I’m a proud part of a community project pushing for more transparency from council independents
All 3 members of the Bridget Kennedy team for Lane Cove Council are proud signatories of the ‘declaration of independents’ from Voices of North Sydney.
The new initiative pushes local political candidates and sitting councillors towards greater community transparency. It aims to differentiate ‘community-minded independents’ from ‘independents’ who are affiliated with political parties.
Developed by grassroots community group Voices of North Sydney, it was created to coincide with the upcoming NSW Local Government elections on Saturday 4 December.
Madeleine, Sally, and I were the first to sign on when it was launched in late July 2021. Since then more than 50 candidates have signed from Lane Cove, North Sydney, Willoughby, and Hunters Hill councils and beyond!
What is a community-minded or focused independent?
The ‘declaration’ is part of a broader push to discuss what it means to be a true community-focused political representative.
As many have witnessed at the ballot box, not all independent political candidates are created equal. Just because we aren’t running with a party, doesn’t mean we share the same values, approach, or commitment to transparency and integrity in politics.
For example, many so-called independents are closely aligned with large political parties - and they don’t disclose it.
That lack of transparency is to the detriment of our community and our democracy. Candidates and those in office need to do better - which is why I’ve signed this declaration and my team has too.
One of the pages of the ‘Declaration of Independents’ from Voices of North Sydney.
What is in the ‘declaration of independents’?
The declaration asks independent candidates to commit to certain democratic values and principles.
A community-minded independent is asked to affirm that they:
are not currently a member of a political party and will vote as an individual.
will always act in the best interests of their constituents and give effect to the ideals of democratic government by consulting the community and acting on community priorities
conduct themselves honorably, respectfully, honestly, and transparently with dignity and care, putting the community's interests before any personal, sectional or partisan interest; and by doing so, retain the trust and respect of their community by being their best self.
It also recognises there are other ways you can have strong links to a political party that your community might want to be aware of.
This is why Voices of North Sydney also asks those signing to disclose:
Whether you have worked as a paid political staffer, and if so, when
If you have made donations to a political party of more than $50 in the last three years
If you have an immediate family member or partner who has held political office as a member of a political party, or who has been an officer of a political party within the last 5 years.
You can see a full copy of the declaration here.
Madeleine and Bridget at Lane Cove Plaza (pre-lockdown!)
Starting important conversations
My team and I are excited and passionate about being part of a growing movement of community-minded independents.
As someone who’s lived in the Lane Cove Council local area for over 20 years and has been involved in many grassroots community projects, I’m running for Lane Cove Council as I want to advocate on the issues my community cares about. That’s the only agenda I have, and Sally and Madeleine are the same.
We are not career politicians. We are just community members who want to represent the interests of the community we love.
I don’t think party politics should play a part in local government. Councillors should be there to represent, support, and enable the community, not be a mouthpiece for partisan politics.
The Declaration allows true community-focused independent candidates like ourselves to start conversations in our local area. Everyone should ask - what should be driving council decision-making? Partisan politics or better participation, engagement, and representation of the community?
Voices of is catching on
This declaration is just one of many recent democratically focused initiatives to emerge from the growing ‘Voices of’ movement in Australia.
You may have heard of Voices of Indi and Voices of Warringah - both were pivotal to the rise of Federal Independent candidates Cathy McGowan, Helen Haines, and Zali Steggal.
There are an estimated 35 independent ‘Voices of’ support groups established around Australia as of today. More are popping up almost every week.
There’s no formal structure to the ‘Voices of’ groups. They are loosely affiliated in their values and process. They are grassroots community groups focused on transparency, inclusion, and community engagement in the democratic process.
I see them as an overwhelmingly positive, disruptive force in Australian politics and am excited to see them continue to pick up steam in the lead-up to our next Federal election.
In the North Sydney electorate, this grassroots push has led to the emergence of Kylea Tink as our community-based independent for Federal Goverment.
But before that election happens, we have the Lane Cove Council election on 4 December!
Vote for me and you can be assured I’ll work my hardest to include all of you in the democratic process and retain the trust and respect of our community.
