Agricultural scientist Kate Lockhart has been endorsed as the Voices of Corangamite Community Independent candidate for the Corangamite electorate, covering the Bellarine, Surf Coast, and Geelong, in this autumn’s federal election.
A long-time advocate for better services and infrastructure, Kate has been deeply involved in local community groups. Now, she is ready to take that commitment to Canberra as Corangamite’s next representative in Parliament.
“The Community Independents movement is about real action – on climate, gender equity, integrity, and transparency. These are the values I have dedicated my life to,” Kate said.
As Queensland and New South Wales families, businesses, communities and wildlife reel from the damage caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we are confronted with a stark reality: climate change isn’t a distant threat – it is affecting us now.
“From bushfires, droughts to floods, natural disasters everywhere are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more devastating. With Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred declared by the Insurance Council or Australia as an insurance catastrophe, the economic toll is expected be in the order of billions of dollars. The true cost goes beyond numbers and will continue to affect the lives and livelihoods of many for years to come. We know that all of us will feel it when our next insurance bill arrives, the cost of food climbs due to losses, and inflation begins to march upwards again.”
“Climate change is the greatest existential threat of our time. It is not a problem for our children to fix. We must bravely discuss the impact our use of fossil fuels is having on all of us, right now, and make decisions that enable our children and grandchildren to inherit a liveable planet.”
“Our window to act is closing fast, but there is still time if we take bold and necessary action. The time for half-measures is over. We cannot rely solely on solutions that won’t be ready for decades, like harmful nuclear energy. The moment to lead is now, and I am committed to being part of a dedicated group of parliamentarians driving that change.”
Gender equity
Kate is equally passionate about driving change in the area of gender – frequently leading community grant applications and implementing projects that create opportunities for women and girls. She recently completed a 12-month fellowship on women in leadership and local governance and is ready to apply her expertise and life experience in Parliament.
On 5 March, Kate co-hosted an episode of The Sustainable Hour on 94.7 The Pulse, featuring passionate discussions and music celebrating International Women’s Day. The episode explored the connections between women, climate action, leadership, and the push for meaningful change.
The show also featured Emilie Flynn who is running as a Greens candidate in the Corio electorate and who shares Kate’s concerns about Australia’s role in the climate breakdown the world is now witnessing.
A stronger voice
The Australian ‘Voices-of’ movement is challenging the two-party system, aiming to give voters more choice and a stronger voice in how they are represented. Corangamite has flip-flopped between Liberal and Labor in recent elections, yet locals have seen little real difference in how they are treated.
“It’s time for change,” said Kate, who encourages community members in the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, and Geelong to step up and support what she describes as “local, inclusive, community-based politics built on honesty and integrity.”
“Best-case scenario? We win and hold a crucial crossbench seat in a minority government, giving our community real influence. Worst-case scenario? We send a message that locals won’t be taken for granted and shake up the two-party stranglehold on the Bellarine and Surf Coast.”
“Researchers will tell you that it is cost of living that is on top of voters’ minds. True, but it was issues of environment, integrity, and equity that swung votes at the last election, and those issues have only become even more important for us to deal with in today’s world.”
Kate will be attending several community events in the coming days, meeting residents and discussing key issues:
- Kate Lockhart and the Voices of Corangamite group will be meeting face-to-face on Friday 14 March 2025 at 5:30pm at The Dill, (5/62 The Terrace), in Ocean Grove. RSVP with an email here.
Kate will also be attending the following events in the next days:
- Monica Hayes Award for North Bellarine women at Scotchmans Hill today Thursday 6 March at 2:30pm-4:30pm
- St Leonards Community Care at St Leonards Memorial Hall on Friday 7 March at 10am.
- Bellarine Agricultural Show on Sunday 9 March.
→ Kate’s election campaign website is: www.katelockhart.au
Help share the news about Kate Lockhart’s campaign in social media:
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Media coverage
→ Geelong Advertiser on page 15 – Thursday 6 March 2025:
New hat in Corangamite ring
“Scientist is Voices’ pick in bid to topple Coker in key seat”
→ Geelong Independent on page 6 – Friday 7 March 2025:
Teal candidate for Corangamite
“Geelong will have its own Voices Independent candidate in the upcoming federal election.”
Get involvedWith an election imminent, this moment reinforces why a strong, solutions-focused crossbench is more important than ever. As we face the impacts of climate change, the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical instability, we need leaders who will deliver smart solutions for the Australian people – not prioritise party or vested interests.With an election imminent, every Community Independent campaign will need all hands on deck. If you can help, now is the time to step up. Here’s how you can support them:  Spread the word – talk to friends and family about why this matters Share their social media posts and updates Volunteer your time – every conversation makes a difference Donate – campaigns need resources to take on the major parties→ If you don’t live in Corangamite, click here to find your closest Community Independent campaign and get involved today. |
Community Independent movement:
‘A tipping point has been reached’
Simon Holmes a Court from Climate 200 wrote in a newsletter on 5 March 2025:
“3,367 people have donated $1.12 million in just over a week to help pro-climate independents secure advertising space ahead of the election.
And it’s sent Liberal Party HQ into full-blown damage control, trying to walk back their candidates’ climate-wreaking comments – because they know it will cost them votes and seats.
Climate change is on the agenda this election, and the major parties need to get clear on where they stand.
The Coalition thought they could get away with sweeping the true carbon impact of their nuclear plan under the rug. Andrew Constance thought he could let slip that the Coalition was abandoning Paris Agreement climate commitments. Jane Hume thought she could threaten to sack Matt Kean and scrap the Climate Change Authority.
An editorial in the SMH on Thursday summed it up. “…the Liberals have been convinced that climate change will not be a factor for voters in this election. The fact Climate 200 raised $953,000 from 3057 donors via an email campaign after one comment made by a single candidate, no matter his profile, would suggest otherwise.”
A senior NSW Liberal source also told them: “If Peter Dutton is unable to form government, then Andrew Constance, Ted O’Brien and Jane Hume can take personal responsibility.”
Now the Coalition are scrambling — backtracking, trying to contain the damage. But you and I both know the truth: meaningful climate targets are pure fantasy under the Coalition’s nuclear plan.”
Kate Lockhart and Voices of Corangamite have neither applied for nor received any funding from Climate 200.
“Teals have become a unique force in federal politics”
Excerpts from the article by Niki Savva: ‘Teals key in sink or swim election’ in The Age on 4 March 2025:
Successive polls show that faced with a choice between Labor and the Coalition, roughly one third of voters say neither.
Australians seem unfazed by the prospect of the community independents – known collectively as the teals – holding the balance of power in a hung parliament. Except for that special breed hungering for a Trump Down Under.
People alarmed by Trump are having second thoughts about voting for Dutton. For some, even the Liberals’ campaign slogan – “Let’s Get Australia Back on Track” – sounds too much like Trump’s “Make America Great Again”.
A unique force
Thanks to their shared values and characteristics, the teals have become a unique force in federal politics. While they do not always agree, they do caucus. They share accommodation, they have forged close bonds. They are smart, confident, articulate, occasionally intense, and accomplished. They are committed. Also, very competitive.
Even their friends describe them as alpha females. That is true. It is part of their charm. Funny, often with an edge, they love politics and parliament and have a deep appreciation of what they can achieve. If they have the numbers.
The teals are not Greens. Nor are they Labor and nor are they Liberals, except for a couple in an ancestral way. They are not beholden to billionaires, and it is an insult to their intelligence to suggest they are. Simon Holmes à Court, their fundraiser, is not Clive Palmer. Nor is he Gina Rinehart.
Nor are they beholden to party machines, factions, unions or particular news outlets. They don’t resort to robo-speak because they aren’t following the talking points issued by central command.
They take their responsibilities seriously. They are working on policies, and they are consulting widely, including constitutional lawyers, on their obligations in a minority government.
There is unlikely to be a unanimous position on who they will support if neither party wins a majority. Some will go with the party with the most seats, but there is no law that they must. Others will support the party which best aligns with the ethos of their electorates.
They do not have to “sign a contract” with either side or enter into a de facto marriage. Even if they did and agreed to ensure supply, they cannot be compelled to deliver – except by public opinion. Their support will likely be won or lost depending on the issue. It will make life interesting for incumbents.
I’m calling for legislated Climate Risk & Adaptation Plans to build resilience & lower costs. Governments must protect Australians from escalating disasters—not leave them to face financial ruin. It’s time to commit to real climate resilience. www.zalisteggall.com.au/national_fra…
— Zali Steggall (@zalisteggall.bsky.social) March 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
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→ ABC News – 4 March 2025:
Housing, cost of living and climate change top list of what concerns voters most in Your Say
“Changing climate still front of mind.”