MEDIA RELEASE

- For immediate broadcast -

Date: 24/07/2024

Political Representation on the Agenda as New Group Launches in the Federal Electorate of Grey

Citizens across the electorate of Grey are joining forces to push for better representation in Federal Parliament. The newly formed group, Independent for Grey, is seeking to reinvigorate the democratic process by supporting a parliamentary representative loyal to the community that elects them, rather than to a party..

The group became inspired to find an exceptional independent candidate following disappointment with, and a movement away from, the self-serving duopoly that currently controls Federal Parliament. An opportunity exists to bring fresh and dedicated representation to Grey, focusing on the community's needs and aspirations. Now is the time for ‘Greyter’ representation.

Independent for Grey plans to host a series of community conversations, workshops, and surveys in the coming months to identify the highest priority issues for residents. By engaging directly with the residents of Grey, the group aims to put people and the community back into the heart of political representation. This includes capturing the community's diverse voices and identifying key issues and concerns that need to be addressed by elected representatives.

Independent for Grey has already begun the community listening process with a series of Kitchen Table Conversations in the electorate.

The group will look for a candidate through a process of community listening, encouraging all community members to attend events or complete our online feedback. This will ensure all voices in Grey are heard and that the chosen candidate truly represents the constituents, rather than just the major parties.

In seeking a candidate, Independent for Grey will prioritize individuals who:

• Are conversant in or have a good working knowledge of the socio-economic, environmental, and needs of Grey.
• Understand the value of and support evidence-based policies.
• Value integrity, transparency, and political engagement.

The electorate of Grey is unique due to its vast geographical size, encompassing key hubs of the Ceduna, Clare Valley, Copper Coast, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Roxby and Whyalla, and the small regional and remote communities in between and beyond. This diversity presents both challenges and opportunities for representation, making it essential to have a candidate who truly understands and can address the varied needs of these communities.

Local Resident, Jack Ritchie, believes the people of Grey want to be heard on the issues and opportunities that matter to them. “This is the perfect time for positive change in the political landscape and we need to be prioritizing critical community issues such as housing, cost of living, and climate change. That’s why I’ve joined with an active group of people from across the electorate to work with community to select a candidate who will be an Independent voice for Grey.”

But change begins when everyday people step up. That's why I've joined Independent for Grey: to support a community-driven political environment where representatives prioritize constituents and future generations over party interests.”

A potential outcome from the community listening is identifying and building support for an Independent Candidate in the next federal election as a genuine community representative—prioritising the people of Grey and their issues without the need to give way to party priorities, often decided on to benefit their east coast dominated membership .

For more information on how to get involved, visit our website www.independentforgrey.com or find us on social media.

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