Independent Announcement

Media Release

11 January 2007

With 2007 State election time fast approaching it is a great honour to announce my intention to stand as an independent candidate for the seat of Maitland.

It is an unfortunate fact that the performance of our politicians in recent times has shown a clear need for greater intervention by citizens in general, and by the citizens of this area in particular, in the affairs of their governments.  The conduct of the major parties, both internally and with respect to one another, shows equally clearly the need for citizens to have an independent voice.  Many, many people--indeed, I suspect most of the electorate--have effectively disengaged from politics because of their disappointment with the political system and their distrust of the motives of many of the people in it.  My aim is to give citizens of the Maitland electorate the choice of having a real voice for their real interests.

Obviously any individual member must work with the representative government of the day, but it is important that an individual member face the obligation to speak out when government policies do not reflect the views of the citizens of this area or are against their interests.  People all over the state are now seeking representatives who make decisions in accordance with their conscience and their mandate based on rational, objective and balanced information and a realistic perspective.  Citizens do not want to be represented by a person who makes decisions in blind obedience to instructions given to them.

As a number of other electorates have demonstrated in this State, the day of the Independent is well and truly here.  There is a genuine, widespread sense of disenchantment and disillusionment with party politics.  Politicians should be the servants of their communities, but for too long we have had a situation where the party system has taken away real choice, requiring politicians to toe the partyline, to conform to the dictates of those who govern parties instead of the people who elect them.  That is very much the wrong way around!

The country in general and this State in particular are facing economic, health, educational, ageing, infrastructure, water and environmental challenges of immense proportions.  The outcomes of today's policies are just around the corner and we need action now that is in the best interests of the citizens of New South Wales in general and of Maitland in particular.

As an Independent I appreciate that I will no doubt face a David and Goliath battle in the lead up to the election, but I believe that the people of Maitland can recognise people's true motivations.  If the message is strong and clear it will strike a chord with the citizens of this area and there should be no need to use artificial props like glossy brochures or billboard signs, or to invade people's personal spaces by door knocking.  That is a non-traditional approach to a political campaign, but it reflects honesty and good sense rather than empty promises and meaningless hype once every four years.

As an Independent, I do not have the resources of the major parties.  If you would like to help my campaign in any way, please contact me on 02 49 330564.  I do not seek donations.  Any time you can give is greatly appreciated. 

Media Contact:  Justin McKee

02 49 33 0564/0404 824 020