The two first-time independent contenders who stood for Wannon this time around helped to enrich discussions about the future of Wannon over the course of the election campaign.
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Michael McCluskey, a vet who came to the table advocating independent thinking and more science-based approaches in politics, gained more than four per cent of the vote.
Mr McCluskey said he was glad he had the opportunity to put some different ideas forward, and said he hoped he would inspire more people to put their hand up for the seat.
“I think the more independence of thought and different perspectives we get in there, the better it is for the political debate and the better it is for voters to have a good range of people to pick from,” he said.
Mr McCluskey said he would consider standing for the seat again
In the face of the prospect of a hung parliament, Mr McCluskey said it pointed to the problem with big party politics that does not facilitate independent thinking.
“The concern that one or two people will have power wouldn’t happen if more of the party-aligned people actually voted according to what they believe rather than toeing the party line,' he said.
Mr McCluskey congratulated Mr Tehan on his victory, and said he was disappointed to hear Labor candidate Michael Barling would not run again.
“I think he was a genuine candidate that had the community at heart,” he said.
Bernardine Atkinson, a writer and academic from Lake Bolac, said she was pleased with her result, gaining more than three per cent of the vote.
Dr Atkinson said she viewed the result as a good start to her political career, rather than an end.
She said she would try again at the next federal election, with a focus on issues including decentralisation and essential service provision.
“I would like to stand again because it is incumbent upon those who can identify problems to help solve them and I cannot bear to see both major parties continue down the track of destroying all that made Australia different, free, happy and prosperous,” Dr Atkinson said.
“I hope next time I can win the hearts and minds of all of Wannon so these good ideas become our political reality.”
Dr Atkinson said she would continue to voice her opinions and engage with the community.
