Barbara Baikie was ‘born and bred’ in Wagga but now lives in Wallaroo on the eastern fringe of the new-look federal seat of Riverina. Photo: Chris Roe.
Community advocate Barbara Baikie (OAM) has put up her hand to run as an independent candidate for the federal seat of Riverina, declaring that after three decades of National Party dominance, “it’s time for a change”.
“I believe the two-party system hasn’t served us that well and I also believe very much in standing up for what you believe in,” Barbara said after announcing her campaign in Wagga.
“I know from personal experience that you get much better government when you have strong independents that make the government argue their case and prosecute it.
“I’m passionate about democracy and I think that it’s really important that we have a choice for people – particularly in Riverina.”
Born and bred in Wagga, Barbara grew up on the family farm at Wantabadgery and now lives with her husband Peter Fletcher in Wallaroo.
Their property lies just a short distance from the ACT border and, until recently, was part of Labor MP Kristy McBain’s seat of Eden-Monaro.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) confirmed new boundaries for federal electorates in NSW in October with the Riverina shifting geographically to the east.
Local government areas of Bland, Forbes and Parkes moved into the Parkes electorate while Riverina now includes the Snowy Valleys and Yass Valley local government areas and parts of the Upper Lachlan and Hume.
“It brings a new perspective to this electorate, and I feel like I’m familiar with that area, but I’m also familiar with this area in the larger Riverina because I spent a lot of my life here, and also my professional life here,” Barbara said.
As the first female manager of the Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre, a youth worker, child protection officer and an academic, Barbara said she had always been driven by her values.
In 2023 she received an OAM for service to women’s affairs and community.
“My values of integrity, respect, inclusivity and courage guide me,” Barbara said.
“Not only in my professional career, but I’ve been volunteering since I was a teenager and I will keep volunteering for a very long time, and this (political candidacy), means just another extension of service.”
Barbara pointed to key issues such as access to health services, digital connectivity, opportunities for youth and homelessness and housing, but said she would connect first-hand with voters as she developed her campaign.
“My husband and I have a caravan, and we’re going to travel around the electorate and go to every town and talk to the people and see what their concerns are and their needs and their wants,” she said.
“We want to get a true picture of what the electorate is. Not just the major towns like Wagga and Yass, but actually the small regional towns.
“I want to use my wisdom, knowledge and experience to do this and to learn from the people of Riverina to understand their priorities and the most pressing issues.
“I will be a truly independent candidate.”
Original Article published by Chris Roe on Region Riverina.
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