Stirling councillor Lisa Thornton has announced her candidacy as an independent for the Churchlands seat in the upcoming state election. She will face off against Liberal candidate Basil Zempilas, the current Lord Mayor of Perth, as they both seek to unseat Labor incumbent Christine Tonkin.
Thornton’s campaign materials, featuring the signature teal colours associated with independent candidates advocating for climate action, recently went live. The teal independents, a loose coalition of centrist candidates focused on environmental and moderate policy reforms, have gained prominence by winning several traditionally Liberal-held seats in recent elections, including in the 2022 federal contest.
Churchlands lies within the federal electorate of Curtin, historically a safe Liberal seat until independent Kate Chaney’s victory in 2022, demonstrating the potential strength of the independent movement in the area. Earlier this year, local activists reportedly formed the group Churchlands Independent to identify and support a suitable candidate, ultimately backing Thornton.
Thornton’s policy platform reflects her experience in local government. A key focus is advocating for a third-party right of appeal in planning decisions, as currently only developers or decision-making authorities can challenge rulings. She is also calling for a ban on political donations from property developers, stronger tree protection laws, and increased social housing provisions.
Churchlands has shown openness to independent representation in the past. Established in 1996, the seat was held by conservative-leaning independent MP Liz Constable for 17 years before shifting to the Liberals in 2013 and then to Labor’s Christine Tonkin in 2021. With Thornton’s entry and her emphasis on community-driven policies, the contest promises to be competitive, particularly if voter preferences split between major parties and independents.