Name: Sharlene Leroy-Dyer, a descendant of the Guringai, Gadigal, Wiradjuri and Dharug peoples of NSW.
Age: 52
Electorate: Hunter (although I am running for a senate seat)
Political affiliation: Socialist Alliance
1. Why are you running?
I believe that none of the existing political parties can adequately represent the people of this country. We need socialist intervention in government so the voices of community, workplaces, and activists can be heard.
We need to empower our communities, to break free from the tyranny of the current political parties and to break the cycle of multinational corporations controlling politics in this country.
2. What do you want to achieve?
Equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and an end to the apartheid system that discriminates against us.
Free education for everyone. Push for the end to the Northern Territory intervention, get rid of the basics card, restore human rights and dignity to those who have been denied it for so long.Push for an end to mandatory detention of asylum seekers, a shift to renewable energy.
My list is enormous.
3. Is your Aboriginality important in deciding what policies you want to pursue?
Absolutely yes. I am very passionate about Aboriginal issues and will fight for self -determination policies to be properly implemented not just in the tokenistic way they are now.
4. Treaty, Sovereignty or Recognition?
Sovereignty, Treaty and proper land rights, we don't need recognition.
It will not delivery anything tangible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, its a 'white man's warm and fuzzy' not ours.
5. It’s July 3, the day after the election, and you have been elected, what is the first thing that you want to get a move on?
Funnily enough, I will be out of the country on July 3, however that will not stop me trying to implement changes to government policies on Indigenous affairs.
Push for the end to the Northern Territory intervention, get rid of the basics card, restore human rights and dignity to those who have been denied it for so long.
Push for an end to mandatory detention of asylum seekers, a shift to renewable energy. My list is enormous.
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