BUOYED by their results in May’s federal election, Independents for Mornington Peninsula, the community group that backed Ben Smith’s federal campaign, has formally launched its search for independent candidates for the 2026 Victorian state election.
Chair Phillip Riley said the group’s focus is on finding local leaders with integrity, who will fight for long-neglected services on the peninsula.
“For decades, the Mornington Peninsula has been treated as an afterthought by the major parties. Being in a safe seat means we are taken for granted” said Riley.
“Our roads, hospitals, community services and public transport are woefully underfunded. Residents see it every day: we are not getting our fair share.”
Riley said this state election is particularly important because many of the issues residents care about most – health services, rising homelessness, education, roads, climate action and cost-of-living pressures – are shaped at the state level.
The group pointed to the success of this year’s Flinders federal campaign, where the outcome stretched nearly two weeks beyond election day due to the closeness of the result.
The two-candidate-preferred count between Smith and incumbent Liberal Zoe McKenzie saw Flinders become a marginal seat with McKenzie holding a slender 2.3% margin.
“Ben Smith’s campaign showed what’s possible when the community stands up together. The election proved peninsula residents are willing to back independent candidates who will fight for them. Now we’re ready to carry that same momentum into the state arena,” said Riley.
“At the 2022 state election, Independent Kate Lardner came within 400 votes of winning the seat of Mornington. Peninsula residents are tired of political party in-fighting, and are increasingly backing Independent candidates seeking to put the community first.”
Independents for Mornington Peninsula said its candidate search process will include community outreach, open expressions of interest, and interviews by a selection panel made up of local residents. The group says it is looking for someone with strong local roots, integrity, and a commitment to the values that matter to peninsula communities.
“If you’re someone who cares deeply about the peninsula and wants to help shape its future, we’d encourage you to submit an expression of interest to become a state candidate. We want to hear from people who are ready to step up for their community.”
Expressions of interest to become the next independent state candidate on the Mornington Peninsula are open now and can be submitted at www.indiesformp.org.au.
First published in the Mornington News – 9 December 2025
