Voices of Corangamite moves to incorporate, eyes next federal poll

Newly elected Voices of Corangamite president Kate Lockhart ran as an independent candidate in May's federal election, receiving 4.4 per cent of the vote after a short but impactful campaign. Photo: VOICES OF CORANGAMITE

VOICES of Corangamite is working towards formal incorporation, as it seeks to strengthen its voice in the electorate and position itself for the next federal election.

Inspired by the success of community-based independents in recent years, with many securing seats, the group formed in 2021 with the aim of giving voters more choice at the ballot box and a stronger voice in how they are represented.

Last week, its volunteer membership gathered in Leopold to elect its inaugural board, adopt a set of draft incorporation rules and being planning its next steps.

It is a move newly elected board president Kate Lockhart said would enable Voices of Corangamite to better represent the community.

“We understand the electorate of Corangamite is changing. We’ve got a lot of new people coming into our communities and so we want to be able to represent those people.”

Ms Lockhart ran as an independent candidate in May’s federal election, receiving 4.4 per cent of the vote after a short but impactful campaign focused on gender equity, political integrity and climate leadership.

“The major parties, their primary vote has diminished and so there is definitely an appetite for doing politics better, and so we want to continue to progress that here in the Corangamite electorate,” she said.

“Although at face level, the community independents didn’t actually improve their numbers in parliament, the number of people that voted for a community independent went up by several hundred thousand.

“The major parties are losing their primary vote because they’re not being the best they can be. There’s definitely potential there, and we’re keen to be a part of it.”

The core values from her federal campaign, Ms Lockhart said, are likely to remain, but the group is eager to consult with the community it seeks to represent to ensure those values resonate.

To achieve this, Voices of Corangamite will host a series of kitchen table events across the electorate over the next 12 months, with more information to come.

For more information, head to voicesofcorangamite.org or follow @VoCorangamite