5 Reasons the Western Suburbs Need an Independent MP - and Why Politics Needs a Shake-Up!

A New Era for Western Suburbs Politics

Politics in Australia is dominated by a political duopoly, however in the Western Suburbs of Adelaide, Labor's "safe status" has allowed our community to be sidelined and taken for granted.

Our community feels neglected and unheard. We are told by government, that government is doing things to make our lives better while it gets harder to get by.

We all know that once the votes are counted, the pollies go back to having lunches with lobbyists, fighting internal party politics and playing blame games.

The same old is not working, in fact it is getting worse. But there is another option. Choosing a community-oriented, independent member of parliament (MP) is an exciting alternative which removes the conflicts of party politics and vested interests.

An independent MP, is someone who is connected and supported by their local community. An independent can be the fresh voice we need to shake up the status quo and can prioritise our needs without party constraints. They usually hold immense potential to transform politics for the better. Here are five reasons why the Western Suburbs of Adelaide need an independent MP:

1. Bringing it back to local representation.

South Australia has only 10 seats out of 151 seats in the Federal House of Representatives. Our communities interest are not only diluted by major party policies, but are decimated by the interests of the larger eastern states.

National policies like the AUKUS security pact and the continuous shipbuilding program present big opportunities and big challenges. Often our communities needs to take advantage of these opportunities, such as more housing, more education facilities, more health facilities and better infrastructure we are left wanting.

Imagine local engagement driven by concerns directly relevant to residents—whether it's affordable housing, accessible public transport, or job creation. By eliminating the need to conform to party lines, an independent MP would foster more authentic discussions focused on impactful local solutions.

2. Transparency - not spin.

Independent MPs do not have to read the script they are given.

Many politicians are elected with good ideas or intent but have to trade it away for the privellege to represent the Labor Party or the Liberal Party.

Too often politicans are asked questions, such as "How could anyone live on Jobseeker?" and they all respond with a standard response, such as "We never said it would be easy" or "jobseeker is just one support payment in a toolkit we have to ease cost of living pressures".

Independents can actually acknowledge when things are going badly and can call for action, take Monique Ryan's call to index student debt with WPI or CPI. This was an independent dragging the government to action - kicking and screaming.

This is a serious difference that can not only imporve the lives of people but restore trust to our politics.

3. A Call for Genuine Accountability

A significant benefit to an independent MP is the increase accountability.

Independent MPs do not have large donors, many really, really, reall have to fight to represent their community against large parties and many are only supported by locals and community groups.

This means the independent MP is accountable to you - the voter.

There are no "faceless factional bosses", there are no big doners.

Accountability to one group, the voters in the community means that the candidate or MP will consult, inform and involve us in the decision-making process. This direct line of communication builds trust between the MP and the community, as residents can see that their voices are being heard and that their concerns are being taken seriously.

Studies indicate that voters are three times more likely to feel engaged when they believe their representative is genuinely accountable to them. This shift can motivate grassroots involvement, making local governance more participatory and transparent.

4. Focusing on What Really Matters.

Major parties are often distracted from what is actually affecting voters.

In the western suburbs many have struggled with cost of living pressures, mainly housing, grocery and energy costs; access to health care and concerns about youth mental health.

Our community has faced a campaign for a voice, a disingenuous campaign against international students and migrants and half-baked tax reform.

The government has been a "do nothing government" that has "fiddled while rome burns". Many are sick of being told that the government is doing a good job while they struggle.

A local MP who is independent and willing to call out the issues facing their community wi

5. Engaging the Disengaged

When voters feel disconnected from the political process, it can lead to apathy and division. The dominance of the two major parties has created a sense of frustration and disillusionment among many residents in the western suburbs. People feel that their votes don’t matter, and that the political system isn’t working for them. This disengagement can have serious consequences, as it erodes the fabric of our community and makes it harder for us to work together to solve common problems.

Electing an independent MP has the potential to reinvigorate local democracy. It sends a powerful message to the major parties that the community will no longer be taken for granted. It also provides an opportunity for people to rally behind a candidate who truly represents their interests and who is committed to making their voices heard.

An independent MP, deeply embedded in the community, can foster a sense of unity and collaboration. They can bring together diverse groups—local businesses, community organizations, residents, and schools—to work on common goals. This type of collaborative leadership can help rebuild trust in the political process and create a stronger, more resilient community.

Moving Towards a Brighter Future

The push for an independent MP in the Western Suburbs goes beyond mere dissatisfaction—it represents a powerful call for change in our political landscape. This shift has the potential to enhance accountability, promote effective resource management, support genuine community engagement, and revive faith in democratic participation.

By embracing an independent voice, we stake a claim for a representative who understands the complexities of our lives and values our needs. It's time for the Western Suburbs to reclaim their power and ensure that their voices resonate in the halls of parliament.

Together, let’s unite for a future that prioritises local interests and advocates for true representation!