Julia Zemiro | The Independents Podcast

Julia Zemiro
Julia Zemiro | The Independents Podcast

A seismic shift hit Australian politics during the 2022 election. Now, three years on, another wave is on the way. Community groups in every state are putting up their own candidates — smart, experienced and savvy people with a wide range of lived experiences — with their eyes firmly on Canberra. Hear the stories of these impressive individuals with the courage and vision to challenge the political status quo and shift the tone and direction of government in this country. Join Julia Zemiro as she finds out who they are and what drives them.  Meet the Independents, class of 2025. ———————————————————— The Independents Podcast is supported by Climate 200 and hosted by Julia Zemiro. Recorded on the land of the Dharawal and Gundundara people. Series producer: Kate Holdsworth Post producer: Jacob Round Executive producer: Dan Ilic for Not A Real Media Company Pty Ltd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Tina Brown, Independent for Berowra

    5 DAYS AGO

    Tina Brown, Independent for Berowra

    As the publisher of the local newspaper, The Post, Tina Brown has been deeply immersed in the community of Sydney’s upper north shore, and connected to what residents are feeling. Tina founded The Post during COVID lockdowns, providing local news coverage and connecting with community organisations. She also runs an international education company and has actively supported women's shelters and mental health initiatives across the area. https://www.tinabrownforberowra.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  2. Ellie Smith, Independent for Dickson

    5 DAYS AGO

    Ellie Smith, Independent for Dickson

    Ellie Smith has a background in environmental management and a career in policy and government relations. Over a decade she’s helped farmers, policymakers and conservationists find common ground and smart solutions that benefit all Queenslanders. She’s also held board roles for a number of environmental organisations, experiences that have built strong policy and negotiation skills. Surviving cancer in 2017 reinforced her determination to fight for well-funded healthcare for every Australian. https://www.elliesmith.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  3. Erchana Murray-Bartlett, Independent for McPherson

    5 DAYS AGO

    Erchana Murray-Bartlett, Independent for McPherson

    Erchana is a world-record holding marathon runner and change-maker. In 2022 she made history and inspired audiences across the world by running 150 marathons over 150 consecutive days from Cape York to Melbourne to raise vital funds for Australia’s endangered wildlife. Now, she’s taking that passion, motivation and energy to another start line by running for the southern Gold Coast seat of McPherson. Erchana is also a nutritionist, small business owner and holds a Master of Human Nutrition. McPherson has been considered a safe Liberal seat for decades, but with incumbent Liberal member Karen Andrews retiring at this election, Erchana has a once in a generation opportunity to turn the seat independent and champion the needs of her Gold Coast community. https://www.erchana4mcpherson.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  4. Kate Chaney, Independent MP for Curtin

    5 DAYS AGO

    Kate Chaney, Independent MP for Curtin

    A lawyer and business leader, Kate secured a stunning victory after a rapid campaign in 2022. She brings significant private sector experience, including senior roles at Wesfarmers and Anglicare WA. Kate chose to run as an Independent to advocate for stronger climate action and political integrity. In Parliament Kate has championed evidence-based policymaking and long-term thinking, particularly around economic reform, climate action, and integrity in government. She’s been leading the charge on a new bill to make political campaigning more transparent and fair. https://www.katechaney.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  5. Helen Haines, Independent MP for Indi

    5 DAYS AGO

    Helen Haines, Independent MP for Indi

    Dr Helen Haines life has been grounded in community service – as a nurse, midwife, and public health researcher. Helen lives in Wangaratta and was part of the grassroots independent movement that transformed politics in Indi and the nation. Helen was elected in 2019 as the first independent in Australian history to succeed another independent in a federal seat, continuing Cathy McGowan’s legacy of community-driven representation. A champion for regional Australia, Dr Haines has secured millions of dollars for local projects. She is committed to action on climate change that benefits regional communities, improving telecommunications, regional housing, clean energy, and a fair share of funding and services for regional Australia. Dr Haines has been a champion for integrity and transparency in politics, influencing the establishment of the national integrity commission. She is the recipient of the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year and the Alan Missen Award for parliamentary integrity. https://www.helenhaines.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  6. Kate Hook, Independent for Calare

    5 DAYS AGO

    Kate Hook, Independent for Calare

    Kate Hook is a small farmer, who has also helped set up a locally-owned renewable energy co-operative. She has spent the last two years helping communities across NSW advocate for their needs with renewable energy projects. She first ran as an independent in 2022 because she was asked to step up and was overwhelmed by the community’s support – coming second against the National Party incumbent. She’s campaigning again on her values: a community that is connected and thriving, a transition away from fossil fuels, decent funding for essential workers, and more honesty in politics. https://www.katehook.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  7. Andrew Wilkie, Independent MP for Clarke

    5 DAYS AGO

    Andrew Wilkie, Independent MP for Clarke

    Andrew Wilkie has been the Independent Member for Clark (previously called Denison) since 2010 and is the longest serving Independent in the Federal Parliament. He has a strong sense of social justice and is a powerful integrity advocate. His flagship issues include climate change, gambling, integrity, animal welfare, asylum seekers and foreign and security policy. Andrew famously blew the whistle over the fraudulent reasons for Australia joining in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and continues to advocate for whistleblower protections and media freedom. https://andrewwilkie.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  8. Nicolette Boele, Independent for Bradfield

    5 DAYS AGO

    Nicolette Boele, Independent for Bradfield

    When Nicolette Boele, a finance, clean energy and responsible investment expert, first ran as an independent candidate in 2022, she saw the biggest swing against the Liberal Party of all the community independent candidates. When she led the local campaign to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in 2023, Bradfield was the only Liberal seat to vote ‘yes.’ Nicolette is running again, and building an even bigger and more energetic movement of community supporters. https://www.nicoletteboele.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
See All (18)

About

A seismic shift hit Australian politics during the 2022 election. Now, three years on, another wave is on the way. Community groups in every state are putting up their own candidates — smart, experienced and savvy people with a wide range of lived experiences — with their eyes firmly on Canberra. Hear the stories of these impressive individuals with the courage and vision to challenge the political status quo and shift the tone and direction of government in this country. Join Julia Zemiro as she finds out who they are and what drives them.  Meet the Independents, class of 2025. ———————————————————— The Independents Podcast is supported by Climate 200 and hosted by Julia Zemiro. Recorded on the land of the Dharawal and Gundundara people. Series producer: Kate Holdsworth Post producer: Jacob Round Executive producer: Dan Ilic for Not A Real Media Company Pty Ltd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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