By Parker McKenzie
Since the 2010 Federal election the Greens have won over 10 per cent of the primary vote in four successive elections in the Casey electorate.
Jenny Game is hoping to build upon that foundation when long term Liberal MP Tony Smith retires from politics and leaves a vacuum to be filled.
After winning 10.93 per cent of the primary vote at the 2019 federal election, the musician and academic has decided to again run as the Greens candidate for Casey.
Mrs Game said the party platform consists of action on climate action, creating jobs in renewable energy, creating affordable housing and integrity in politics.
“Our problem is that sometimes people don’t understand that their vote is powerful and if a small number of people change their votes it can change the balance of power at the next election,” she said.
“We can really pressure the Labor party in particular to do the right thing and to work to find a bigger target. When the Greens have the balance of power we can work towards making changes on the issues that matter.”
Being in position to influence the balance of power is a key election goal of the party, with federal Greens leader Adam Bandt highlighting it as a way to promote further action on climate change.
The Greens are advocating for a 75 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to a 43 per cent target set by the Labor party and a target of between 26 and 28 per cent by the Liberal party.
Mrs Game believes the Labor party has set a low climate emissions goal because the party is “terrified of being attacked by Scott Morrison and his marketing team.”
“They’ve done these scare campaigns where they say Labor is too radical and the biggest insult they’ve got for them is that a vote for Labor is a vote for the Greens.” she said.
The Liberal party has held Casey since 1984 and the incumbent MP Tony Smith won the 2019 federal election with a margin of 9.28 per cent over the Labor party.
With Mr Smith retiring, Mrs Game said she believes the people of Casey are looking for a candidate with integrity at the next federal election.
“Good representation in parliament is essential to democracy and we are the party of grassroots democratic participation.” Mrs Game said.
The Liberal party has named local businessman Aaron Violi as their candidate to replace Mr Smith, and local small business owner Bill Brindle is the Labor party candidate.
The 2022 federal election will be held on or before 21 May.
