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 addressed,” 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 people 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,” said Smith. “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.”
Mornington Community Support Centre committee president Lyn Johnson shared the announcement of Mr Smith’s candidacy with centre staff and volunteers, saying “The committee has greatly valued Ben’s strong leadership of the centre through a period of significant growth and we are committed to fulfilling our obligations to him as an employee, to our broader staff and volunteer team and first and foremost, to the community we serve every day.”
Johnson said the MCSC management committee had granted Smith’s request for leave from the date the election is announced, and to provide access to flexible working hours as required until then. “To ensure we remain neutral, we’ve worked with Ben to put provisions in place to ensure there will be no campaign discussions or materials at the centre, or as part of any of Ben’s duties as CEO.” Johnson added it would be business as usual for the centre’s dedicated staff and volunteers in the lead up to Christmas, and said it would not be making any further statements on Smith’s candidacy.
An enthusiastic crowd of more than two hundred supporters and interested onlookers attended Smith’s campaign launch at Alexandra Park in Mornington on Saturday 7 December. Smith was introduced by Maya Kuc, his niece, peninsula resident Gemma Bell, as well as Pam Pitt from Independent 4 Flinders. The keynote address was delivered by peninsula resident and anti-gambling advertising advocate Tim Costello.
First published in the Mornington News – 10 December 2024
