Mornington Peninsula, VIC – The Greens’ candidate for Flinders, Adam Frogely, is facing scrutiny—not for his policies, but for his postcode. Despite seeking to represent the electorate, Mr. Frogely actually resides in Healesville, a comfortable 130 km away from Sorrento, 121 km from Rosebud, 107 km from Mornington, 103 km from Hastings, and 98 km from Somerville—in an entirely different region.
Speaking at a community forum hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Mr. Frogely attempted to downplay concerns about his long-distance candidacy.
“Whilst I may not live here, that does not mean that I am not passionate about the issues. These issues do not simply affect Flinders. They affect all electorates. They affect everyone,” he assured voters.
It was an admirable attempt at reassurance—though it may leave locals wondering whether broad-strokes enthusiasm can truly substitute for firsthand experience. After all, how can someone from Healesville effectively represent the people of Sorrento, Mornington, or Somerville? Let’s not forget that his commute to the Federal Electorate of Flinders will directly or indirectly use a substantial amount of fossil fuels – the very thing he and his party aim to protect.
Flinders faces unique challenges—coastal erosion, seasonal tourism pressures, local fishing industries, and infrastructure issues that simply don’t exist in Healesville, a leafy town in the Yarra Ranges. While Mr. Frogely can no doubt read up on these matters, there’s a difference between skimming briefing notes and actually experiencing the region’s daily struggles.
The Greens hopeful was one of five candidates who took the stage at the Flinders Forum last week, facing an audience composed largely of people who, unlike him, actually live in the electorate. His candidacy raises a fundamental question: does it matter if a representative lives in the area they seek to serve? Judging by the murmurs in the crowd, many believe it does.
As election day nears, voters must decide whether Mr. Frogely’s dedication to the cause can bridge the geographical gap—or whether his campaign is best left as a long-distance relationship.
