Jaala is a young single mother of two who hails from the coastal town of Ballina. By doing so, she is becoming part of a growing movement of Australians who are increasingly opting for third-party or independent candidates in elections. With the upcoming elections on the horizon, she expresses her desire for a political landscape that reflects the needs and aspirations of citizens like herself.
Ballina, about an eight-hour drive from Sydney and near the state’s border with Queensland, is known for its peaceful lifestyle and close-knit community. Jaala is frustrated that the big political parties have failed to tackle the urgent issues affecting her community. Most importantly, this neglect is a pattern good for many others around the country. She’s hoping for an election outcome that leaves the two main parties unable to win a governing majority on their own. This alone would open the door for much greater provincial representation by geography, gender, age, and sociodemographics in Parliament.
Jaala is passionate about grassroots movements and empowering people to challenge the traditional two-party system. Her frustration with the inaction on the biggest issues motivates this move. Her role as a mother especially drives her concern for policies that will protect education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. She believes that voting for third-party or independent candidates may bring about the necessary changes that could lead to proactive governance.
Over the last few years, Australians have become increasingly frustrated with the two main parties. This discontent has fueled a dramatic and unprecedented change in voting patterns. In particular, this trend is indicative of a growing mood among the electorate to consider alternatives to the major Labor and Liberal parties. Jaala is representative of that shift. She aggressively recruits against candidates in order to find those who closely match her values and priorities.
Jaala gets ready to mark her ballot with a hopeful spirit. She hopes her decision will inspire the larger move of politics in Australia toward a more compassionate and just nature. She wants to make sure that other voters are with her as they continue to support candidates who favor action and accountability above party loyalty. Her dedication is about more than just picking up trash. It demonstrates a longing for a collaborative, civic-minded political culture that is attentive to communities’ needs.