A group of local residents with a shared desire to give the community a voice and set a new standard of politics have come together to form the group, Action for Robertson.
Although Action for Robertson is in its early stages, the group’s aim is to make an impact by giving local voters a voice in the lead up to the federal election.
Their survey is now open for all residents and business owners in the Robertson electorate to have their say.
Founding member, Sarah Judd, said the group is built on a foundation of shared values.
“We started Action for Robertson so we can make a positive impact on the future for our children and grandchildren,” Judd said.
“It’s not about the political parties – there’s lots of things we particularly care about that haven’t been addressed – it’s more about saying to candidates that we don’t really care which party you are from, we just want to make sure people are heard.
“Often politicians toe the party line, and the community doesn’t need that.
“We want to be a voice for the people who might not necessarily have a voice.”
The anonymous survey asks participants to identify what their issues of concern are and what they would like to see from political representation.
The results will then be collated and distributed to respondents and local candidates if requested.
“It’s grown organically – we want to make sure as much of the electorate as possible is heard,” Judd said.
“We want more voices heard from areas like Mangrove Mountain, who may feel like they haven’t been heard.
“Once the survey is done, we would love to do events out in the community such as a Q&A and community feedback workshops, and get more qualitative data.
“We hope this opens up conversations for peoples to talk about the things that matter to them, creating conversations about change and action, rather than more about the two main political parties.”
The group, which includes a diverse group of parents, teachers, professionals, retirees, healthcare workers and single parents, is inspired by the Voices for Indi model to engage the community in sharing feedback on the issues that really matter to them.
The group said all members are committed to integrity in politics, climate action, equality, health and education, refugees and eliminating domestic violence.
“While these are the areas that concern us, we expect this list to evolve as more people join Action for Robertson and we see the results of our survey,” Judd said.
“I have never had a huge interest in politics until I became a mum and now I just think we can do better for the next generations and so that’s my driving force.
“Our first get together was just before Christmas in 2021. Then in January, with the COVID-19 situation growing, we met over zoom and heard from Cathy McGowan, the former Indi independent MP who was instrumental in creating Voices for Indi.
“Hearing from Cathy and what Voices for Indi achieved was so motivating.
“It cemented our idea to move forward with Action for Robertson, with the aim to advocate for the big issues that concern the Robertson community.
“We encourage anyone who wants to be part of Action for Robertson to register through our website – we would love to see representation across all demographics and all locations within the Robertson electorate so we can give a voice to our whole community.”
The survey will remain open until mid-April.
The anonymous Action for Robertson survey can be taken at form.jotform.com/220442513801039
Maisy Rae