A GRASSROOTS campaign has ramped up to try to oust Member for Farrer Sussan Ley over concerns the seat has become “too safe for too long”.
Voices of Farrer this week began its search for an independent candidate to take on Ms Ley, the deputy-leader of the Federal Liberal Party, at the next election.
A spokesperson for the community group, which was formed in 2022, said community consultation had been undertaken during the past year, meeting with hundreds of Farrer constituents ahead of the next Federal poll, which is expected in the first half of next year.
Members of the group are seeking to emulate the success of Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines on the other side of the Murray River in the Victorian electorate of Indi.
The Farrer group’s president Cate Melville said the message coming out of the community consultation was “clear”.
“Farrer wants a values-driven, community-selected independent candidate at the next Federal Election, that’s why we have launched our expression-of-interest campaign,” she said.
“While listening to our community, integrity, openness, respect, empathy and passion were all key attributes people in Farrer are looking for in their representative.
“We’ve consistently heard from Farrer residents across the full political spectrum that we’ve been too safe for too long, and that Farrer communities feel that we need a change in representation.
“In this Parliament, a record number of independents in both houses have made a significant difference and been strong voices for their communities, cutting through the politics and doing the work.”
Ms Ley has held the seat since 2001.
