Community-backed Independent candidate for Dickson, Ellie Smith has announced her intention to run against Peter Dutton at this year’s federal election.
Ellie Smith, a local mum and environmental consultant of over 15 years, addressed a crowd of over 200 people to launch her campaign, encouraging them to get out and talk to neighbours and friends.
“Dickson will do better with an Independent MP,” she said.
“I’m in this to win it.”
“I’m not a career politician. I’ll be working for you. I will be free to represent your views and
interests, not a political party or big business.”
Under the campaign slogan of ‘Together, we can’, Smith outlined a comprehensive suite of policies based on the community’s priorities.
“Having spent time listening to families, local businesses and community groups, it’s clear that cost of living is the key concern for our community. So that’s my priority – from finding smarter solutions for affordable housing to tackling rising energy costs.
“We’re also under-served when it comes to public transport. Many families in Dickson are
spending $16,000 a year to run a second car, instead of benefiting from the 50 cent public
transport fares, because there’s no suitable connection for them. We’ve been ignored for far too long. We need better connections to transport hubs and our fair share of funding for congestion-busting roads.”
Smith is also concerned about climate risk in Dickson, which is vulnerable to both bushfires and flooding, causing rising insurance premiums.
“I’ll work for proper climate planning and resilience measures so that we are better prepared,” she said.
“I’m a champion for small business having grown up in a small business household. I will fight for fairer taxes and simpler compliance for small businesses.
“As a mum, I’m passionate about ensuring our schools are as attractive to attend as those in the inner city. I want to see our teachers supported. I’m also a strong supporter of giving our young people every chance to thrive through support for apprenticeships, TAFE places, access to mental health support and start-up programs to encourage young entrepreneurs.
“The groundswell of community independents across Australia is challenging the two-party
system, which has not delivered for everyday Australians. I am standing up to bring the
integrity, sensible economic policies and leadership our community wants. I have the
policy and mediation experience to end the division, bring people together and get things done.”
“Sign up, get involved. Together we can create a stronger community and a brighter future
for all of us,” she said.
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