It surprises me that I have decided I must stand for the Senate in this election.
I have always said ‘no’ to standing for politics – and I’ve been asked many times – my response was I’m ‘too old, too bold’.
However, this year 2022, at 75, I have decided I need to stand up and speak out, as I have encouraged many women for many years.
I feel that standing for the Senate is the right thing to do. The Senate voting paper is often seen as the long page with many parties that may be unfamiliar. Over 90% of Australians vote 1 to 6 above the line. So standing with a party gives you a better chance to get elected. (Many people don’t realise you can vote below the line and tick just 1-12 candidates to give more focus to your preferred party or candidates.)
Why am I standing? One reason is the calibre of the other candidates on the ticket. For many years I have held Jane Caro in high regard and always found her someone of high integrity with a strong value system. I am impressed with Hannah Maher’s depth of policy knowledge and commitment to equality and addressing discrimination. I am delighted to stand with Jane Caro and Hannah Maher for the Senate places available in NSW. Why the Reason Party? The suite of policies reflect my beliefs in terms of a fairer and future focused Australia.
Now I’m impatient to act on my passion for a fairer and forward-looking Australia for all of us. I don’t think it is unreasonable to want integrity in our political system, or a real urgency that we address climate change, or good healthcare and education, or that women are safe at home, at work and in the community.
There are so many fabulous independent competent women standing for the House of Representatives in this election and I hope all or at least some are voted in. What a difference it would make if we had more women in the House with the passion and integrity of Helen Haines and Zali Steggall. But they will need staunch support in the upper house to get the legislation they negotiate passed.
My decision to stand at this election is to demonstrate that many elders in our community are saddened by the poor quality of our current government. I want to do everything in my power to see 2022 as a watershed year where more women take the rightful place as a part of our government.
I want to alert older and professional women that we have a real choice between accepting the current status quo and deadlock between the major parties – or backing a new breed of forward-thinking leaders.
As Simon Holmes a Court said at the Australian Press Club “Don’t sit this one out”. This election is too important – and so in 2022 I am standing!