Independent MP Nicolette Boele, who narrowly won the Bradfield seat by 26 votes over the Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian, delivered her first speech in parliament on Monday. She expressed concern about Australia’s political future, highlighting a shift toward a more decentralised, people-focused democracy instead of a party-centred system.
Boele emphasized that many Australians believe politicians struggle to address long-term, complex problems. She pointed out issues such as regulating online media, tackling climate change, controlling gambling, and improving housing affordability. According to her, these problems remain largely unaddressed because parliament lacks the necessary ambition to create meaningful change.
She contrasted the current lack of action with past successful reforms like gun law changes and the introduction of Medicare. Boele suggested that unlike these historic reforms, today’s parliament is not bold enough to take on the pressing challenges that Australians face.
The new MP’s speech signals a call for more courage and urgency in parliament to deal with critical social and economic issues that affect citizens’ daily lives. Her focus on a people-centred approach aims to make the political system more responsive and less driven by party politics.
Boele’s narrow election win shows the changing political landscape in Bradfield and reflects a growing demand for fresh voices and new approaches in government. Her first speech sets the tone for her term, pushing for a more ambitious and effective parliament that listens to the people.
