and social inequities are big issues for me. Monique has made me and my husband trust politics again. We entrust her with our vote because we know she will put the future of our planet and welfare of our next generation at the forefront and do some good.

Samantha Lilly, PhD student, Hawthorn

Samantha is concerned about the lack of action on climate and says Monique is demonstrating how political representation can be kind and constructive.

The politicians currently in power have a duty of care to leave this planet better than we found it and currently we're destroying it.

I'm in my 30s and I see scientists all over the world telling us we need to take urgent action on climate change, otherwise things are going to be dire. The can is being kicked down the road for future generations to deal with the negative impacts.

Monique reflects my views on climate, gender equity and the equal participation of all people in society. She's so in touch with the community and has her fingers on the pulse. That’s the beauty of an independent - they're representing us, not a party.

I like that Monique has taken courageous stances on issues such as HECS, the PBS and the NDIS, and been outspoken in a way that reflects her constituency. Her views are thoroughly researched. I am part of the Kooyong NDIS and Accessibility Group which she consults about once a month for research that she then brings to Canberra.

What gives me hope is the open communication lines between ordinary citizens and our voice in Canberra. I feel excited that this is only the beginning of the Independents movement and how politics can be different. It can be kind and constructive - things it hasn't always been.

Monique has a track record of doing impressive things in a single term. Imagine what could be done if she had multiple terms.