By Marcus Uhe
Independent Candidate for Bass Jeni Jobe is hoping to capitalise on the groundswell of momentum generated by the ‘teal wave’ in May’s Federal Election when she contests the Victorian equivalent next month.
The graphic designer was inspired by the successes of Monique Ryan and Zoe Daniel, who both overthrew Liberal MPs in what were previously considered ‘safe’ Liberal strongholds of Kooyong and Goldstein, respectively.
“I think people’s understanding of what an independent candidate means, has changed,” Ms Jobe said.
“They’re (Daniel and Ryan) standing up well in their roles and proving they have something significant to offer.
“Labor has the majority government but they’re still working with the independents because they know they have to.”
Ms Jobe won’t be unfamiliar to Bass constituents, having contested the Island Ward for the Bass Coast Shire Council in 2020 with a focus on the environment and sustainability, including making Phillip Island carbon neutral by 2030.
Now, she’ll face competition from Aaron Brown (Liberals) and Brett Tassari (Nationals) as they attempt to unseat incumbent Labor MP Jordan Crugnale on 26 November.
“I had been looking for an independent candidate to support,” Ms Jobe said.
“People said ‘Why don’t you run?’ So I’ve taken it on-board.
“The environmental side shapes my political focus. I don’t think enough is being done from State or Federal level and the community is having to step-up more and more.”
With much of Bass falling in the Federal seat of Monash (previously McMillan), a Liberal stronghold since 2004 under Russell Broadbent, Ms Jobe said her community feels they have been neglected, not considered a priority compared to seats which could be swung on election day.
Chief among her primary concerns alongside the environmental issues include affordable rental prices in the region, needs-based infrastructure and healthcare, and accessing appropriate services.
Her graphic design employment has seen her work with a number of advocacy groups in the region such as Housing Matters Bass Coast and the Save Westernport Woodlands group and given her the opportunity to listen closely to their concerns, which she intends to take to parliament.
The self-described “introvert” said that contesting Bass was a big step for her but her desire to make a difference is driving her determination.
“The way an MP can serve their seat is connecting different groups within community and working together.
“I feel that if we just stick with major parties that make the same promises they don’t deliver and don’t act on, we won’t achieve anything.
“If I do manage to get elected and we still have majority government I won’t have a lot of leverage but at least I’ll be I the room talking about the seat of Bass.
“I can bring that knowledge to the party and advocate for more community support.”
