One looks up to former prime minister John Howard and the other wants to be the next Cathy McGowan, but Indi’s elections candidates will be working to make a name for themselves over the next few months.
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Faced with a question about trust in politicians, Mr Martin acknowledged there was an issue in Canberra.
“People are looking for a higher standard of behaviour,” he said.
“It wasn’t so long ago, that our prime minister actually had the nickname ‘honest John’ and that’s an interesting reflection.
“People may not have liked him, they may not have agreed with him, but they actually felt like he would tell the truth.”
Mr Howard’s policies on gun control and the GST were not popular initially, but Mr Martin said he had left a legacy.
“I certainly look to him as a role model. Not only was he able to tell people what he really thought, but he was actually able to make some unpopular decisions that led to a lot of good for people,” he said.
“It is my commitment to be that person who will tell you genuinely what I think, being transparent and open.”
Dr Haines has won the endorsement of her fellow “orange independent” and regularly dropped Ms McGowan’s name during the forum.
She referred to some of the glowing commentary following the Indi MP’s decision to retire from politics.
“That is the path that has been set, that is the path I would follow to restore faith in democracy and the people of Indi,” Dr Haines said.
“It was our federal member for Indi that put the private members bill before Parliament to establish a federal ICAC.
“Restoring faith also means providing an alternative to the old business-as-usual, big-party politicians who look the same, speak the same and toe the party line.”
She also committed to continue Ms McGowan’s “signature” work to improve mobile phone reception for people living and working in the electorate.
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