Isabel Mudford is the new Greens for candidate and brings a wealth of experience, writes Hannah Head.
The ACT Greens have officially selected Isabel Mudford as their contender for the Division of Canberra in the upcoming 2025 Federal election. Mudford, currently pursuing a PhD and actively engaged in the social sector, brings a robust advocacy background, notably championing causes for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her entry into the electoral fray places her in direct competition against incumbent Labor MP Alicia Payne, with the ACT Greens framing the election as pivotal for shaking up Canberra’s political landscape.
Mudford, a PhD candidate for sociology at the Australian National University and community health officer at Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, boasts a seasoned political resume. Her tenure includes pivotal roles such as ACT branch convenor for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and advisor to the ACT Greens in the Legislative Assembly. These experiences underscore Mudford’s nuanced understanding of community dynamics and governance processes, positioning her as a formidable advocate for effective representation.
In her candidacy announcement by the ACT Greens, Mudford affirmed, “Canberrans are people who care about each other, about the beautiful and precious environment that we get to live in, they care about inequality, and they want a member of parliament who has the capacity to serve them in these values.”
Mudford has outlined a proactive agenda focusing on urgent issues like climate change and the cost-of-living crisis. Her priorities include advocating for an increase in JobSeeker rates and addressing the housing crisis, advocating strongly for the forgiveness of the ACT’s public housing debt. Mudford has critiqued Alicia Payne’s track record on climate action, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive measures to reduce the impacts of climate change.
As the campaign gains momentum, Mudford emerges as a compelling candidate, particularly resonating with the LGBTQIA+ community in Canberra. Her candidacy offers a distinct departure from the current political establishment, promising a fresh perspective and proactive leadership on critical community concerns.
