Dr Verity Cooper has stepped up to be south Australia’s first community independent candidate in the upcoming Federal Election. Running in the marginal seat of Sturt she will be up against sitting Liberal Member James Stevens.
Dr Cooper has lived in Sturt for over 30 years, is a local GP and most importantly not a career politician.
“I’m a doctor, a mum, a successful businesswoman and a proud member of a family with deep roots here in South Australia,” said Dr Cooper.
“I know I have a challenge ahead of me, but I also know the voters in the seat of Sturt are not happy with being neglected. I’m here to do politics differently. I will listen to the voters and take their needs to Canberra. Not wait for someone on the east coast to tell me what to do.”
The Independent for Sturt campaign has been engaging with the community and know the issues impacting them are cost of living, housing affordability and availability, climate change, small business, health and aged care, and education.
“We are in the most marginal seat in the country and I am one of four candidates who believes they can win it. I know the voters are not happy with any of the major parties and are ready for a change - and I am it,” said Dr Cooper.
“My policies are not determined by major parties operating out of the eastern states. My polices are developed from what the community needs.”
Trust in Australian democracy has hit rock bottom, with the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer revealing public faith in elected officials at historic lows. Across Sturt, Dr Cooper is hearing the frustration of a political system captured by corporate donors and career politicians. For Independent for Sturt the message is clear: Australians are fed up with business as usual in Canberra.
To combat rising extremism and restore faith in our democratic institutions, we need real reform – not empty promises. This means implementing robust anti-corruption measures, strengthening whistleblower protections, and forcing transparency in political donations and advertising.
By bringing communities and experts together to forge genuine solutions, Dr Cooper believes we can build a political system that works for everyone, not just powerful special interests.
Campaign Launch Details
Where: Payneham Cricket Club, Rosella St, Payneham
When: Saturday February 08, 6:00pm
Key Facts:
* Trust in Australian democracy has hit rock bottom, with the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer revealing public faith in elected officials at historic lows.
* Across Sturt, Dr Cooper is hearing the frustration of a political system captured by corporate donors and career politicians. For Independent for Sturt the message is clear: Australians are fed up with business as usual in Canberra.
* The Independent for Sturt campaign has been engaging with the community and know the issues impacting them are cost of living, housing affordability and availability, climate change, small business, health and aged care, and education.
About us:
Sturt deserves an Independent federal representative who puts the interests of our communities first, not those of a political party.
Dr Verity Cooper is running to be Sturt's Independent MP because who believes it’s time for a new kind of leadership. She's seen the strength of our people, and now is taking the next step to ensure that Sturt’s voice is heard loud and clear in Parliament.
Contact details:
For media enquiries call Campaign Manager Joshua Bradley, 0490 004 791