The Community Independent Effect
With democracies in trouble around the world - have you ever wondered exactly how Australia's is faring? How much influence does big money buy? What's happening with our transparency laws? Our basic right to protest and our access to freedom of information? What influence has the 500% increase in lobbyist donations had on our elected leader's decision making - and most importantly - what is the solution?
Could the people-powered community independents movement that is counteracting undue influence, strengthening our democracy and transforming politics be the answer to our democracy woes?
We ask our questions and yours to special guests - The Honourable Anthony Whealy KC and Dr Sophie Scamps MP.
Hosted by Fraser Tustian for Voices of Berowra.
The Honourable Anthony Whealy KC has amongst many impressive achievements, worked as a Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW and of the Court of Criminal Appeal, worked as the Assistant Commissioner for NSW Law Reform Commission as well as the Assistant Commissioner of ICAC NSW, chaired Transparency International Australia and the COAG Committee on Counter Terrorism, and is the current Chair of both The Management Committee of the NSW Crime Commission and the Centre for Public Integrity.
Dr Sophie Scamps is the Independent Member for the Federal electorate of Mackellar. Sophie made history at the 2022 election by becoming the first Independent to win this Northern Beaches seat since it was first formed in 1949. She ran on a platform of climate action, integrity reform and strong economic management. Sophie studied Medicine at the University of Sydney and has a Masters degree with Honours from Oxford University and a Master of Public Health with the University of NSW. Prior to entering politics in 2022, Sophie served her community as a doctor in the Emergency Department of Mona Vale Hospital and practised as a GP in Narrabeen. In 2019 she founded Our Blue Dot, a community-led non-profit organisation that aims to reduce waste and emissions.