BEN Smith has been named as the “Independent 4 Flinders” candidate for the upcoming federal election.
Smith, of Cape Schanck, is a small business owner, and has been the CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre since 2022.
He was also awarded the 2024 Victorian Father of the Year award in August, being honoured for his “community advocacy and deep love for his family”.
“The Peninsula community has been taken for granted by the major parties for far too long,” said Smith.
“It is time to send an independent to Canberra to fight for the services and infrastructure we need.”
Smith told The News his decision to run was motivated by the deep needs he sees in the community.
“Everywhere I go, and everywhere I interact with people, I see needs not being addresses,” said Smith.
“It is obvious that the current system is failing us, and I am the kind of person that likes to find solutions.”
Mornington Community Support Centre provides support for locals experiencing personal or financial difficulties. As CEO, Smith has seen first-hand the challenges facing people on the peninsula, and encouraged hundreds of locals to volunteer their time to assist those in need.
“In family we rely on each other and I believe that community is no different”, he says.
“That’s the approach I bring to my work at the Mornington Community Support Centre. To be involved and create a space where people feel supported and valued.
“This is the same approach I will bring as our representative in the federal parliament.
“I will be advocating for better health services, better roads and cost of living relief for the peninsula. We’re tired of not being recognised as a genuine community by the two major parties.
“We may be in sight of Melbourne, but as far as Canberra is concerned we are invisible.
“For example, the Flinders community was shortchanged by the Morrison government receiving federal community grants worth $12.7m, less than half as much as the average for Liberal-held marginal seats. It’s time for change.”
Smith’s campaign will be officially launched at Alexandra Park Pavilion, 275 Main Street, Mornington, on Saturday 7 December from 4pm – 5pm.
People wishing to attend can obtain a ticket at: events.humanitix.com/flinders-candidate-launch
