As more Australians turn away from the major political parties, independent and minor party candidates are gaining momentum.
On Tuesday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we are joined by Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie and Legalise Cannabis lead candidate in the NSW Senate, Miles Hunt, to explore the rising influence of independents and minor parties in the upcoming election.
Click the link below and listen the full episode:
Lambie has taken aim at Labor and the Coalition, accusing both major parties of failing to deliver honesty and transparency.
“The major parties have had this space for a very, very long time and it’s the 21st century — it is time to have independents up there,” she said.
“They’re not transparent. They don’t tell the fucking truth,” she added.
Lambie said cost of living, housing and the lingering impacts of COVID-19 remain key concerns for voters, particularly younger Australians.
Hunt also criticised the major parties’ handling of the cost-of-living crisis, arguing that they have failed to offer real solutions to everyday challenges.
“There’s a belief that they haven’t necessarily fulfilled their duty to the people,” he said.
With support for minor parties and independents on the rise, Lambie said newer voices in politics are helping hold the major parties to account.
She also defended the use of social media influencers in political campaigning, particularly to reach disengaged younger voters.
“If they can do the job I can’t — which is get through to that next generation — then please come and do it.”
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