Nicolette Boele, an Independent, is set to take the blue ribbon Liberal seat of Bradfield on Sydney’s North Shore. If this victory holds it will be a historic change to the local political landscape. As of the last counts, she’s ahead of Gisele Kapterian by over 1,600 votes, a 3.3 percent swing. This election will be Boele’s second attempt to take the traditionally Liberal stronghold. In recent years, independent candidates have been growing ever more competitive here.
While all votes remain important, the Tallahassee-UCF vote count is remarkably tight. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) officials told reporters that they now expect to have the results finalized in only a few days. And this new movement of community independents seems to be speaking to voters in very different, but equally fed up, suburban and regional electorates in New South Wales.
A Changing Political Landscape
Ballot initiatives in the recent election — including measures to support transit and housing options — show a growing mood of independent-mindedness among voters. Zali Steggall held her seat of Warringah on the new boundaries for a third straight term. This victory meanwhile spotlights the increasing impact of independent voices in politics. Steggall noted that federal independents in New South Wales have been successful. This success is representative of a deep and growing frustration with the state of traditional party politics.
Beyond Boele and Steggall, at least a half dozen other independents have won in surprising show-of-people-power fashion. Dai Le held on in Fowler, the seat that Labor lost to her during the 2022 election, as Sophie Scamps did to retain the northern beaches seat of Mackellar. Allegra Spender not only held but increased her margin in Wentworth, proof positive that voters look for and reward representation that reflects their opinion and priorities.
“My understanding is that they spent over a million dollars to campaign against me, and as the mayor [Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone] said, he’s never seen any major party do that to one individual.” – Dai Le
This supportive environment for independents has led Simon Holmes à Court from the Climate 200 group to assert that the “community independents movement is here to stay.” Boele reiterated this idea, arguing that independent candidates have the potential to offer a “new model” in political representation.
Community Engagement and Expectations
Nicolette Boele’s campaign tapped into an energy among voters hungry for elected officials who will listen and actually respond to their constituents’ priorities. She expressed confidence in her lead while acknowledging the narrow margins in counting.
“The count in Bradfield is extremely close and we expect it will be several days until the AEC has a final result.” – Ms. Boele
Boele emphasized that the community is going to continue making sure that these elected officials listen and respond to the community’s needs. Regardless of how it all may shake out, this expectation is perfectly evident. She stated, “Regardless of the outcome, this community has made it clear that we expect our representative to listen to and respond to the concerns of this community.”
These results suggest a pushback against the kind of toxic negative campaigning that has come to define many of our recent elections. Boele remarked on the national sentiment, asserting, “The nationwide result shows that Australians overwhelmingly reject the negative, toxic politics we’ve seen during this campaign.”
A Reflection on Local Values
Allegra Spender’s victory is a terrific example of the disconnect that traditional parties have with local constituents. She saw firsthand how her socially progressive, business-friendly electorate shaped her political career. She believed these sentiments weren’t well represented in the Coalition’s campaign and advocacy work.
“This community is very socially progressive, is really business-focused, and I think that was not borne out at all in the Coalition’s campaign.” – Ms. Spender
Spender’s statements serve to illuminate the increasing hunger for elected officials who make local needs their priority over partisan loyalty. Increasingly, more independents like them are winning positions, often as the land of New South Wales. This change is increasing the demand on politicians to put local priorities ahead of national partisan agendas.
