Tracee Hutchison: Independent Candidate in Nepean Byelection

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Cory with Sydney News Today. Former radio host Tracey Hutchison is jumping into politics as an independent candidate for the Neppian State by election on May 2nd. The 63-year-old aims to channel voter frustration with the major parties in this traditionally conservative seat on Victoria's Mornington, Peninsula. The by-election kicked off after Liberal MP Sam Groth resigned over internal party fights, just months before the state election. Hutchison has backing from a local independence group, highlighting how people feel the big parties no longer represent them. Recent polls show major party support at a record low, with 42% of voters leaning toward minors or independence, a shift of over four. 170,000 people since 2022. Analysts say the lack of a labor candidate opens the door wider for challengers. Hutchison grew up on the peninsula, started her career at Triple J in the 1980s, and has lived there full time for five years. Her views were shaped by environmental fights, like the Franklin River campaign, and she recently led Green Music Australia.

1:06Her big focus is rebuilding Rosebud Hospital, where she was born and recently spent five hours in emergency after breaking her foot. The facility struggles with population growth, despite some state funding, and she wants better services, 80 kilometers from Melbourne. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage, if sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow. Built for comfort and calm, so I solely pillow dot com.