Launch of Independents for Mornington Peninsula 26 July 2025

Balnarring Hall was packed on Saturday afternoon with a dedicated and enthusiastic group of members committed to continuing the magnificent work started by the Smith for Flinders campaign earlier this year.

The 150-strong group voted unanimously to incorporate as a new entity: Independents for Mornington Peninsula (I4MP).

The new group will focus on bringing like-minded residents together to forge a strong, community-based organisation. I4MP aims to build meaningful, action-based campaigns—grounded in solid research—to grow a powerful political movement that ensures Independent candidates are elected at the local, state, and federal levels.

The Mornington Peninsula is home to a wonderfully diverse community and I4MP is committed to listening to voices from all walks of life so we can identify and support the very best candidates to represent us at every level of government.”

I4MP believes that only a truly Independent candidate can effectively represent the specific needs of those living on the Peninsula—unconstrained by party politics that too often place political interests ahead of community wellbeing.

The group will hold its first Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 23rd August.

If you’re interested in attending or getting involved, please contact: info@independentsformorningtonpeninsula.com

Congratulations Ben Smith

The Independent for Flinders community wishes to acknowledge the ground breaking achievements of Ben Smith and his stellar campaign team, and also to recognise the more than 600 local volunteers and supporters who engaged in this year’s Federal election campaign.

We are very fortunate to have had a candidate such as Ben represent our community. Throughout the entirety of the campaign, without exception, Ben conducted himself with dignity and a level of integrity that we are proud to be associated with.

We know that Ben will continue to be a valuable asset and an advocate for change on the Mornington Peninsula through his work and many community projects.

It is now a FACT that Flinders is a marginal electorate requiring a swing of less than 3% at the next election. We hope that this provides some leverage with the re-elected Federal Labor government when considering the needs of the Mornington Peninsula on those important matters that we all support such as Integrity and Transparency in Politics, Access to Housing, Healthcare, Climate and Sustainability.

As a group we want to build on the success of the campaign as we continue to look for ways to advocate directly with government ministers, Federal and State to ensure our community is properly represented.

The Independent for Flinders community is energised by what the future might hold for community independents in the upcoming State elections in 2026.