Independents deliver real results because they focus on their communities, not party politics or vested interests.

They improve legislation and negotiate better deals, always working across the aisle to secure real benefits for real people.

Here’s what other independents have achieved—and what’s possible for Dickson with an independent voice:

Cost of Living & Housing

Allegra Spender (Wentworth) – Secured energy efficiency funding to help households reduce power bills.

Helen Haines (Indi) – Introduced the Unlocking Regional Housing Bill, pushing for federal investment in rural and regional housing.

Monique Ryan (Kooyong) - Successfully petitioned to make HECs debts easier to pay off, helping to address the financial burden for millions of young Australians.

Health & Aged Care

Zali Steggall (Warringah) – Advocated for better mental health funding and improved aged care legislation.

David Pocock (ACT) – Strengthened aged care laws to improve conditions for older Australians.

Climate & Energy

Kylea Tink (North Sydney) – Secured funding for community solar projects and EV charging networks.

Zali Steggall (Warringah) – Pushed amendments to strengthen national environmental protections.

Helen Haines (Indi) – Secured investment in community batteries and microgrids to lower power bills.

Infrastructure & Transport

Cathy McGowan (Former Indi MP) – Advocated for 50+ mobile phone towers to eliminate blackspots.

Helen Haines (Indi) – Fought for and secured road and transport funding for regional areas.

Integrity & Democracy

Monique Ryan (Kooyong) – Introduced the 'Clean Up Politics Act' to improve transparency in lobbying.

Zali Steggall (Warringah) – Pushed for truth in political advertising laws to stop misleading campaign ads.

Helen Haines (Indi) – Successfully campaigned for the creation of a National Anti-Corruption Commission.

If neither party has a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, resulting in a “hung” or “balanced” parliament, there is no obligation on me to choose a side. What I know is this: I will put Dickson first – not party interests or political deals.

Our community expects me to fight for Dickson every day, not strike a deal on Day One and hope the Government delivers. I have the experience to negotiate with all sides to secure the best outcomes for our community, ensuring Dickson has a strong, independent voice at the table.

I will assess every bill on its own merits, working with whoever is willing to deliver real results for Dickson. My decisions will be based on what’s right for our community—never for party politics.

Most importantly, I will always be transparent about my votes and the reasons behind them. I answer only to the people of Dickson.

You can read more about my policy priorities here.

I will not be directing preferences. My how-to-vote card will simply say ‘Vote 1 Ellie Smith’ and ‘number every box according to YOUR preference’.

I trust the voters of Dickson to number every box themselves, and I want each individual to have full control over where their preferences go.

My goal is to win enough votes to be part of the final count and secure the win! In this case, your vote will stay with me.

If I am not successful, your preferences will flow to the parties or candidates you choose.

This ensures your vote stays aligned with your values—giving you the final say in how your preferences are distributed, not decided by backroom party deals. You can choose exactly who you don’t want to get your vote by putting them last.

This approach has worked for other independents and proves that I am genuinely independent - not a front for another party.

You can see all of my policies here. If you have any further questions feel free to send me an email on [email protected]! I love hearing about the issues that matter to our community.

I am funded by everyday people like you! You can see my donation policy - that goes above and beyond the AEC donation requirements here.