The tides are turning, and people are calling out for change.
We have the opportunity to bring about some real and positive action for the Monash electorate.
Let's build a better future.
We have the opportunity to bring about some real and positive action for the Monash electorate.
Let's build a better future.
Deb Leonard, Community Independent Candidate for Monash
2022 Federal Election Round Up…
I am absolutely humbled and blown away by the outpouring of support from the Monash community throughout this campaign. Since the outset, hundreds, possibly thousands of people have come up to me, messaged me or emailed me to say thank you for running, thank you for giving us someone to vote for, thank you for standing up for our community.
Numerous people approached me at pre-polling and on Election day to express their appreciation for giving them another choice. They have thanked me for listening. They have expressed their appreciation for a candidate that forms policies based on what is important to their community.
While it was my name on the ballot paper, this campaign has never been about me – this is the campaign of the Monash community. The Monash community is so powerful, and together we have shown how much we can achieve.
The Monash electorate is now in the “highly marginal” category. Saturday’s election resulted in a massive swing of 4.15% away from the Liberal party in Monash. The incumbent’s primary vote reduced by a huge 8.2%. Not only that, but there was also a swing against Labor of 4.27%. This tells me that people are disillusioned with the 2 major parties, and are realising that they have an alternative.
Over 10,000 people across the electorate voted differently this election – they voted for someone with no party, no political brand, just a willingness to listen and represent our community values.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every voter for standing up to the big parties to demand better.
To achieve almost 11% of the vote, starting from scratch less than 4 months ago is nothing short of amazing. I am not big-noting myself - the credit goes to every single one of my volunteers and supporters – you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves. You have made a difference to democracy. Every bit of extra funding for health services, mental health support, infrastructure, roads, and community services that Monash now attracts can be attributable to you. Monash will not be ignored any longer.
Our current representatives, Local, State and Federal, should take notice that urgent action on climate change, integrity in government, gender equality, inclusivity, affordable housing and small business support is important to voters in Monash, and should respond accordingly.
I have learned so much. While it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done, I have genuinely enjoyed this experience. I have met people from all over our electorate, from so many different walks of life, and I have loved every minute of this.
I plan to keep in touch with all my volunteers – you have become my extended family. I treasure the many relationships that I have formed and I am eternally grateful for your support.
Through this campaign, I have taught my kids that winning doesn’t necessarily mean coming first. It means throwing your hat in the ring and giving it everything you’ve got. It means standing up for what you believe in. It means making your voice heard.
This election has given me hope for the future. I have hope that our leaders will listen, and do better.
Thank you’s – there are many.
Firstly, to my husband Tim. You have been so supportive from the very first minute. As you always have been throughout our relationship. There have been times when I have said “Why didn’t you talk me out of this crazy idea” and you reminded me why I am doing this, and also that you could never have talked me out of it anyway. You are my rock.
To my mum, who took on the role of Volunteer Manager, possibly not knowing that it would lead to spending 12+ hours a day coordinating over 150 people. I never knew that you were some sort of logistics and operations genius, I am sorry I underestimated you and thank you so much for your commitment.
To my Dad, for traveling thousands of kilometres across the electorate delivering signs, flyers and booth packs.
To my sister, Kate, for managing most of my social media and protecting me from the trolls.
To all of my campaign team – My campaign manager, Phil, who provided invaluable campaign experience and strategy.
To the rest of the team: Lauren, Adam, Melissa, Mark, Emily, Greg, Alicia, Siobhan, Pat, Kristy, Nic, Mark, Bryony, Lily, Jeni and Amanda – I am so proud of what we achieved together, and so grateful for your guidance, generosity, time and support.
To the Voices for Monash group, and particularly the Leadership team – you had a vision for better representation and you fought for it. You all put in so much hard work to make this a reality before I even came on the scene. Thank you.
To all my volunteers – this success is your success. Each of you worked so hard, with passion, integrity and a smile. You are part of a movement that is changing the course of history. Congratulations and thank you.
To everyone who sent messages of support – your heartfelt messages have touched my heart and made me even more determined to do better next time.
You’ll be hearing from me again. We are not done yet.
But for now, I will get back to “real life” for a while with my family. Thank you once again for everything.
It has been an honour to be Your Community Voice.
Deb Leonard – Independent for Monash 2022
I am absolutely humbled and blown away by the outpouring of support from the Monash community throughout this campaign. Since the outset, hundreds, possibly thousands of people have come up to me, messaged me or emailed me to say thank you for running, thank you for giving us someone to vote for, thank you for standing up for our community.
Numerous people approached me at pre-polling and on Election day to express their appreciation for giving them another choice. They have thanked me for listening. They have expressed their appreciation for a candidate that forms policies based on what is important to their community.
While it was my name on the ballot paper, this campaign has never been about me – this is the campaign of the Monash community. The Monash community is so powerful, and together we have shown how much we can achieve.
The Monash electorate is now in the “highly marginal” category. Saturday’s election resulted in a massive swing of 4.15% away from the Liberal party in Monash. The incumbent’s primary vote reduced by a huge 8.2%. Not only that, but there was also a swing against Labor of 4.27%. This tells me that people are disillusioned with the 2 major parties, and are realising that they have an alternative.
Over 10,000 people across the electorate voted differently this election – they voted for someone with no party, no political brand, just a willingness to listen and represent our community values.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every voter for standing up to the big parties to demand better.
To achieve almost 11% of the vote, starting from scratch less than 4 months ago is nothing short of amazing. I am not big-noting myself - the credit goes to every single one of my volunteers and supporters – you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves. You have made a difference to democracy. Every bit of extra funding for health services, mental health support, infrastructure, roads, and community services that Monash now attracts can be attributable to you. Monash will not be ignored any longer.
Our current representatives, Local, State and Federal, should take notice that urgent action on climate change, integrity in government, gender equality, inclusivity, affordable housing and small business support is important to voters in Monash, and should respond accordingly.
I have learned so much. While it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done, I have genuinely enjoyed this experience. I have met people from all over our electorate, from so many different walks of life, and I have loved every minute of this.
I plan to keep in touch with all my volunteers – you have become my extended family. I treasure the many relationships that I have formed and I am eternally grateful for your support.
Through this campaign, I have taught my kids that winning doesn’t necessarily mean coming first. It means throwing your hat in the ring and giving it everything you’ve got. It means standing up for what you believe in. It means making your voice heard.
This election has given me hope for the future. I have hope that our leaders will listen, and do better.
Thank you’s – there are many.
Firstly, to my husband Tim. You have been so supportive from the very first minute. As you always have been throughout our relationship. There have been times when I have said “Why didn’t you talk me out of this crazy idea” and you reminded me why I am doing this, and also that you could never have talked me out of it anyway. You are my rock.
To my mum, who took on the role of Volunteer Manager, possibly not knowing that it would lead to spending 12+ hours a day coordinating over 150 people. I never knew that you were some sort of logistics and operations genius, I am sorry I underestimated you and thank you so much for your commitment.
To my Dad, for traveling thousands of kilometres across the electorate delivering signs, flyers and booth packs.
To my sister, Kate, for managing most of my social media and protecting me from the trolls.
To all of my campaign team – My campaign manager, Phil, who provided invaluable campaign experience and strategy.
To the rest of the team: Lauren, Adam, Melissa, Mark, Emily, Greg, Alicia, Siobhan, Pat, Kristy, Nic, Mark, Bryony, Lily, Jeni and Amanda – I am so proud of what we achieved together, and so grateful for your guidance, generosity, time and support.
To the Voices for Monash group, and particularly the Leadership team – you had a vision for better representation and you fought for it. You all put in so much hard work to make this a reality before I even came on the scene. Thank you.
To all my volunteers – this success is your success. Each of you worked so hard, with passion, integrity and a smile. You are part of a movement that is changing the course of history. Congratulations and thank you.
To everyone who sent messages of support – your heartfelt messages have touched my heart and made me even more determined to do better next time.
You’ll be hearing from me again. We are not done yet.
But for now, I will get back to “real life” for a while with my family. Thank you once again for everything.
It has been an honour to be Your Community Voice.
Deb Leonard – Independent for Monash 2022
Stay tuned for details on the next Federal election...
I would love your support, whether it is financial or in helping volunteer with a future campaign. If you are able to make a financial donation, please donate here! Even if it's only a small amount, every bit helps. We will ensure where possible, that campaign funds are spent supporting businesses in the Monash Electorate - putting funds back into the community!!
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