2023-05-22
Fresh off a tour of the national comedy festival circuit, comedian and local legend Mandy Nolan has announced that she will run again as the Greens' candidate for the seat of Richmond at the next federal election.
The ALP-held marginal seat of Richmond, covering Ballina, Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads, is ground zero for both the climate and housing crises, and Nolan’s team of volunteers will immediately join the national doorknock effort campaigning for a rent and mortgage freeze and a ban on new coal and gas.
The seat of Richmond came down to the wire in 2022, and Nolan would need a 1.8% swing from the ALP to turn Richmond Green at the next federal election.
Lines attributable to Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:
“Mandy’s loved as a comedian and local legend in Richmond, but she’s fighting on two issues that are deadly serious in the region, the climate crisis and the housing crisis.
“Richmond is ground zero for both the climate crisis and the housing crisis: people are still reeling from the floods and the rental market’s cooked, with out-of-town investors gouging prices.
“Labor’s putting the people of Richmond at risk of worse floods by opening up new coal and gas mines, and Justine Elliot will have to defend that..
“At the last election people were desperate to kick out the Liberals, but now they’re realising Labor also wants new coal and gas, which makes the climate crisis worse, as well as billions in handouts for property moguls, which pushes up rents and house prices. Labor has no plan whatsoever to help renters and Labor’s housing bill sees the crisis get worse.
“Mandy’s already got a team of volunteers ready to hit the streets and talk to Richmond residents about how the Greens are the only party fighting for renters and climate action.”
Lines attributable to Greens candidate Mandy Nolan:
“I’m proud to announce today that I’ll be running as the Greens candidate for Richmond in the next Federal election. I’ve lived in the Richmond electorate for 30 years. This is where I’ve raised my five kids. This is my home and I’ll do everything I can to stand up for my home in the Federal Parliament.”
“‘I’m all about getting my hands dirty. This region deserves an MP who is prepared to roll up their sleeves and work with community to get the change we need.”
“One year since the last election and every day I’m hearing from people across this region who are struggling more than ever under the cost of living and housing affordability crisis.
“I’m standing because Richmond deserves a member who will fight to freeze rents and build more public housing instead of wasting billions on tax cuts for the rich and nuclear submarines. We need real commitment to public housing - not a paltry fund that gambles with our community’s housing security.
“The extreme fires and floods of the last few years have left us with no doubt that we’re living in a climate crisis. But the Labor Government continues to subsidise and approve fossil fuel projects. Only the Greens will act to keep coal and gas in the ground and protect this region from the worst impacts of climate change.
“Last election we did something amazing and not only did we turn Richmond into one of the most winnable seats for the Greens seats in the country but we built an incredible, community-driven movement that puts people first. This election we’re only going to go bigger and turn Richmond Green.”