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  3. 7. Why vote for an independent? What is the value of voting for a community independent?
What is the difference between Local, State and Federal elections? How many representatives does Casey have between these three tiers? What are the different responsibilities between the Local, State and Federal parliament? What system of government does Australia have? How does preferential voting work? What is a referendum? Why vote for an independent? What is the value of voting for a community independent? How can an independent MP be effective and make an impact in government? Doesn’t an MP need to be with a party to form government? If I vote for a community independent, will it split the vote or have an unintended outcome such as a hung parliament? Will my vote be wasted if the independent doesn’t get elected? Who is the Climate 200 organisation? Are they affiliated with Voices for Casey? Are community independents the same as ‘teal’ independents? Is Voices for Casey seeking to install another 'teal' politician? Are political advertisements under an obligation to tell the truth? What are stakeholders and lobbyists? Are they legal? How is money involved in politics? Why are Independents less likely to have big stakeholders? Do Australians have freedom of speech? What is the separation of powers? What is the relationship between the High Court and Parliament? I have other questions... References

Why vote for an independent? What is the value of voting for a community independent?

Answer

Independents are not a part of an established political party. Therefore, they prioritise the needs and interests of their community over a party agenda. Representatives who belong to a political party are bound by the ideology and agenda of their party. Without the obligation to represent a party, Independent candidates focus solely on the issues and aspirations of their community. They can also advocate more strongly for local matters.

Independents can also introduce bills that put forward a new law on an issue important to their electorate. They can vote in favour of or against any bills they agree with or disagree with, and they can debate and negotiate to include new provisions that they believe will benefit their community.

Looking at the report cards of Casey’s representatives (insert link to report card), it is evident that previous and current Casey representatives vote with their party. Rarely, if ever, have they crossed party lines.

The ‘2024 Listening Report’, produced by Voices for Casey, shows some of the main issues for residents of Casey. Yet, when current Casey MPs are voting on issues, they are not often keeping the community at the forefront of their decisions but their political party.