Byron Shire is known as a hotbed of alternative politics, and the next generation is stepping up.
Youth leader, 25-year-old Santi Esposito, has launched a political party that he says aligns with the values of democracy, equality and preserving and enhancing our precious environment.
As the founder of the Democratic Socialist Party (DSP), he says he is looking for 1,500 like-minded supporters to be registered on the ballot by the electoral commission.
Esposito says, ‘As we’re barely stepping out of three years of bushfires, floods and a global pandemic, it’s not hard to see that the systems around us are failing at a wholesale level’.
‘One way to tackle our collective problems is to organise the local community through the democratic process.
Born and bred local
‘I was born and bred in the Northern Rivers, and I see inequality everywhere, it’s clear that capitalism is just not working for the people. There is lots of homelessness in the Byron Shire right now, people and even mums with kids having to sleep in their car or in a van, people are really struggling just to pay rent right now.
‘There wasn’t even a housing guarantee for the people who lost their houses in the floods. I believe housing should be a human right, that’s a core issue for the Democratic Socialist Party’.
Housing affordability, wealth inequality and environment degradation
Mr Esposito says he wants to see issues like housing affordability, wealth inequality and environment degradation given more air-time in the public debate.
‘I was really inspired by the Bernie Sanders campaign in the United States.
‘It just showed that there really is this grassroots movement of people who want change.
‘You have to remember that much of the media outlets are corporate-owned.
‘So if it’s not celebrity glitz and glamour, it just gets swept under the rug, the struggles people in the community are facing should be front page issues.’
Mr Esposito continues: ‘This is a party for the people.
‘I think there’s so much hope to make our communities a better place to live for everyone.
1,500 supporters needed for EC
‘We need 1,500 supporters to be registered on the ballot by the electoral commission.
‘If you’re interested in registering your support for us, please visit www.democraticsocialistpartyaustralia.com or call me on 0427 220 932’.
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