Are you local to Wannon?

I was born in Warrnambool in 1988, and attended Warrnambool Primary School (“Jamo”) and Warrnambool College from prep through to year twelve. I relocated to Melbourne for university, then Sydney for work, but have moved back to Warrnambool for the duration of the 2022 election campaign. I will stay in Wannon permanently if I'm elected as your representative.




What do you stand for?

My key policy issues are:

• Integrity and honesty in government
• Urgent action on climate change
• Prioritising health and housing
• Connecting our region through improved roads, rail and communications

These priorities have been developed through extensive consultation with the people of Wannon. You can read them here.




Why should I vote for you?

As a traditionally "safe" seat, Wannon has missed out on its fair share of Federal government funding. Over the last three years, Wannon has received $6.9 million in funding, yet neighbouring Corangamite (a marginal seat) has received $55 million (details here). If I am elected, I will ensure that Wannon gets the funding and respect we deserve.

As an Independent, I can advocate for the community of Wannon in Canberra without being compromised by party politics. An Independent is a representative of the community completely unaligned to any political party. They listen to the needs and values of the community, and put them first. Based on these needs and values, an Independent makes up their own mind on every vote in Parliament, rather than following directions determined by backroom deals. 


 

Can you win?

It is a big task, but the numbers show that we can actually win! I received more than 10% of the vote in 2019, with a campaign that was thrown together at the last minute. This time, there's a much bigger groundswell of people who support electing an Independent here in Wannon. If this translates into 25% of the primary vote, I'll be in with a very good chance of winning.




How will you allocate your preferences?

I am asking my supporters to Vote 1 Alex Dyson at the federal election, and then number the rest of their ballot boxes according to their own values. 

I believe the voters of Wannon are smart enough to choose their own preferences. I will not be doing preference deals with any parties. I am a true Independent.




Who is funding your campaign?

Our grassroots, volunteer-run campaign does not have the big budget of the major (or even minor!) political parties. It is funded by small donations from more than 300 private donors — donations that range all the way from $5 to $1,000. They come from farmers, students, doctors, teachers — people from all walks of life, who believe in this campaign enough to support it with their own money. Personally, I have contributed $45,000. Every donation goes to the cost of running the campaign. We're so grateful to every single person who has made a donation; it is truly humbling, and we are working hard to ensure your money is used efficiently and effectively.

After announcing myself as an Independent candidate, and after demonstrating that ours was a campaign willing to prioritise parliamentary integrity, climate action, and respect for women, I was fortunate to receive a $20,000 donation from Climate 200, with another $40,000 pledged based on our huge volunteer and newsletter subscriber count. 

All donations comply with the Australian Electoral Commission rules for political donations, and will be disclosed per AEC guidelines once the 30-day period after Election Day has elapsed. 





Who would you support to form government?

In the event of a hung parliament, I will support the party that is best able to deliver on the priorities of the Wannon community. My vote will always be independent, informed by the views and values of the people of Wannon.




What can I do to help you win?

If you're inspired by our Independent campaign, there are lots of ways you can help: 

* Convince your friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues — everyone! — to Vote 1 Alex Dyson. These personal conversations are by far the best way of persuading people.

* Buy a campaign T-shirt, and wear it proudly when you're out and about.

* Write a letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your support.

* Display a yard sign showing your support.

* Do a leaflet drop of your neighbourhood. The campaign's volunteer coordinators will provide everything you need — just email the campaign at dyson4wannon@gmail.com

* Most importantly, Vote 1 Alex Dyson on May 21!