Who is the 2022 Person of the Year? (15 Dec 22)
Article summary: Crikey's review of 2022 focuses on those who have had a significant positive impact amidst often turbulent political and social landscapes. Noteworthy among them are the "teal independents," a group that includes Kylea Tink, Kate Chaney, Monique Ryan, Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender, Zoe Daniel, and Dai Le. This movement has dramatically reshaped Australian politics by challenging the major parties and shifting the focus to issues like integrity and climate change.
Curtin MP Kate Chaney, in particular, represents a pivotal figure in this shift. Her involvement and success in the 2022 elections exemplify how local independents can significantly influence the traditional political stronghold, primarily disrupting the Liberal Party's core voter base. Chaney's election is part of a broader trend initiated by figures such as Kerryn Phelps and Zali Steggall in 2018 and 2019, which saw independents gain ground by appealing directly to community-level concerns and priorities.
This movement, which Chaney is a significant part of, signals a shift towards greater accountability and environmental action in Australian politics, resonating with voters' desires for change at the grassroots level. The 2022 election outcomes, driven by these independents, indicate a potential transformation in how politics is conducted in Australia, highlighting a growing public demand for politicians who prioritize long-term societal and environmental wellbeing over traditional party lines.
Chaney's role in this transformation underscores the increasing importance of independent candidates in national politics, capable of introducing new dynamics and considerations into a previously predictable political arena. Her success and that of her peers suggest a future where policy and representation might lean more towards direct public engagement and responsiveness, setting a new standard for political conduct in Australia.
