Why am I not giving preferences?

As an independent candidate, my commitment is to represent the people of Sturt—free from party deals or backroom arrangements. That’s why I am not issuing how-to-vote cards that direct preferences to any particular party. I believe that your vote is yours alone, and it should not be influenced by party politics or preference deals made behind closed doors. My focus is on empowering you, the voter, to make your own informed decision about where your preferences go.

Throughout this campaign, I have listened to the people of Sturt at community events, shopping centres, and on doorsteps, and what I hear time and again is a desire for genuine representation and integrity in politics.

 
“I am here to do politics differently—by putting the community first, not party interests. By not giving preferences, I am making it clear that I answer only to you, not to any party or political machine.”

When you vote for an independent like me, you are voting for someone who will scrutinise every piece of legislation on its merits, guided by two simple questions: What is good for the people of Sturt? What is good for future generations? Your trust is not for sale, and neither is your vote. I encourage everyone to consider their own values and priorities, and to allocate their preferences accordingly.

What is my relationship to Climate 200?

I am proud to be running a truly community-backed campaign, and part of that means being transparent about funding. I have received around $106,000 in support from Climate 200 so far, which is a community crowd-funded initiative supporting independent candidates who are committed to climate action, integrity, and evidence-based policy. Importantly, Climate 200 does not select candidates, dictate policies, or require any obligations in exchange for their support.

As they state:

“Climate 200 is not a party. We do not start campaigns, select candidates, speak for candidates, dictate policies, or have members. We simply give strong community campaigns a leg up with funding and support”.

I have also backed myself with my own funds, and the majority of our campaign resources come from local donations and the hard work of volunteers. 

My only obligation is to the people of Sturt. Every decision I make will be guided by what is best for our community and future generations, not by any external organisation or donor.

How was I selected?

My candidacy is the result of a genuine grassroots process. In mid-2024, a group of local residents—disillusioned with traditional party politics and seeking real action on climate and integrity—came together to find an independent candidate who truly represents Sturt. This group, made up of everyday professionals, went through a robust process: they door-knocked, held kitchen table discussions, and surveyed locals to understand what our community wanted in a representative.

I was encouraged to nominate by a friend who heard that the Independent for Sturt group was looking for a Sturt local to become a candidate, and after a thorough recruitment process, they chose me because I share the values and priorities that matter to Sturt: community-first thinking, evidence-based policy, and a commitment to honesty and integrity.

 Our campaign is powered by passionate volunteers, not party operatives, and I am accountable only to the people of Sturt—not to any group or faction. 

As one of the founding members put it;

“Verity does not hold any obligation to any of us in the ‘Independent For Sturt’ community group—and does not answer to our endorsement. As a ‘Community Independent’ she is accountable only to the people of Sturt” (Freyja Tasci, Independent For Sturt).

To find out more about the Community Independents Movement—a grassroots initiative empowering local communities to select and support independent candidates focused on integrity, climate action, and genuine representation—visit the Community Independents Project website at:

www.communityindependentsproject.org

What have Independents achieved?

Independent MPs have a proud record of delivering real outcomes for their communities and for Australia as a whole. At the last federal election, ten independents were elected to the House of Representatives—forming the largest crossbench since 1934. They have championed issues that matter to their communities, such as climate action, integrity in politics, and better healthcare. For example, the success of Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines in Indi, and Zali Steggall, Allegra Spender, and others in city seats, has shown that independents can drive national conversations and secure tangible results.

Independents are not bound by party lines, which means they can negotiate for real improvements and hold the government to account. They have played crucial roles in advancing stronger climate policy, pushing for a federal integrity commission, and ensuring that local voices are heard in Canberra. Their achievements are a testament to the power of community-driven politics.

Who are 'teal independents'?

‘Teal independents’—sometimes called community independents—are a group of centrist, non-party politicians who share a commitment to stronger climate action, political integrity, and evidence-based policy. The term ‘teal’ comes from the campaign colour adopted by many of these candidates, symbolising a blend of Liberal blue and environmental green. However, what unites us is not a party or a formal movement, but a shared approach: grassroots campaigning, listening to local communities, and putting people before politics.

Teal independents are often women challenging long-held party seats, and have achieved significant electoral success, especially in the 2022 federal election. While we may share similar values and priorities, each independent is accountable only to their own electorate—not to a party or central organisation.

Who would I support to form government, if it came down to it, and what would that mean?

If the next Parliament is hung and independents hold the balance of power, my guiding principle will be to support the option that delivers stable, responsible government and best serves the people of Sturt. I would consult widely with our community and seek commitments on key issues such as climate action, integrity, and cost-of-living relief.

Supporting a government does not mean joining a party or giving them a blank cheque. It means negotiating for real outcomes and holding the government to account on behalf of our community. I would remain fiercely independent, voting on each piece of legislation based on its merits and what is best for Sturt and for future generations. 

My only allegiance is to the people who elected me—not to any party, donor, or lobby group.