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  4. Is Deb a "Teal"?
Who is Deb? Why is Deb running? Why vote for Deb? Why vote independent? What can Independents do? How are Deb's policies formed? Who will Deb give her preferences to? What will Deb do in a hung parliament? How is the campaign funded? Does Deb receive funding from Simon Holmes a Court? Is Deb a "Teal"?

Is Deb a "Teal"?

Answer
I am an independent. That means I don't answer to a major party, just to the local community here in Monash.

'Teals' is just a term media have invented. A shorthand to group everyone together who isn't in a party. That's fine, but it's a bit silly. Some independents are from the city, some like me are from the regions. We all have different communities, and don't vote the same way.

Independent MPs across Australia are already delivering remarkable results for their communities - Helen Haines securing $90 million for road upgrades and pothole fixes, Zali Steggall securing $133m grants for community clubs and recreation, and Monique Ryan helping wipe $3 billion in student debt. They're effective because they work for their communities, not party headquarters.

While I admire what these independents have achieved, my campaign is uniquely focused on Monash's specific needs. I'm not bound by any group's agenda or color scheme - I'm here to fight for better healthcare, road funding, renewable energy jobs, and cost of living relief in our region.

What Monash needs isn't a label, but a representative who answers only to the people who live here.