Alternative candidates in SA elections

By Arun Pradhan

ADELAIDE — Despite the establishment media's focus on the two major parties, the vast disillusionment in these parties is reflected in the large number of alternative candidates contesting the upcoming state elections.

The Green Alliance is standing Trish Corcoran and Col Smith in the Legislative Council; the Education Independent campaign of Clare McCarty is also standing for the Legislative Council. The Democratic Socialists are campaigning in the lower house with Melanie Sjoberg in Peake and Andrew Hall in Adelaide.

The Socialist Party of Australia will be running Bob Saltis, its state secretary, in the seat of Colton. They propose an alternative economic policy aimed at preserving and extending the public sector to create more jobs.

Other main points of the SPA platform include developing profitable public enterprises rather than relying on short-term asset sell-offs to solve the state's financial woes. They also emphasise recognition of Aboriginal land rights, development of health, education and welfare systems and the protection of the environment.

The Green Party (SA) will be standing in three lower house seats — Sue Regione in Kaurna, Bob Lamb in Peake and Mnem Giles in Heysen — plus Ally Fricker and Tim Bickmore in the Legislative Council. The Green Party's policies are based on de-development, specifically concentrating on conservation, shifting towards economic self-reliance and fostering local communities.

Other alternative candidates include Brian Noone, who will be contesting the seat of Port Adelaide as an independent. He will be supported by progressive community activists and some left unionists.

Kate Barrett is also standing in Colton as a community and environment independent.

From GLW issue 123