Teal Candidate Shima Ibuki Challenges Pesutto in Hawthorn

0:00A teal independent is shaking up Victoria's state election by targeting the super-tight Hawthorn seed against liberal leader John Pasuto. Borundara, Deputy Mayor Shima Ibuki just got the nod from voices for Hawthorn. She's switching sides after once donating to Pasuto's legal fund and plans to hit hard on climate action, housing costs, and safer streets. This comes right after the high court tossed out caps on political donations, scrapping limits like the $4,970 cap per cycle that levels the feel for outsiders, especially with polls showing 44% of voters eyeing independence, greens, or minors over labor and the coalition. Voters are fed up with labor at 27% primary support and coalition at 29. Pasuto barely held Hawthorn in 2022 with a 1.7% margin after losing it in 2018. Ibuki says the drama from his defamation loss has weakened him, but she's really gunning for the liberal machine.

1:01Ibuki, a Surrey Hills local with corporate and non-profit experience, expects climate 200 funding once her campaign kicks off Thursday. Another teal hopeful, Melissa Lowe, who sued in the high court case, might jump in somewhere too, keeping the pressure on majors. With November 28th looming and a hung parliament possible, Ibuki's open to teaming with either side. He's pushing pro-housing fixes for key workers, better police support, and real community safety without the hype-straight talk for Hawthorn folks, wanting local wins. You've been listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.