Federal Independent Member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel has launched her campaign to be re-elected in front of an energetic crowd of more than 1,000 supporters at the Kingston City Hall in Moorabbin.
The audience cheered throughout Ms Daniel’s speech which went to the heart of what it means to be a community-backed independent.
“It is up to each of us to decide what kind of world we want to live in. What type of future we want for ourselves, our families, and our loved ones.
What kind of community we want to be part of. If you share my vision of a stronger, fairer, braver, smarter Goldstein then you can make that happen.
But we have to fight for it, and that fight is well and truly on,” Ms Daniel said.
Ms Daniel told the crowd that because of persistent advocacy Goldstein now has:
- An In-Home program for eating disorders in southeast Melbourne.
- An MRI licence at Sandringham Hospital, paving the way for bulk-billed scans.
- More bulk billing at GP clinics.
- A proposed Urgent Care Clinic, to take the pressure off hospital emergency departments.
- A big injection of funding into home-based aged care.
- And roughly $200m of grant funding has flowed into Goldstein since the 2022 election through the appropriate channels.
“If you again show the courage, bravery and foresight you did three years ago when you did me the honour of electing me as the first woman to hold the seat of Goldstein named after that Australian pioneer of women’s rights Vida Goldstein - we can build on what we have achieved in those three, short years,” Ms Daniel said.
“Together, our independence can be the difference.”
Ms Daniel also outlined her priorities, should she be re-elected. They include a full tax review, a pathway, to low, flat fee childcare for every family, a full commitment to the renewable energy transition and cohesive climate policy, a national housing accord that brings together federal, state and local governments, unions, banks, industry and civil society to address the housing crisis, a duty of care for social media companies to make them take responsibility for their platforms and no more gambling ads.
“If you do see fit to elect me and it comes to a negotiation the major parties will know where I stand. I will speak to both leaders should they wish to have that conversation. And I will apply the values and qualities that caused you to elect me to any decision I make for us, and the country,” Ms Daniel said.
“A balanced federal parliament wouldn’t just be a political shift—it would be a declaration that the Australian electorate is done for good with the broken cycle of partisan gridlock.
“The crossbench is the literal and figurative backbone of the House.
“And you, Goldstein, are the brave backbone of the nation. With your brains, your heart, and your courage. Today, is the day we win.”
Video grabs available here Zoe Daniel Launch Grabs Only on Vimeo
Video B-Roll here Zoe Daniel Launch B-roll Only on Vimeo
ENDS
Contact details:
Angela Pippos - 0417 298 742
angela.pippos@aph.gov.au
