ORANGE’S new Greens candidate Janelle Bicknell says voters’ disillusionment with the major political parties may be the key to winning a seat at next year’s state election.
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While it’s her first foray into politics Ms Bicknell, a registered nurse specialising in mental health for older people, said she was passionate about running a campaign based on “clean politics, clean water and clean air”.
Ms Bicknell said she’d had feedback from votes who had lost faith in the National Party, who have always had a strong following in the region.
“I’ve had people telling me the Nationals have turned their back on farmers and thrown their support behind the big mining companies,” she said.
“They’re telling me they’ll find it very difficult to vote for them in the next election.
“We [the Greens] are for the people.”
She said recent ICAC investigations had also made voters question both the National Party and the Labor Party’s ethics.
Ms Bicknell said while she worked full time, she would dedicate all of her spare time to campaigning for the Greens and would make a good representative for constituents in the region.
“As a nurse I’m empathetic and caring but I also think I’ll be a strong advocate,” she said.
“I think I’m in with a chance.”
Ms Bicknell, who is also the vice-president of the Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange, said a push towards “clean renewable energy” was a key part of her campaign.
“I would like to see the central west become a hub of renewable energy projects such as the proposed Flyers Creek wind farm and achieve water security for the region through viable options which preserve the unique features of our landscape,” Ms Bicknell said.
“The Greens will campaign to stop proposals to dam the Belubula River at Needles Gap, which would deny future generations the opportunity to enjoy the ecologically vulnerable wildlife and spectacular limestone formations at Cliefden Caves and the surrounding thermal springs.
“In addition to raising awareness for the plight of refugees, I have also worked for Mission Australia as a carer, improving the lives of socially and financially disadvantaged older people.
“Preserving the inherent dignity of all members of society motivates me to strive for an integrated community based on sustainability and equality.”
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
