Former local council member and teacher Janine Kitson has announced she will be contesting the seat of Bradfield as an independent in the next Federal Election. 

Kitson launched her campaign at Roseville Cinema on May 5 after a screening of local filmmaker Kathy Drayton’s documentary The Weather Diaries. 

The documentary explores how climate change has mentally impacted younger generations, following the filmmaker’s daughter as she grows up over the course of six years. This focus on climate is why Janine selected the film for her campaign launch. 

Climate change is a major issue for Kitson. Her campaign material prominently states: “Climate change is the No.1 issue of our time”. 

She was supported at the event by prominent Bradfield climate and biodiversity experts, as well as more than 80 locals who attended the screening. 

Ian Dunlop, Director of Breakthrough, the National Centre for Climate Restoration and former Chair of the Australian Coal Association, said: “Action on climate change must be the government's No.1 priority”.

Another local, Nancy Pallin, Chair of Ku-ring-gai Bat Conservation Society added: “Climate change and biodiversity extinction are one of the same crisis.”

Kitson faces a steep challenge to unseat incumbent Paul Fletcher, who has served as the member for Bradfield since 2009. Bradfield is considered one of the safest seats in the country, having gone to the Liberal Party in every election since it was created in 1949.