Helping create a Federal Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) and stronger emission reduction targets are priorities for independent candidate Penny Ackery.
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Ms Ackery is running in the upcoming federal election in Hume, taking on incumbent Liberal MP and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor as well as a soon-to-be-announced Labor candidate.
Whilst the election itself hasn't been called by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Ms Ackery has been out and about across the electorate and will be hosting an meet and greet event in Goulburn on Saturday.
Ms Ackery said she had heard two key issues repeatedly raised since her campaign launched in November 2021.
"I'm hearing from people front and centre that they want integrity, honesty and accountability in government," she told the Post.
"People are also concerned about the environment. They want protections in place and to ensure jobs are there in the renewable economy."
When asked what she will do if elected, the semi-retired teacher said helping establish a Federal ICAC and pushing for stronger emissions reduction target (currently 26-28 per cent by 2030) would be top of her list.
"Absolutely I would (vote for an ICAC), that's what people are asking me to do," she said.
"The states have ICACs and people are saying that it's time the federal level has one too.
"Obviously we need to reduce emissions. In Australia we need to be really conscious of that because if we don't have strong targets then the rest of the world will leave us behind.
"People are really concerned about that especially in farming communities, they want to make sure the government is allowing them to continue with their business.
"If that means better targets to reduce emissions then that's what they are looking for."
With several months still to run before election day, Ms Ackery said she hoped to be given a chance to debate issues with fellow candidates in a public forum.
"Everywhere I go whether that's Bundanoon or Crookwell, Picton or Goulburn, people are saying they want to hold 'meet the candidate' sessions.
"That will be a wonderful opportunity for candidates to meet each other and talk about the issues and present their cases.
'It's really important for people to understand what our platforms are and how we intend to act in their interests.
"I'm sure that debate will be happening."
Ms Ackery's campagin will be holding their event at Belmore Park in Goulburn at 11am on Saturday, February 5.
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