The spotlight has been put on independent Goldstein candidate Zoe Daniel,with an audience member asking three of the panel – excluding Liberal Tim Wilson – for their thoughts on independents passionate about the environment.
Daniel explained that she is backed by a community movement that nominated her for the role,and that they have funding of about $700,000 raised from the community,in addition to funding from the Climate 200 movement.
“And I think we have great momentum in this community because many people want to see politics done differently:with empathy,with honesty,sincerity and with genuineness – with direct engagement to take the views of this community forward,” Daniel said.
“So you’re describing me as a teal independent. I’m not wearing teal tonight. We’re not part of any formal group.
“There are a number of other independents running around the country who have similar priorities. And I think that’s because they’re the priorities of the Australian community today.”
The Greens’ Alana Galli-McRostie said while she thought it was great to see an independent supporting reducing carbon emissions,“we have no time to waste” and “with the Greens,you know what you’re going to get”.
Labor’s Martyn Abbott said he was happy to see climate change on the table as a major issue,but he wished Daniel would consider the Liberals impact on climate change.
Wilson,who did ultimately get to answer the question,said he was referring to Zali Steggall in previous comments about independents.
“[She] proposed a bill that would allow authoritarian commissioners to be able to veto elected representatives,” he said.