Gangland widow Roberta Williams has announced she will challenge Bill Shorten for the seat of Maribyrnong at the next Federal election.
Ms Williams, wife of slain underworld kingpin and convicted killer Carl Williams, gained notoriety during Melbourne’s long-running gangland wars.
She has now been preselected as a candidate for the Australian People’s Party, aiming to unseat Opposition leader Bill Shorten, who has held the safe Labor seat since 2007.
Although Ms Williams has served time in jail for drug trafficking, the charges won’t affect her candidacy as her sentence was for less than 12 months.
A hurdle remains, however, in her declaration of bankruptcy last year after racking up a debt of more than $300,000 to the Australian Taxation Office.
Section 44 of the Constitution states that any person who is an undischarged bankrupt shall be incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives.
Ms Williams’ candidacy profile states the mother of five is “a charitable person” with a “great understanding” of the needs of the homeless, troubled youth, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues and those experiencing financial difficulties.
“She would like to focus on better facilities for troubled youth, and also helping the homeless with better strategies in finding housing,” it states.
“Roberta will champion the need for better facilities for people with mental health issues and will also be a spokesperson for free medical treatment and better medical facilities for all people especially those with cancer and serious illness.”
The Australian People’s Party, registered earlier this year, aims to be “the third independent centrist voice” in Australian politics.
Its policies include a “fairer” taxation system providing larger tax returns, free education , a Bill of Rights enshrining freedom of speech and a focus on Australian owned production and “jobs for Australian citizens first”.
Roberta and Carl Williams pleaded guilty in 2004 to participating in a $450,000 drug trafficking operation that unwittingly supplied ecstasy and cocaine to undercover police.
