Federal politics in Australia is more divisive than ever. The declining membership of the major political parties has been well documented and the polls have proven an expedient means of engaging an increasingly disinterested public. The power of special interests groups has been on display (mining tax, carbon tax) and there has been much said on the threat to independent media. Within this world
of negative commentary there is a space for an independent voice from civil society; one that advocates for independent business, the community, and regional development. Voices for Indi aims to rebuild the relationship between our politicians and the people and create a new standard for politics in Australia. The Voices for Indi committee was set up in 2012 by a group of Indi residents who shared a common goal of strengthening the relationship between community and policy-makers. V4I has since become an influential people's movement which promotes active participation in democracy. Voices for Indi's core work focuses on developing systems for community engagement and facilitating new means of political action. Extensive community consultation back in 2012/13 led to the community seeking an independent candidate to run for election. Despite Indi having been a safe Coalition seat almost exclusively since Federation, Cathy McGowan was elected in 2013 and 2016. Indi again made history in 2019 when V4I designed a community candidate identification process resulting in Helen Haines becoming the first Independent to succeed another Independent in Australian Federal parliament. We continue to seek ways to mobilise a voting public that is well informed and engaged, and develop political representation that is receptive and representative of the broader community.
