Madeleine West, who starred in Neighbours and Underbelly, is gearing up for a surprising new position as an independent candidate in the 2023 NSW state election.
West, who just began hosting Mamamia’s Restart podcast, announced her job change on Studio 10 this morning while criticising the government’s lack of aid in flood-affected districts of NSW.
The actress and Lismore native, who disclosed the bottom storey of her home has flooded due to the recent bad weather, said she entered politics because she wanted to “be change.”
“The Government’s refusal to act responsibly and implement a real strategy to rescue the people who voted for them has cataclysmically failed our region,” she said.
“It’s not good enough, and a lot of people are talking about it, but you have to stop talking and start doing at some point.”
“I’m no longer campaigning for change; I want to embody change, therefore now I’m formally announcing my intention to run for state parliament in New South Wales next year.”
The dedicated environmentalist, who has been assisting with clean-up efforts in Lismore, expressed her sorrow for flood victims today.
“I don’t see how people will ever be able to get back on their feet in the current climate, with the current government structure that we have, since everything is gone.” “It’s devastating,” she expressed her feelings.
“This area doesn’t have a lot of home insurance because it’s just not financially viable,” she explained. “So they’re starting from scratch.”
She stated that she will focus on environmental issues as well as providing a voice for vulnerable and impoverished groups, such as the homeless and women, when asked about her political interests.
“I’ve been restoring the Big Scrub for three years, which was Australia’s most major rainforest throughout the region,” she stated.
“I teach drama, and I’m all about lifting young women’s voices and busting stereotypes, as well as bridging the gender pay gap in the workplace and now dealing with the floods.”
The mother-of-six used Instagram to explain her decision to enter politics.
“On the parliamentary floor, my region requires a strong voice,” she stated.
“Australia needs assurances that something like this would never happen again.” We’ve talked about it enough; now it’s time to do something about it.
“I’ve been agitating for change for a long time, and now I want to BE the change.” We’re prepared, and we’ve earned it.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” It’s never too late to make a difference. Let’s get started.”
