Christina Zigouras & Voices of Malvern - Campaign Diary

Week 6 of the campaign, and we're roughly halfway through!  

I'm having more and more conversations with voters, which is fantastic. 

We're building up our volunteer base and getting more corflutes out across Malvern – just what we need!

We've been out on the streets every day. The key message we've heard from our conversations this week? "Good on you for running!" 

The Liberals like to think they've got Malvern sewn up. And yes, we’re the underdogs, but it's not for lack of appetite from voters and we know that with your help WE CAN WIN MALVERN. 

Almost every conversation – and I'm talking 98% – is with people who are genuinely open to an independent. They're absolutely sick of the major parties, and many don't want to vote Liberal. 

Where are the independents in the media?  

While Jess Wilson and One Nation are getting their fair share of media coverage, independent campaigns are bemoaning the lack of coverage given to independent candidates. Meanwhile, Amelia Hamer has had little to say about what she'll do for Malvern. 

So what did I do? I called straight through to the ABC switchboard to get onto Raf Epstein's program and raise awareness of the independent movement. 

In particular, I spoke about how I'm running to represent Malvern, while the Liberals' policies appear to be all about chasing the outer-suburban vote. I cited the proposal to use taxpayer money to subsidise tolls, which will do nothing for voters in our electorate. 

Who will the Liberals govern with? One Nation or independents?  

My opinion is that the Liberals will not win a majority government. 

What this means is that they may need the support of either One Nation – a party backed by a billionaire, capitalising on people doing it tough, and offering no credible policies to fix the problems we face – or independents: individuals elected by voters who, on the whole, believe in evidence, long-term policymaking and dealing with real issues, rather than fighting with the other side for the sake of it. 

This week, Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson spoke on ABC Radio Melbourne. She would not give a straight answer on whether she would form a coalition with One Nation. 

To me, no answer is an answer. I fear that, without enough independents elected to hold the balance of power, the Liberals could rely on One Nation to form government. We'd then risk seeing climate action undermined, reproductive freedoms threatened and populist policies that do nothing to address Victoria's real problems. 

Make sure to follow on social: 

Instagram: Christina 4 Malvern 
Facebook: Christina for Malvern 
LinkedIn: Christina Zigouras 

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for your ongoing support! 

Christina Zigouras