Independents changing the game in 2025

A lawyer and business leader, Kate secured a stunning victory after a rapid campaign in 2022. She brings significant private sector experience, including senior roles at Wesfarmers and Anglicare WA. Kate chose to run as an Independent to advocate for stronger climate action and political integrity. 

In Parliament Kate has championed evidence-based policymaking and long-term thinking, particularly around economic reform, climate action, and integrity in government. She’s been leading the charge on a new bill to make political campaigning more transparent and fair.

Award-winning foreign correspondent Zoe Daniel spent three decades covering global crises for the ABC. Her children convinced her that frustration with politics-as-usual wasn't enough – she had to step up and make change happen. She did exactly that when she flipped the safe Liberal seat independent. 

Over the past three years, Zoe has brought deep experience to parliamentary debates on media reforms and foreign policy.

Dr Helen Haines life has been grounded in community service – as a nurse, midwife, and public health researcher. Helen lives in Wangaratta and was part of the grassroots independent movement that transformed politics in Indi and the nation.  

Helen was elected in 2019 as the first independent in Australian history to succeed another independent in a federal seat, continuing Cathy McGowan’s legacy of community-driven representation.  

A champion for regional Australia, Dr Haines has secured millions of dollars for local projects. She is committed to action on climate change that benefits regional communities, improving telecommunications, regional housing, clean energy, and a fair share of funding and services for regional Australia.  

Dr Haines has been a champion for integrity and transparency in politics, influencing the establishment of the national integrity commission. She is the recipient of the McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year and the Alan Missen Award for parliamentary integrity.

For 25 years, Dr Monique Ryan treated children with complex neurological conditions, culminating in her role as Director of Neurology at the Royal Children's Hospital – until her community chose her to represent their voice in Canberra , over the then longstanding member and deputy leader of the Liberal Party. Her first term in parliament has been marked by significant achievements, including helping to secure $3bn in HECS debt relief, and strengthening climate legislation. She’s also championing the Clean Up Politics Act to address the politician-lobbyist revolving door, while tackling housing affordability and cost of living pressures including more affordable access to health care, putting a stop to price gouging, and advocating for investment in clean, cheap energy to ensure a safer future for all Australians.

Dr Sophie Scamps, a former emergency doctor at Mona Vale Hospital and local GP, turned this safe Liberal seat Independent in 2022.

Before entering politics (and in addition to being  a doctor with a Masters from Oxford) Sophie founded Our Blue Dot, a community organisation focused on reducing waste and emissions, and competed internationally as a middle-distance runner.

In Parliament, Sophie has championed environmental protections, the health of Australians and integrity reforms including stopping the controversial PEP11 offshore oil and gas project, moving a private members bill to ensure that gas fracking projects would be assessed under federal environmental law for their impact on water resources, and introduced the Ending Jobs for Mates Bill to stop party-political appointments to important public positions.

Rebekha Sharkie MP represents the regional electorate of Mayo in South Australia, including the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. First elected in 2016, Rebekha is the first woman and first non-liberal to represent the seat and is now the longest serving female House of Representatives cross-bench member since Federation. Rebekha works hard to Make Mayo Matter and follows the principle of always putting her community first and being their independent voice. In Parliament, she’s proud to champion climate action, regional housing, employment, aged care and infrastructure, as well as reforms to political donation laws, gambling and greater accountability in politics.

Allegra Spender is an accomplished business leader, renewable energy advocate, and the independent Member for Wentworth.

Allegra’s academic background includes an Economics degree from Cambridge University, an MSc from the University of London, and advanced business courses at Harvard and Dartmouth College. Her professional journey began at McKinsey as a business analyst, where she gained expertise across diverse industries and business strategies. She further honed her skills as a policy analyst at the UK Treasury before taking on the role of Managing Director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd, her family’s iconic fashion label.

As Chair of the Sydney Renewable Power Company, Allegra spearheaded the installation of the largest CBD solar array in Australia at the time. Her commitment to social impact extended to her role as CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, where she partnered with leading Australian businesses to address educational disadvantages.

From Olympic bronze medallist in alpine skiing to barrister specialising in commercial and sports law, Zali has built a career marked by determination and principled advocacy. Her path to politics was sparked by frustration with Australia's climate inaction, leading her to take on and defeat former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2019.
‍

In Parliament, Steggall’s landmark Climate Change Bill helped consolidate the national consensus on Net Zero emissions, while she has been instrumental in securing the National Anti-Corruption Commission and championing other political integrity reforms, leading the push for truth in political advertising laws. Through regular forums and close collaboration with the Warringah Community, she continues to champion her electorate's views in parliament by putting forward smart solutions, that will have a positive impact on today’s challenges – from taking climate action and addressing climate risks, to advocating for support with cost of living and reenergising the economy.

Andrew Wilkie has been the Independent Member for Clark (previously called Denison) since 2010 and is the longest serving Independent in the Federal Parliament. He has a strong sense of social justice and is a powerful integrity advocate. His flagship issues include climate change, gambling, integrity, animal welfare, asylum seekers and foreign and security policy. Andrew famously blew the whistle over the fraudulent reasons for Australia joining in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and continues to advocate for whistleblower protections and media freedom.

Nicole Arrowsmith is a senior professional, passionate local leader and Gold Coast mum who spent two decades bringing people together to tackle big challenges – from building HOTA into a world-class arts precinct to leading major partnerships at Queensland Rail, while serving as president of her local community kindergarten. A former representative netball player who still loves staying active outdoors, Nicole brings proven experience getting things done and a passionate belief that when communities work together, anything is possible.

Nathan Barton is a practicing psychologist and was an Army Reservist for 22 years. Through his work in the military and mental health, he understands the power of listening to people and focusing on practical results rather than political point scoring. His policy agenda is guided by the top priorities the people of Moore raised over many months: the cost of living, housing affordability, integrity in politics and climate change and the energy transition.

When Nicolette Boele, a finance, clean energy and responsible investment expert, first ran as an independent candidate in 2022, she saw the biggest swing against the Liberal Party of all the community independent candidates. When she led the local campaign to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in 2023, Bradfield was the only Liberal seat to vote ‘yes.’ Nicolette is running again, and building an even bigger and more energetic movement of community supporters.

As the publisher of the local newspaper, The Post, Tina Brown has been deeply immersed in the community of Sydney’s upper north shore, and connected to what residents are feeling. Tina founded The Post during COVID lockdowns, providing local news coverage and connecting with community organisations. She also runs an international education company and has actively supported women's shelters and mental health initiatives across the area.

Beyond her 25 years of service as a surgeon in the region, Dr. Sue has helped develop sustainable healthcare programs in Madagascar. In recent years, she has been a vocal community advocate, including leading a legal challenge against a controversial billion-dollar road development over environmental concerns. Sue is campaigning as an independent candidate to advocate for the environment, political integrity, housing, healthcare, and cost of living challenges.

Yes – like the beer: Dr Cooper is a member of the Cooper Brewery family. But she chose medicine over the family business, and worked for 35 years as GP. She became a doctor because she was inspired to help people, and she brings that same drive to her decision to run as a community independent candidate in the Adelaide electorate of Sturt. In addition to working as a local GP, she also worked as the team doctor for junior national soccer teams (including the Young Matildas) and international sports events.

Kate Dezarnaulds is a community leader and entrepreneur who has strengthened Gilmore through innovation and action. As President of the Berry Chamber of Commerce, she doubled membership post-COVID and helped the village win “Top Tourism Town” three years in a row. Her own business was named Shoalhaven Small Business of the Year in 2024.

She’s led major regional initiatives, including the $4.7 million ‘Investing in Rural Community Futures’ program, supporting over 120 grassroots organisations through bushfire recovery. Kate is running to deliver practical solutions for housing, healthcare, and climate resilience—because Gilmore deserves leadership that listens and acts with integrity.

Broadcaster, author and small business owner Alex Dyson is again running as an independent to get a better deal for his home, south west Victoria. In 2019, with $5,000 and a handful of family and friends supporting him, Alex secured 10% of the vote. Then Voices of Wannon formed, inspired by the community independent movement in Indi in north-east Victoria. The group endorsed Alex in 2022, with the community campaign securing 46% of the two-candidate-preferred vote, making Wannon marginal for the first time in decades. Now, with a growing people-powered movement, Alex can win.

Engineer Claire Ferres Miles combines deep local roots as a 30-year resident with significant leadership experience running large organisations, including Sustainability Victoria, and her own small business. 

Casey stretches from the suburban fringe through the Dandenong Ranges to the Yarra Valley, facing increasing pressures from natural disasters, infrastructure gaps, and cost of living challenges. Claire's campaign emphasises the need for stronger emergency services support, with the local CFA and SES volunteers stretched thin by intensifying storms, floods and bushfires. She's particularly focused on securing emergency healthcare access for the Yarra Valley and addressing the region's childcare shortages.

Peter George is a former ABC foreign correspondent & Four Corners reporter with over four decades dedicated to uncovering the truth and holding the powerful to account. From his early days as a reporter in Hobart to covering Federal Parliament and international stories, Peter’s career has focused on giving a voice to everyday people facing adversity.

He’s worked with his southern Tasmanian community for the past 14 years, particularly in fighting the environmental damage caused by the multinational salmon corporations.

Driven by a deep passion for Tasmania’s future, Peter is committed to fighting corporate greed and championing environmental justice, climate action and political integrity. As an Independent candidate for Franklin, he’s dedicated to bringing people-first leadership to the region, focused on achieving real change for the community and the environment.

Caz Heise is a nurse and regional health leader who has dedicated her life to supporting people in their most vulnerable moments. This has included delivering compassionate care at the bedside, leading regional health and emergency response teams, and managing Cowper's local hospitals during bushfires and floods. Her role as a Board Director of Cancer Council NSW, combined with her experience as a cancer survivor, has deepened her commitment to improving healthcare access in regional communities. Cowper has been a National Party stronghold for over 100 years, but in 2022, Caz' community campaign came within 2,600 votes of winning,making Cowper the most marginal Nationals seat in the country.

Suzie ran as an independent in 2022, securing a massive swing against the Liberal National Party and coming second. Suzie has continued to be a community advocate since then, working across industry and community issues both locally and at the Federal level. She’s now giving it another go, building on the growing movement in the regional electorate.

Kate Hook is a small farmer, who has also helped set up a locally-owned renewable energy co-operative. She has spent the last two years helping communities across NSW advocate for their needs with renewable energy projects. She first ran as an independent in 2022 because she was asked to step up and was overwhelmed by the community’s support – coming second against the National Party incumbent. She’s campaigning again on her values: a community that is connected and thriving, a transition away from fossil fuels, decent funding for essential workers, and more honesty in politics.

Keryn and her husband pioneered grid-connected solar energy on the Sunshine Coast, transforming their electrical contracting business into a solar success story. Their efforts, in partnership with a local community group, helped the Caloundra postcode lead the country in solar uptake for several years.

Keryn’s hands-on energy doesn’t stop there: she’s been a local councillor, volunteered with food rescue, refugee, environment, and disability groups, and helped farmers rebuild fences after bushfires. She’s led community consultations, chaired the council’s Waste Taskforce and organised large local events.

She’s a director of the Environmental Legacy Foundation, where she continues to champion sustainability and community well-being.

Anita Kuss has lived and worked in rural South Australia all her life and has dedicated her career to advocating for stronger, prosperous and more resilient regional communities. With experience working in local government, education and natural resource management, Anita understands the challenges and opportunities facing her region. Anita has experience across a range of sectors including science, education, business management, family farming, the Australian Army Reserves and leadership roles on community and government boards.

A lawyer who has spent her career helping families navigate crises, Deb is running her second independent campaign in Monash. Deb is tightly focused on cost of living issues as well as the energy transition underway in the electorate, home to many who work in Victoria’s coal fired power industry, the site of a major renewable energy project, and adjacent to one of Dutton’s proposed nuclear power plants.

A small business owner and local councillor, Jeremy Miller owns a bakery and café in Taree, following a background in commercial radio, event management, and theater.

Through roles managing the Manning Entertainment Centre, founding community events, and his active council service, Miller has established strong connections across the changing demographics of the region, from traditional farming communities to sea-changers.

Michelle Milthorpe has worked as a teacher,  coach, small business owner and advocate. She is well known in her regional community for her support for students with learning difficulties, and her successful advocacy for reforms to how the NSW justice system treats child victims.

Michelle is challenging Liberal Party Deputy Leader Sussan Ley, who has held the seat for 23 years, with a campaign that focuses on regional representation, cost of living, healthcare access, and infrastructure investment in an electorate that serves as Australia's food bowl.

Erchana is a world-record holding marathon runner and change-maker. In 2022 she made history and inspired audiences across the world by running 150 marathons over 150 consecutive days from Cape York to Melbourne to raise vital funds for Australia’s endangered wildlife. Now, she’s taking that passion, motivation and energy to another start line by running for the southern Gold Coast seat of McPherson. Erchana is also a nutritionist, small business owner and holds a Master of Human Nutrition.

McPherson has been considered a safe Liberal seat for decades, but with incumbent Liberal member Karen Andrews retiring at this election, Erchana has a once in a generation opportunity to turn the seat independent and champion the needs of her Gold Coast community.

Jess is a community builder and advocate for equity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. With a background in geophysics, her work has extended to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated and sustainable practices flourish.

Jess’ 15+ years working in the Deakin community has shown the power of community action to create lasting environmental change for future generations. Her depth of understanding comes from her diversity of work across the migrant, community and environmental sector, underpinned by her experience in leadership roles at the Communities Council on Ethnic Issues and the Migrant Information Centre.

During the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020, Jessie Price, a midwife and former journalist, delivered babies in birthing rooms that smelled of smoke. This experience crystalised her outrage at climate inaction and a government captured by vested interests. Her career path has included early work as a journalist in Hanoi and time spent supporting a Karen refugee women's organisation on the Thai/Myanmar border – experiences that shaped her understanding of grassroots community advocacy and systemic change. Jessie’s campaign emphasises climate action, community-powered solutions like local renewable energy projects, and bringing stronger community representation and participation to what has been a safe Labor seat.

Jenny Rolfe is a financial education specialist and small business owner who has spent 20 years helping people navigate financial systems. She’s also a dedicated community advocate, serving in leadership roles in women’s health, floodplain management and education.

She’s running as an independent for Riverina because she knows good governance, transparency, and smart financial decisions can make a real difference. For 17 years, she’s worked to create positive change at a local level—now, she’s ready to take that experience to Canberra. Jenny is campaigning for a stronger, fairer Riverina, where communities are heard, services are funded, and leadership puts people first.

Phil Scott is a community builder and advocate who has dedicated his career to strengthening local councils and non-government organisations. Living in Coconut Grove with his wife and three kids, he’s deeply involved in the NT community—coaching kids’ sports, volunteering in schools, and supporting local businesses, clubs, and artists.

Phil believes in a thriving NT where people, businesses, and natural spaces are supported. He’s running for Solomon to deliver real solutions for education, jobs, housing, and healthcare. Known for his positivity and integrity, Phil is ready to bring people together and build a future that works for everyone.

2024 Victorian Father of the Year, Ben Smith is CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, a charity supporting locals struggling with housing insecurity and financial hardship. He is a well-respected community advocate, and also owns a successful local retail business. 

Ben is passionate about helping vulnerable people, whether it be tackling cost of living pressure, improving healthcare, or making housing affordable. Committed to integrity and true community representation for the Peninsula, Ben believes in putting people before politics. He also cares deeply about climate action and is driven to create a better future for his daughter.

Ellie Smith has a background in environmental management and a career in policy and government relations. Over a decade she’s helped farmers, policymakers and conservationists find common ground and smart solutions that benefit all Queenslanders. She’s also held board roles for a number of environmental organisations, experiences that have built strong policy and negotiation skills. Surviving cancer in 2017 reinforced her determination to fight for well-funded healthcare for every Australian.

Francine Wiig, a Sunshine Coast local of nearly 20 years, brings extensive real-world experience as a legal professional, small business owner, and mother of twins. She is running as an independent candidate to prioritise the community and ensure it receives the representation it deserves, not what the major parties dictate. For too long, Fairfax has been treated as a safe seat, and as the fastest-growing region in Australia, it has experienced significant challenges due to a lack of sustainable infrastructure management.