I joined the Liberal Party when it was liberal. After Malcolm Fraser lost the 1983 election, the head office of the Victorian Division was dominated by a few men with strong business interests and a conviction that government should not interfere with the way business operates. Social issues did not seem to be important.

The Faceless Men in the Liberal Party in Victoria reduced the interest of constituents in joining Liberal Party branches and hence they could have supporters in those branches who could preselect candidates of which the Faceless Men approved. Similar problems arose in other states and the Liberal Party lost the trust of the majority of Australians.

It is in these circumstances that intelligent and caring Independent candidates can win electorates formerly held by the Liberal Party. Instead of doing what Head Office tells them to do, genuine candidates who are integrated into their electorate and are able to convey grassroots opinion on vital issues to Parliament  actually represent their constituents.

Zoe Daniel, as member for Goldstein, has demonstrated how effectively this essential aspect of democracy can work. Zoe has been in constant contact with constituents and listens to them. They know their opinions are expressed in debates in Parliament and outside. Mercifully, several other Independents with liberal principles have been elected in seats that have been held by the Liberal Party and are communicating with their constituents and representing them in Parliament as is expected in a democracy.

Independents of Zoe’s quality are crucial to the return of voters’ trust in politics. As many other Independents are also embracing the range of ideas and concerns of voters that Zoe is, we can return to honest politics and the implementation of programs that are essential to our future economic and social prosperity. And also to our foreign policy.

There are several other Independent members who are extending constituent support and are likely to be re-elected. Interestingly, they are overwhelmingly women. This is vital to the deepening of our society and our democracy.

If more progressive independents are elected in the next election in both chambers, I am sure the quality of public debate will return and the government of the day will be obliged to listen because it is probable that Independents will hold the balance of power and play a key role in ensuring that Australians are listened to. This will be a huge step forward, provided the quality and integrity of the Independents remains as it is now. Our democracy could function wonderfully if this process extends for several years. As that evolves, it is possible that a party of genuine liberal values could emerge again. Tragically when Fraser died, he was about to form a Reform Party that had the support of many progressive citizens. But without his initial leadership, the Party could not gain sufficient prominent support to obtain funding to help it extend its influence.

I regard Zoe to be a gem and will help her in any way I can. Vida Goldstein would be thrilled to know that Zoe represents the electorate named after her. As the person who had the privilege of being the first member for Goldstein, I am delighted that a person of Zoe’s quality and integrity is now its member. I wish Zoe another successful term in this role.

And I also hope that the other progressive Independents will be re-elected and that other candidates with similar views will be elected to replace current members who do what Head Office says, instead of listening to their constituents.