People Power (Australia)


People Power was a populist political movement in Australia that was federally registered as a political party in March 2006. The party contested its first election at the 2006 Victorian state election and was de-registered federally in December 2006.

Policies for the Victorian election

People Power released their anti-gambling policy on 4 September 2006 which aims to attack the social problems associated with compulsive gambling. The policy aims for an end to the commercial use of Poker Machines in Victoria by 2012. Under the policy, the Commonwealth Government would provide incentives for State Governments to ban the installation of poker machines.
People Power released their Public Schools policy on 13 September 2006 which aims to target what it calls "one-size-fits-all schooling" in Victoria. The plan includes the abolition of Public School fees and independent reporting and monitoring of school performance.

History

The party was first established in 2000 by Vern Hughes and Crikey founder Stephen Mayne, only to be suspended at the end of 2001. It was then re-established in 2004 and registered in 2006.

Werriwa by-election

A member of People Power, Deborah Locke, was one of the candidates for the 2005 Werriwa by-election that was caused by the sudden resignation of Mark Latham from parliament. However, People Power did not have official party status at the time and she was required to stand as an independent candidate. She received 3.1% of the vote, placing her 9th out of 16 candidates.

Victorian state election 2006

People Power contested the Victorian state election in November 2006. The party fielded candidates for seats in both houses of Parliament.
On 19 September, the party's election preparations were interrupted by the resignation of lead candidate Jack Reilly and reports in the media that there were irregularities in their party registration.
The party did not win a seat in either house of Parliament.

Notable candidates

Notable former candidates: