As I’ve said many times, I never expected to run for federal politics. It wasn’t something I had planned for, nor did I think I would be here today reflecting on an extraordinary campaign.
But the results in Berowra tell a very clear story: this seat is no longer the “very safe” Liberal stronghold it once was.
Quite a few people have asked me, “What’s next?” And the truth is, it’s hard to say. The next election is three years away, and a lot can change in that time. What I do know is this: Berowra is no longer a safe seat, and I’m proud to have played a part in shifting it to marginal. I believe this seat will change hands at the 2028 election.
Why do I believe this? When I look at the numbers, Labor had a swing of over 3% in first preferences, the Greens achieved a respectable 12%, and One Nation picked up about 4%. The other independent, Roger Woodward, running for his fourth time, only achieved 1%. But when I realised I had secured nearly 12% of the vote, I knew exactly where those votes had come from—the majority came straight from the Liberal base.
That shift reflects a deep undercurrent in our community. Many of us have grown tired of the complacency and the sense of entitlement. Perhaps we will no longer accept being overlooked for funding, infrastructure, and roads. Perhaps our voice is going to start being heard.
The successive decline in the Liberal incumbent’s vote now sees him at less than 42% of the primary vote, which tells me that much of this electorate is dissatisfied and ready for change. When Leeser first ran in 2016, his vote share was at 57%.
Running as a first-time independent candidate, without the backing of a party machine or a deep pool of campaign know-how, was far more challenging than I expected. Despite public opinion, securing funding was difficult.
Early on, I received an initial seed funding donation from Climate. However, my platform was a community-based campaign; and it was the community and their generosity making considerable donations that propped me up and allowed me to fight to the end. Once momentum began, and I became a real contender, Climate 200 made another small donation.
Aside from funding, the misogyny directed not only at me, but also at my volunteers and women from other parties during pre-poll was disgraceful. On many occasions my volunteers were told we weren’t “allowed” to say I was a woman running in this election. The situation escalated to such an extent that the AEC had to call police due to bullying and intimidation by the Liberals at the Cherrybrook pre-poll.
As the only woman candidate in this seat, I found the hostility, especially from someone claiming to represent the “moderate” Liberal camp, absolutely sickening. I stood on a platform of respect for women, something that remains an issue for the Liberal Party today.
It was an uphill battle from the start, and yet, the support I received daily from volunteers was nothing short of remarkable. I cannot overstate how much their belief, hard work, and determination meant to me. I’ve made lifelong friends, and I’m deeply grateful for each and every one of them.
Berowra is home to some truly exceptional people who are passionate, committed, and ready to roll up their sleeves for a better future. It was an absolute honour to meet so many of them throughout this campaign.
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Berowra has sent a message, loud and clear. This community is ready for a new chapter, and I’m proud to have helped start that conversation.
