Independents' DAY

They’re doctors, CEOs, activists, teachers and journalists who are fed up with federal politics and are stepping up to contest the 2022 election as independent candidates. Meet the women who could change Australia

- KATHRYN MADDEN

If not me, then who?” That was the question Zoe Daniel asked herself when contemplating a move into politics. The esteemed foreign correspondent had a job she loved and a fulfilling home life, but was struck with a rush of responsibility to step up for her community, for the planet and for the next generation.

Indeed, the past two years have been a stream of hardship and heartache for many Australians: bushfires, floods, the existential dread of the climate crisis, a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, a women’s uprising stemming from widespread sexual violence, and lacklustre leadership at every turn. But rather then sit back and despair, some – like Daniel – are taking a stand.

She’s one of a group of rookie politicians, mainly women, who are dissatisfied with Australia’s two major parties and are running in the 2022 federal election as independent candidates. They’re all accomplished professionals and are taking on mostly male Liberals in blue-ribbon seats. “These independents are appealing to disaffected Coalition voters,” explains ABC political correspondent Laura Tingle. “They represent change. To have articulate women who are not frightened to come forward and do it by themselves is probably pretty refreshing to voters who feel jaded about politics.”