Independent ‘teal’ party Voices for Forrest hunting candidate to take on Nola Marino’s seat in 2025

A grassroots campaign is under way to field a candidate for Forrest in the next Federal election to claim the nominally safe seat set to be vacated by Liberal MP Nola Marino. Campaigners for Voices for Forrest, based in Margaret River, hope to seize on voter disquiet with the major parties as well as capitalise on the Liberal Party parachuting in a fresh candidate at the 2025 election. Inspired by the Simon Holmes a Court’s “teal” Climate 200 movement that saw Green-minded Liberal-type candidates seize seats across the country at the last turn, Voices for Forrest spokesperson Gita Sonnenberg said her group wanted a genuine community candidate to offer voters a better choice. “We are committed to finding people who have the skills, vision and dedication to create change,” she said. “As we speak with communities from all over the electorate of Forrest, the overwhelming sentiment is that politics as usual isn’t working and people are fed up with the major parties. “Locals are telling us they are ready for a different approach, they want a representative who looks after them and their concerns in Canberra, rather than just toeing the party line.” While Forrest has been held by the Liberal Party for all but three years since 1949, the teal movement, as well as vote preferences from minor parties, was seen as a prime opportunity to claim it, especially given the retirement of Ms Marino. The seat’s regional location also makes it a different beast to the six successful inner-city teal candidates in 2022. Voices for Forrest will instead be hoping to replicate Cathy McGowan’s 2013 success in the regional seat of Indi in Victoria’s north-east, a victory credited for sparking the teal independent movement. Ms Sonnenberg said her group believed they could make significant waves in this election. “We are in it to win and call forward exceptional local people committed to serving the interests of our community and advocating for positive change,” she said. “The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the issues facing the Forrest electorate, along with a track record of community involvement, leadership and local advocacy. “She or he is a good listener, collaborative and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of local residents.” Ms Sonnenberg said Voices for Forrest would continue engaging with communities across the South West after running a “democracy speed-dating” event last week.