Do you know the next Federal Member for Forrest?
Or perhaps it is you?
Voices for Forrest Inc. (VFF) is an independent community group in the electorate of Forrest. We are building a movement to endorse an independent candidate to stand as our representative in the next Federal election (expected May 2025). We have developed a strong supporter base and an active volunteer network across the diverse communities of our electorate.
Many people in our electorate feel disempowered and have lost faith in politics as usual. We know from other electorates that a community independent MP can really bring about much positive change. We want this
for our electorate too.
We are seeking a community independent candidate to stand in the next Federal election. A person who will consult with, and represent the people of Forrest as a priority, without allegiance to any political party or donor.
Analysis of previous election results in Forrest indicate a path to victory for a community Independent candidate who can attract broad support. To win, the candidate will need to be able to reach a wide range of people across the electorate and have a track record on issues that matter most to our community.
The following qualities for an independent candidate have emerged from our community consultation:
- Demonstrated community connection
- Career achievement outside of party politics
- Honest, ethical, compassionate
- Effective communicator
- Courage
- Committed to evidence-based solutions to the problems facing us
Potential candidates are encouraged to make contact via a confidential expression of interest (EOI) program. To express interest, send the following documents to [email protected]:
● the key points (above list) in order of your strengths and attributes
● cover letter, that responds to the following questions:
o What is your connection to Forrest?
o What experience have you had in advocating for communities in Forrest?
o Why do you want to represent Forrest?
o How will you go about representing Forrest (that is, how will you "Do Politics Differently")?
● two page CV
Shortlisted applicants will receive the full Candidate Pack for completion and interviews will follow.
When Voices for Forrest, through this process, finds a candidate they wish to endorse, then the group will help facilitate the launch of the candidate before going into dormancy. The candidate will run their own campaign, attracting volunteers and supporters from Voices for Forrest and the broader community.
Watch this short 3-min video about Voices for Forrest and our process: click here
Recommended reading: Get Elected, by Ruth McGowan.
No closing date has yet been set. We encourage you to contact us sooner rather than later, and also to suggest other people for consideration.
If you have any questions or want a chat, please reach out to us via [email protected]. We will always treat these conversations with the utmost confidentiality.