Kate Hulett is a Climate 200–backed independent candidate. She produced the stronger showing in the recent Fremantle election, winning second place with 23.3 percent of the vote. Her showing has everyone’s eyebrows raised, especially considering that Tait Marston, the Liberal candidate finished a distant third with 18.6 percent. This unexpected voting outcome is a notable turn in the political tide. Finally, the suit will have a direct impact on local climate policies and the future of gas projects in the region.
Now, as Josh Wilson – the Labor member for Fremantle and assistant climate minister – enters his first question time. Her sudden surge in the polls has resulted in a storm of pundit responses. The Liberal Party, specifically, appears to prefer her to Wilson, perhaps hoping to make mischief behind enemy lines and break up Labor’s hold on the seat. The Liberal strategy aims to undercut Labor’s hopes for a majority by funneling support toward Hulett. This policy from local to national underscores the changing power dynamic within local policymaking.
Support and Controversy Surrounding Hulett
Hulett’s campaign has also received a special boost due to the backing of Jesse Noakes, a media and communications adviser. Noakes has come under fire of late for his extreme advocacy. He was even arrested for trespass at the private residence of Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill. Noakes remains a strong supporter of Hulett. He argues for the urgent need of a new direction in climate policy.
In her comments to The West Australian newspaper, Hulett signaled that she fully intends to do so. Next, she intends to “rage” against the Woodside LNG extension, which is awaiting federal approval. The extension has come under fire even before the shovels hit the ground. Special approval from Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is required to make a final decision on it by May 30. Yet even after significant community opposition, the state government approved the project back in December. Hulett and her supporters adamantly maintain that any additional postponements are unwarranted.
“After six years of environmental assessment and having secured state government approval, there is simply no justification for further regulatory delays to the NWS extension.” – Samantha McCulloch
The Woodside project flap that appears to be energizing Hulett’s campaign. It illustrates an increasingly deep rift among environmental advocates and supporters of all things fossil fuel development.
Political Strategies and Implications
The Liberal Party’s choice to back Hulett not Wilson is a sign of smart strategy to bring ideological opponents together against Labor. Tait Marston advised his Liberal supporters to rank Hulett above Wilson in their preferences, suggesting that they view her as a viable alternative to challenge Labor’s dominance. This tactical move suggests a recognition by ALP strategists that yet another independent candidate might draw votes away from Labor.
Aligned with the local environmental politics, Noakes has not held back his criticisms of Labor’s apparent efforts to sabotage the campaign in Fremantle. He condemned their failure to reach out, and condemned the Republican Party’s arrogance. They just didn’t seem to put the same time and resources into Fremantle that they needed to for the federal campaign. “And here we are,” he said, emphasizing the importance of paying more attention to local communities.
“They were beaten by 400 votes last time when they preferenced Labor as part of a state-wide deal. This time they are not. Labor was asleep at the wheel.” – Mr. Noakes
On issues important to the Coalition, Hulett is an excellent choice. The two proposals have in common that they both want gas reservations designed to steer energy from foreign multinationals into the domestic market. This ideological overlap can make establishment party lines and voter expectations more difficult to navigate.
The Road Ahead
As the May deadline for the Woodside LNG extension decision approaches, all eyes remain on Hulett’s campaign and her potential impact on local and federal politics. Constituents are diving deep into climate alarm and their support is growing. Hulett’s opposition to costly, unnecessary fossil fuel projects would be a home run with these voters.
Hulett’s candidacy poses unique political challenges to Labor and the Liberals. It points to a deeper trend within Australian politics – climate change and environmental policies are re-emerging as key election battlegrounds. As voters establish their support behind those candidates addressing these issues, long-held faith to the parties may soon become a thing of the past.
