Federal election 2025: Teal MP Zoe Daniel vows to break 'partisan gridlock' in Goldstein race
Sensing changing political winds, Goldstein independent MP Zoe Daniel has declared herself an honest broker representing the interests of her electorate if parliament ends up in “political gridlock”.
“If you do see fit to elect me and it comes to a negotiation, the major parties will know where I stand,” the former journalist turned politician told an enthusiastic crowd of more than 1000 supporters on Sunday.
“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.”
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.With little separating the major political parties in the latest polls, Ms Daniel trumpeted her track record on health issues as an independent candidate who broke through to clinch the blue-ribbon seat, snatching it from the coalition at the 2022 election.
Climate 200 philanthropist Simon Holmes a Court - who has financially backed Ms Daniel and other candidates in Sydney - said a “profound shift” in the nation’s democracy was under way and independents had captured the hearts and minds of disaffected voters.
Ms Daniel noted her consistent advocacy had delivered more bulk billing at GP clinics and proposed bulk-billed scans at Sandringham hospital.
In her bid to retain the seat, she flagged the main themes of her previous candidacy and her crossbench colleagues in her speech - “climate, integrity and equality”.
She also promised to push for flat fees for child care to ease the cost-of-living squeeze for working families, prohibit gambling ads and make social media giants more responsible as corporate citizens.
“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,” she said.
“The crossbench is the literal and figurative backbone of the house.
“Together, our independence can be the difference.”
