Letter to the Editor – Disappointing Old School Politics.

Letter to the Editor: Tracey Asquith discusses the political excitement surrounding the 2025 election, emphasizing support for independent candidate Ben Smith and the importance of a diverse crossbench in government.

Tracey Asquith, Hastings

I take a keen interest in politics and this election has a really exciting vibe. The political duopoly have long held the reins using old school dirty tactics and most of us felt powerless. Then in 2022 a number of Independents won safe seats off the Liberal Party. The Liberal party were apoplectic with rage, losing their sense of entitlement drove the frustration to dirtier politics.

They lumped the Independents together and coined the nickname Teals.

2025 and the upcoming election has no fewer than 35 independent candidates running, and locally, one independent candidate closing the gap in mere months to be a contender.

Despite the dirty tricks campaign wagered by the Liberal Party, and an appalling forgery by a supporter of an AEC announcement, on a local noticeboard on Facebook,  Ben Smith has stuck to his integrity and campaigned with honour.

I’m proud to support Ben Smith as number 1 on my ballot paper. I want to see many community independents across Australia gain seats for the following reasons:

A large crossbench holding the government to account on all legislation.

Independents chosen by locals who form a committee and search for a great person.

The independence to vote according to what is best not only for every ordinary Australian but in particular for our electorate of Flinders.

At the end of May 3rd, with our brilliant voting system, I am quietly confident Ben will represent us all.

Tracey Asquith, Hastings

2 Responses

  1. I believe the time is up for all duopolies that have served their small vested interst groups to the detriment of the majority of the Australian public .In six decades little has changed as the two major parties consider their hold on power to be their number one reason to exist .Time for a leader not a parrot to represent the Flinders electorate . Vote 1 Ben

  2. Great letter Tracey I have not been so excited about a change in our politics since 1972 – I only met Ben two months ago but soon realised he was genuinely for the people not a political animal.

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