Community independents Antoinette Pitt and Kate Coxall have outlined their priorities for Eastern Victoria ahead of the November state election, drawing on their experience in healthcare, social services and emergency response.
Speaking with STPL News in a joint interview, the Legislative Council candidates discussed their backgrounds, shared priorities and why they believe independent representation offers an alternative to traditional party politics.
The pair were introduced through community independent and Voices networks, including groups operating across the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Ranges and Gippsland.
They explained that these networks encourage community participation in politics and help support independent candidates without operating as traditional political parties.
Antoinette Pitt and Kate Coxall bring different experiences
Pitt, known as Ant, has worked as a nurse for more than a decade and has been involved in the union movement. She also advocates for sustainability and currently works in recycling.
Describing her approach to community involvement, Pitt said:
“I’m a big believer in hope through action.”
She emphasised the importance of practical improvements, collective involvement and ensuring decisions do not leave people worse off.
Coxall has a background in social science and criminology, having worked in youth services, mental health, crisis support and out-of-home care.
She is also a volunteer bushfire firefighter and is studying a master’s degree in disaster risk and resilience.
Coxall said her decision to enter politics followed years of witnessing improvements in social services being reduced or reversed under successive governments.
She described becoming frustrated with what she considered a lack of lasting progress, eventually deciding to become politically involved rather than continue waiting for change.
Housing, healthcare and the cost of surviving
Asked to identify the biggest challenges facing Eastern Victoria, the candidates highlighted housing insecurity, cost-of-living pressures and access to healthcare.
Both expressed concerns about households struggling to meet everyday expenses, particularly renters, mortgage holders and people experiencing financial instability.
The discussion touched on how unexpected expenses, including vehicle repairs, could force households already under financial pressure to make difficult decisions about essential spending.
The phrase “cost of surviving” was also raised during the interview, reflecting concerns about the increasing difficulty of meeting basic needs.
Healthcare was another major focus, with discussion about regional hospital resources, staffing pressures and the challenges patients face accessing continued support after leaving hospital.
The candidates argued that housing, healthcare and financial security were interconnected issues requiring longer-term solutions.
Housing and essential services have also featured prominently in local election discussions, including the Hastings candidates forum, where candidates debated homelessness, policing and infrastructure.
CFA funding and emergency preparedness
Drawing on her firefighting experience, Coxall questioned the adequacy of CFA funding arrangements, raising concerns about ageing equipment, appliances and infrastructure.
She argued that emergency services must be adequately equipped for changing bushfire conditions rather than relying on standards developed around historical risks.
Coxall said she wanted greater scrutiny of how funding was allocated and whether equipment remained suitable for operational requirements.
She also emphasised the importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience, noting that major emergencies can have lasting consequences for communities.
Finding common ground beyond party politics
Despite their shared priorities, Pitt and Coxall emphasised that political independence should involve listening to people across the political spectrum.
Asked how they would work alongside conservative representatives in Parliament, both argued that differences in political allegiance should not prevent cooperation on issues affecting communities.
Pitt pointed to concerns about hospitals, roads and essential infrastructure as examples of issues where voters with different political views often find common ground.
Coxall drew on her experience working alongside firefighters who hold different political beliefs but share common responsibilities.
“The commonalities are actually greater than the differences.”
Both candidates argued that independence would allow them to assess legislation according to evidence and community needs rather than predetermined party positions.
Representing Eastern Victoria
Eastern Victoria includes the Mornington Peninsula electorates of Hastings, Mornington and Nepean, alongside communities throughout Gippsland and Melbourne’s outer east.
The region elects five members to Victoria’s Legislative Council.
Coxall argued that long-term planning should take priority over short-term electoral commitments, particularly in areas such as disaster preparedness and essential services.
Towards the conclusion of the interview, she reflected on her experience working with young people and how shared challenges can help bring together people with differing views.
Summarising her perspective on the need for change, Coxall said:
“The common enemy is the dysfunction and everybody wants to see a change.”
The candidates maintain that their shared platform offers an opportunity to bring together voters with different political backgrounds around common community concerns.
The Victorian state election will be held on Saturday, 28 November 2026.
Further information about the candidates and election arrangements is available from the Victorian Electoral Commission.
