LABOR’S stronghold over the Fremantle electorate will be challenged at the next federal election by a new independent group of Freo residents disenfranchised by the major parties. 

Voices for Fremantle is a newly-formed “nonpartisan community” of residents aimed at finding a candidate to “better represent” Freo’s values and issues, according to spokesperson Lily Jovic. 

“We’ve seen how effective community independents have been across the country at creating that change we’d like to see in being innovative, collaborative and dignified, acting with integrity,” Ms Jovic said. 

• Voices for Fremantle members Simon Owen, Ric Cairns, Lily Jovic, Piers Verstegen and Rebecca Cutter. Photo by Steve Grant

Integrity 

“That has modelled a behaviour that has demonstrated to us that you can make politics better.” 

The group’s candidate selection is similar to the successful Teal model of the 2022 federal election. 

“Evidence suggests, and experience shows, that you build the movement first and establish really strong foundations in the community, and then the right candidate emerges who matches the values, expectations and interests that the community has revealed through that community listening exercise,” Ms Jovic said.

“We’re currently in our community listening and building phase to ensure that our initial community listening and engagement campaign is grounded in the sort of Freo electorate.

“The idea is that the candidate comes last.” 

Platforms and key issues will be formed through the same process. 

“You can have a lot of educated guesses on what the key issues are in Fremantle just based on conversations you have one to one with people, and the fact that we all exist within a community,” Ms Jovic said. 

“Truly surveying that in a proper, rigorous way to the higher standard is really what we’re wanting to do before confirming that. 

“From what we’re hearing from people that are coming on board, it’s really that sense of not feeling seen and heard and feeling neglected and ignored [by the major parties] as opposed to specific issues.”

According to Ms Jovic, there’s a “telling” desire for an alternative candidate to the major parties in the Freo electorate. 

“There’s been a volume of interest that has already been built, and it’s growing in terms of our volunteer base and people who want to get involved. 

“The community independent model seeks to upgrade or improve democracy broadly,” Ms Jovic said. 

“It does that very well, and that’s what motivates people, is when they see high standards of consultation.” 

Voices for Fremantle will be launching its new program, Community Conversations, which can be “hosted by anyone, anywhere” to engage in “meaningful, respectful”, non-partisan dialogue. 

The information will be collated into a public report “for the community, current representatives, and future candidates” to use for their campaigns.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER