A prominent philanthropist wants voters to turn their backs on the two major parties at the federal election, accusing them of treating seats as their “personal property”.
In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, Climate 200 founder Simon Holmes a Court will talk up the need for independents and their effectiveness in getting results for their communities.
“The independent movement takes safe seats and turns them into contests of ideas and grassroots democracy,” he will say.
“No seat is ever owned by a political party or is theirs by right.
“The political system has been dominated by the major parties who treat electorates as if they are personal property.”
Mr Holmes a Court launched Climate 200 before the 2019 federal election to support candidates committed to climate action, integrity and gender equality.
Raising millions of dollars for the election campaign three years ago, the group backed 23 candidates, including MPs Dr Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel and Allegra Spender.
Amid debate over big money influencing elections and undermining integrity in politics, the son of Australia’s first billionaire will seek to shore up the independence of the candidates.
“Climate 200 did not start this movement,” Mr Holmes a Court will tell the press club.
“Nor am I speaking for the community independents movement.
“I am simply someone who understands its power, and its potential.
“I’m not running for office, and the truth is parliament does not need more people like me in it.”
Mr Holmes a Court will say Climate 200 recognised a “profound shift” in the nation’s democracy and tried to provide it with the resources it needed to help candidates to succeed.
“The playing field is tilted in favour of the major parties,” he will say.
Taking aim at taxpayer-funded staff working during the campaign, Mr Holmes a Court will say even if a person raise a million dollars, they’ll likely be out-spent two to one by Labor or the coalition.
“When communities choose to run a competitive independent, they win no matter the outcome,” he will say.
“Marginal seats get attention, and they get support.”
“This is a big upgrade to our democracy.”
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