Skip to content
Federal Election, Government Federal

Zoe Daniel Calls for “Era of Independence” in Australian Politics

Zoe Daniel MP 2 mins read

In a powerful address at the National Press Club, Community Independent Member for Goldstein, Zoe Daniel MP, has declared that Australia is at a “fork in the road,” calling for an end to the dominance of major parties and championing a stronger crossbench to drive real reform.

“We’ve been told for decades that only the major parties can govern. But have they really been solving the issues that matter to everyday Australians?” Ms. Daniel asked. “Is housing more affordable? Is our tax system fair? Are women safer? The answer from my community is clear: No.”

The speech, which laid out a bold vision for a more representative and solutions-driven government, highlighted key achievements of the crossbench, including legislating minimum emissions reductions, empowering women, reducing student debt and pushing for long-overdue tax reform.

“Our communities sent independents to Canberra to get things done, and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” she said. “From fighting for fairer HECS indexation to elevating family and domestic violence as a national priority, the crossbench has been the driving force behind real progress.”

With the next federal election looming, Ms. Daniel warned against reverting to “politics as usual,” where partisan gridlock and corporate interests stifle meaningful change. Instead, she called for a shift to a more balanced parliament that puts community needs first.

“My message to the voters of Goldstein and beyond is simple: Independence works. We are the backbone of the people’s house. This election isn’t just about who sits in the Prime Minister’s chair—it’s about demanding a government that actually delivers.”

Key priorities for the next term include:

  • Fair tax reform: Closing corporate loopholes so everyday Australians are not tax mules.
  • Universal early childhood education: Ensuring every family has access to affordable early learning.
  • Serious climate action: Ending policy uncertainty to drive the renewable energy transition.
  • Housing reform: A national accord to tackle the affordability crisis.
  • A ban on gambling ads: Australians want them gone—no more excuses.

“We can’t afford another three years of broken promises and political spin. This is our moment to demand something better.”

Speech Transcript - The Era of Independence - National Press Club speech - Zoe Daniel 

ENDS


Contact details:

Francis Leach

0409 947 180

More from this category

  • Government Federal
  • 06/02/2025
  • 15:51
Catholic Health Australia

Catholic Health Australia welcomes the federal government’s $1.7bn funding of public hospitals

Comments attributable to Jason Kara, Catholic Health Australia CEO:Catholic Health Australia welcomes the federal government’s $1.7bn funding of public hospitals.The single-year funding deal will create the space for Government to properly negotiate the next 5-year national health reform agreement.This is new investment in our national health system and the funding will directly support people in need across the entire health system. We congratulate the Government on this step.In the years ahead, it's importantthat the Commonwealth, States and Territories, and other key health stakeholders get that national agreement right. As a first principle, we must be cognisant of shifting clinical practices…

  • Federal Election, Medical Health Aged Care
  • 06/02/2025
  • 12:53
Palliative Care Australia

Australians are making a noise about better access to palliative care

Australians are responding to the call for ‘better access to palliative care’ with thousands of people joining Jean Kittson to “make some noise.” Well…

  • Contains:
  • Education Training, Government Federal
  • 06/02/2025
  • 08:18
Parliament of Australia

From Classroom to Community: Strengthening civics education

Recommendations for strengthened and standardised civics education for Australian students have been made by theJoint Standing Committee on Electoral Mattersin its report,From Classroom to Community: Civics education and political participation in Australia. CommitteeChair,Senator the Hon Carol Brown said ‘Australia’s system of compulsory voting means that all Australians need to be informed to participate in our democracy and elections. This is particularly important at a time where democracies around the world, including Australia, are facing rising disengagement, distrust, and misinformation and disinformation in a complex online information environment. ‘The Committee heard clear evidence that the quality of formal civics education varies…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.