We have a chance at this election to break the two-party system. By voting for independents and the Greens, we can support the formation of a minority government – one where power is shared, decisions are more transparent, and politicians are held accountable to the people, not corporate interests.
Here in the Richmond electorate, that means a choice between the Labor Party and the Greens.
The Greens candidate, Mandy Nolan, has been a tireless advocate for our community for more than 20 years – long before entering politics. From domestic violence support, homelessness, and affordable housing, to environmental protection and Indigenous rights, Mandy has shown up, listened, and acted.
Some have expressed concern to me over her views during the pandemic, particularly around lockdown mandates and vaccinations. I understand these concerns – we won’t always agree with every stance a candidate takes. But this election is too important to let disagreements over a single issue prevent us from voting for the bigger change we so desperately need.
Greens preferences flow to Labor. A vote for Mandy/Greens is a vote for integrity, and a sustainable future – not business as usual. She’s controversial to some, yes, but she is also into making billionaires and corporations pay their fair share of tax, ending native forest logging, real climate action, lifting Job Seeker above the poverty line, building social housing, getting dental and mental health care into Medicare.
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Seize this once-in-a-generation chance to break the two-party system, keep Dutton out and get Labor to act. Power to the people.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
