Chris Dobney
Despite her relative youth, Kudra Falla-Ricketts is well known in activist circles.
As a 16-year-old schoolgirl in 2014, she played an April Fools prank issuing a fake press release announcing Metgasco was withdrawing from the northern rivers.
The email may have been prescient but it landed her in hot water after Metgasco’s CEO Peter Henderson claimed the fake could have had a ‘devastating effect’ on the company’s shareholders.
But just two years’ later Ms Falla-Ricketts has decided to exchange direct action for parliamentary representation, as the Greens candidate for the seat of Page.
Her candidacy was announced at a Greens press conference in Lismore this morning.
The seat is currently occupied by Kevin Hogan for the Nationals and was formerly held for six years by Labor’s Janelle Saffin.
Both Mr Hogan and Ms Saffin have announced they will run again.
A Greens candidate has never held the seat but fellow Greens member Adam Guise almost wrested the state seat of Lismore from long-time incumbent Thomas George (Nationals) last year.
Missed opportunities
Ms Falla-Ricketts, who grew up in the area, said it was ‘a great honour to be endorsed as the Greens’ candidate’.
‘We have a wonderful, vibrant community which I am passionate to represent,’ said Greens candidate,’ she said.
‘As a young person growing up in a regional area, I know what it’s like to miss out on opportunities that other people take for granted.
‘Our region has high unemployment and some of the most chronic health issues in the state. Access to free education is being dismantled through the sale of TAFE and the threat of $100,000 university fees.
Ms Falla-Ricketts said she wanted ‘to change the way we do politics. People are tired of the old dinosaur parties fighting amongst themselves, twisting the truth in their sound-bites and memes in an attempt to one-up the other parties rather than focusing on policy change and getting things done.
‘The corrupting influence of donations on our political system has to stop,’ she said.
‘With the recent coal seam gas win, we have shown what our region is capable of. We care about our community and our environment. Our government should be helping those in need, and caring for country.
‘We need to protect our precious farmland, water and climate. Our region has a bright future in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and tourism. These industries create healthier and happier jobs that last.
‘As a young woman who is worried about my generation’s future, I know we need a passionate voice standing up for current and future generations,’ Ms Falla-Ricketts said.
Page, which stretches from Lismore in the north almost to Coffs Harbour in the south, and includes the regional towns of Grafton, Evans Head, Kyogle, Woodenbong, Bonalbo, Casino, Iluka, Yamba and Maclean, is now considered a marginal seat.
Great news Kudra! Congratulations. You will have our family’ unabating support. And I’m sure many of the Bentley crew will be right in there too! Go you good girl!
I believe a true activist must be free to be active to bring about change.
I have watched as some of the countries greatest activists enter the political ring thinking they may have a better chance of bringing about change from within.
Sadly I have watched as they become frustrated by being tied to party politics and the general political system.
I am happy to read that Kurdra wants to help bring about change to our system of governance but Kurdra be prepared for a long and arduous journey and pls try to never forget your roots.
Politics has a way of hardening the sweetest soul.
I myself see true born activists better off in the long run staying away from the cofins but who am I to say you won’t be the best thing that ever happened to the planet.
Go girl go,follow your dreams and always continue to believe in why you became initially active.
Your party is on the rise, that’s encouraging for you. Ride the wave!
Another green’s candidate to ensure the election of the Nats. Federally they have just shot themselves in the foot by making deals with the environment loving coalition. Don’t think you people are getting my vote again. Ask the Democrats, if you could, ask what happens when you make deals with the coalition. The greens have shown they are niece and are going to fade away.
whilst i would like to congratulate this woman and wish her the best , i have to ask what are the greens thinking ? is this the best candidate for an election ? throwing inexperienced people into the deep end might teach them to swim but one has to wonder why ? how can someone who is 18 be the best candidate , let alone someone who is famous for playing a prank, is this what the greens think we are only worth a prankster to represent us ? to me all this shows is the greens are not serious about winning .
After the disgusting deal with the coalition on senate reforms the only place greens will get from me is last. Greens will fade to oblivion like democrats