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Staging About
We are community-backed independent candidates for Higgins. We are running first and foremost to represent the interests of the people of Higgins. We want to enable and support the people of Higgins to see their needs better represented in Federal Parliament.
We are Higgins people. Lucy grew up in Higgins and Bronwen has lived here for the last 11 years. We both live in Higgins today and are deeply embedded in the community, from participating in school and kindergarten councils, to volunteering in a pet therapy program, we are members of this community and we want to see its needs met.
Kitchen table conversations
We began our campaign in August 2023 by commencing a series of “kitchen table conversations” that bring together members of the electorate to understand their concerns and what they want to see in their federal politicians.
Each conversation around a kitchen table asks 6 – 10 community members their thoughts on:
- What they love about their community
- What issues they are concerned about
- What they want to see in their federal representatives
We then give them the opportunity to ask any questions about job sharing.
These conversations are an opportunity for us to listen and for our constituents to be heard.
What we have heard so far:
An interim report from kitchen table conversations
Strengths
(“What do you love about our community?”)
- Green spaces
- Sense of community
- Good schools
- Access to public transport
- Safety
- Diversity
- Lifestyle
- Heritage
- Amenities
“We live in a fantastically connected community. We are close to public transport to easily get to the city, but still have a lot of green spaces to feel like you like in a neighbourhood.”
Concerns
(“What issues are you concerned about?”)
- Climate change and energy policy
- Housing and property affordability
- Short term thinking in politics
- Healthcare
- Tax reform
- Indigenous peoples rights
- Waste
- Childcare
- Aged care
- Cost of living
- Women’s equality
- Economic recognition for roles that don’t have productivity attached to it
- Healthcare
- Lack of investment in research
- Misinformation and disinformation
- Division
- Artificial intelligence
- Disengagement
- Role in the region
- Effective public service
- Gap between rich and poor
- Mental health
- Women’s safety
“We have the one of the highest levels of educational attainment in the world but one of the most under-utilised workforces. It just feels like it is a lot tougher today than it has ever been before.”
Qualities
(“What quality do you want to see in your federal representatives?”)
- Professionalism
- Authenticity
- Honesty
- Resilience
- Influence
- Non-career politicians
- Integrity
- Decency
- Respect
- Bipartisanship
- Humility
- Leadership
- Service
- Expertise
- Compassion
- Transparency
“I’m tired of the way politics is done. There is a lack of bold ideas. Politicians are not brave enough to tell us what their vision is.”
Friends of Higgins
Friends of Higgins is a community group that is an integral part of the Bradlow + Bock campaign.
Friends of Higgins was formed to enable the people of Higgins to co-create, with their communities, real political change in Australia. It puts in place processes for them to actively participate in politics.
Members of Friends of Higgins want to be part of a people powered, purposeful and collaborative group to drive change. They believe in doing things differently and are keen to contribute in a variety of ways including hosting kitchen table conversations and volunteering on the Bradlow + Bock campaign.
Volunteering contributions are made in whatever capacity works best for each member – from organising volunteers, providing strategic advice, hosting fundraising events, assisting with merchandise, or helping with social media.
Friends of Higgins continues to grow and build a compact with the community to help guide the Bradlow + Bock campaign.
Above: Friends of Higgins at the Bradlow-Bock Higgins federal election independent campaign launch