Independent candidate for Flinders, Ben Smith, has urged voters to break the cycle of two-party politics at the upcoming federal election, arguing that decades of party dominance have left the electorate with subpar infrastructure, public services, and environmental management.
Speaking at the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Election Forum, broadcast by RPP FM, Mr. Smith criticized both major parties for failing to deliver meaningful progress in the region.
“This electorate has been safe at the federal level for a long, long time, and what we’re seeing right now is the outcome of that,”
Mr. Smith said.
“Poor roads, poor hospitals, poor schools, poor infrastructure, poor public transport, poor management of the environment.”
He argued that regardless of which major party holds power, Flinders residents continue to experience the same lack of investment and attention.
“We are seeing the same thing that we’ve always seen because we’re electing the same people,”
He continued.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Liberal Party or the Labor Party in government. It hasn’t seemed to matter who is in government for us down here or whether it’s a sitting MP or in opposition. Nothing has changed, and so it’s time to shift the perspective, to create a new system where we can hold people to account.”
Mr. Smith’s call for change comes amid growing frustration over local issues, with many residents voicing concerns about long-neglected infrastructure and public services. His campaign is expected to focus on providing a fresh alternative to traditional party politics, advocating for direct accountability and greater investment in the region.
With the federal election approaching, his message challenges voters to reconsider their long-standing political allegiances and consider independent representation for a stronger local voice in Canberra.
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