I thought you would never ask! In no particular order other than how scared I am of how they will treat me if I don’t name them at the top of my ticket, here is my list.
1. Liz Ellis.
Former Australian netball captain and well-known media commentator is a must. Her profile is exactly that of the successful “teal” contestants – a mature woman in business – although she is already better known than anyone else.
Additionally, as someone who has worked with her on sports panel shows for many years, I can attest that she is smart as a whip, with a unique ability to analyze seriously difficult problems and come out the other end with the right answer, more often than not – and I mean that – rings around your humble correspondent.
She is currently on sabbatical and is sending me photos of herself and her family at waterholes west of Woop-Woop, but will be back by the end of the year!
2. Craig Foster.
The former Socceroo has been a brilliant advocate for many charities for years – no more than asylum seekers and refugees – and has proven both his bravery and shrewd operator. Senator Craig Foster would be a credit to the federal legislature. And he might be interested!
“It’s important that sport speaks up for broader social and political issues and is no longer reluctant to talk about climate, human rights and social justice,” he told me yesterday. “Zali has been exceptional and, together with David, will hopefully inspire not just more former athletes, but the sport itself to join progressive voices for change.”
Kurt Fearley.
Our favorite Paralympian has a remarkable life story, is widely popular and has been a strong advocate for many political causes, including disability issues – particularly the defense of the National Disability Insurance Scheme – Uluru, and asylum seekers.
He also tells me: “I would die in a ditch defending public education. There’s a lot more I would fight for in the public domain, but I don’t want you to write too much! Treaty, Truth & may we see a strong independent Republic of Australia.”
Australian basketball player Patty Mills received an Australia Day award.Recognition:Matthew Adekponya/Getty Images
4. Patty Mills.
Everything you read and hear about our Indigenous NBA star marks him out as a special person with a big social conscience. As recently reported in The Guardian, “Off the basketball court, Mills is a passionate advocate for social justice and has a long history of philanthropic activities.”
Last year, he donated his entire salary from the San Antonio Spurs since the NBA season resumed — around $1.5 million — to the Black Lives Matter Australia and Black Deaths in Custody movement.
He also donated to We Got You, an Australian anti-racism campaign that he and [Joe] English are part of. Earlier this year, during the NBA All-Star hiatus, he returned to Australia at the time of the east coast bushfires, helping devastated communities in the country of NSW.” What’s not to love?
5. Dylan Alcott.
The reigning Australian of the Year makes a tough entrance – who could follow Grace Tame and her influence? — but was strong enough to recently chide outgoing Prime Minister Scott Morrison for saying parents of children with disabilities have not been blessed. He’s savvy and articulate, and whatever his broader policy might be, it would have every chance of succeeding.
Other names have been thrown at me.
Ash Barty? Yeah great. She’s a great Aussie but I wonder if someone who retired from the professional tennis circuit at the age of 25 would ever willingly throw themselves into the hustle and bustle of Canberra politics?
Pat Cummins. no He’s made for the Diplomatic Corps. The way he navigated Justin Langer’s recent departure was nothing short of remarkable.
Adam Goodes? no Too classy! Politics has so much cut and shove to it. Not sure if the big one could ever make the kind of midnight deals that are required? Don’t you think he would be more of a person who avoids petty politics? First President of the Republic, then? The citizens would have to decide that. As Chairman of the ARM, I can report that his name comes up frequently, but we shall see and . . .
Adam Goodes’ ethics are perhaps too robust for politics.Recognition:AFR
And yes, I know. I have yet to name an athlete on the conservative side of the equation.
shhh I think. You don’t jump out and grab me. Tennis star John Alexander has done a fine job for the Libs as a member for Bennelong, but who else do you have? Sam Groth is actually the preselected Lib candidate for Nepean’s Victorian seat, but those are pretty small potatoes, all things considered.
who else do you have Send some angry emails!
@Peter_Fitz
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