By Matthew Sims
Western Metropolitan MP and Yarraville resident Catherine Cumming has convened a new party for independents ahead of the state election.
After launching the campaign to reach 500 members of the Independence Party about a week ago, she reached the goal within five days.
Dr Cumming said the number of independent MPs who won seats in the state election showed her the potential for independent MPs to win seats in the federal election.
“It’s been in my mind for a few years now,” she said.
Dr Cumming said she would wait for another week before officially submitting the registration for the party.
“I feel like it was a good response,” she said.
“I have another 10 days to go.”
Dr Cumming said the aim of the party would be to ensure the west was not neglected.
“In the west, we are ignored,” she said.
“All the lower house seats are Labor.
“They have forgotten the west for a long time.”
Dr Cumming said the party’s outlook would also be to provide people who are feeling “politically homeless” with a representative with a local voice and the opportunity to have a say.
“All members are allowed to have a conscience vote,” she said.
Dr Cumming said one of the party’s goals would be to advocate for an inquiry into the state government’s expenditure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to know where the money has actually gone,” she said.
“There seems to be a lot of wasted money, if not casual corruption.
“This government has been far too secretive.”
Dr Cumming said the party would work towards a shift within Victorian politics.
“We need a change,” she said.
“The only way change will occur is if the government changes.”
The state election will be held on Saturday, November 26, with 88 Lower House seats available across the state and five Upper House seats available within the Western Metropolitan region.
Details: independenceparty.com.au
