VOICES of Bradfield, one of dozens of “Voices” community groups across the country, has been listening to the electorate. Their report “Bradfield Speaks” has just been released and outlines what the people of Bradfield want, their concerns, values and aspirations for the future.

Dr Samantha Graham, founding President of the group, says 

“it’s been an extraordinary journey building a community of over 1000 supporters within a year and creating channels to really listen. Our survey ran for 7 months and attracted responses from all sides of politics. 

Survey highlights show residents’ top concerns by rank were climate policy, integrity, Covid management, and inequality. More than 88% of respondents (including a majority of Liberal voters) desire stronger action on these and other issues, including restoring university and arts industry funding. 89% were seriously concerned about pork barrelling (including 71% of Liberal voters)”

Unlike many other “Voices of” groups, this one decided from the very start that it would seek a highly qualified candidate to run in the 2022 election. On January 5th, Members voted unanimously to endorse Nicolette Boele as their candidate following a rigorous selection process. Resident of Bradfield for 41 of her 51 years, she is highly qualified with years of professional experience in capital markets, clean energy and climate policy. Her campaign vehicle works collaboratively with Voices of Bradfield, by design, modelling the kind of behaviour we’d like to see in Canberra.

When asked why Voices of Bradfield was started, Samantha said: “The Executive Committee, a group of 7 highly concerned parents and grandparents, working professionals and retirees, had watched in awe at the Federal Government’s inept mishandling of the covid crisis and wilful mishandling of the climate crisis. We could watch no longer. Neither party is any better, the democratic system needs repairing and only the Independents, by virtue of their independence, can bring that to bear. Each of us felt  compelled to act.”

The Bradfield Speaks survey report launched Saturday April 30th and is available for download from www.voicesofbradfield.org.