Politics & Council
30 June, 2026
Wright wants seat with ‘independent advantage’
FIRST-TIME political candidate Liz Wright wants local representation for small communities in State Parliament as a key part of her campaign to unseat Bendigo East MP and Premier Jacinta Allan.
FIRST-TIME political candidate Liz Wright wants local representation for small communities in State Parliament as a key part of her campaign to unseat Bendigo East MP and Premier Jacinta Allan.
Ms Wright was among speakers taking to the microphone at the Scrap the Tax rally in Bendigo against the Government’s controversial emergency services levy.
She said there were fire brigades in the region using trucks more than 30 years old.
“They are sick of this levy. The truck at Dingee is 33 years old and there are many with trucks as old,” she said.
Ms Wright said she had been motivated to stand as an independent at November’s state election by the growing disconnect between the major parties in Melbourne and the daily reality of families in regional Victoria.
“I have spent my life advocating for people in their most vulnerable moments,” Ms Wright said.
“I’ve seen the cracks in our health system and the devastating impact of the family violence crisis firsthand. I’m running because Bendigo East deserves a voice that isn’t filtered through a party room.
“As an Independent, I have the freedom to listen first and vote second.
“This campaign is about restoring integrity to our local representation and ensuring our smaller communities like Raywood and Serpentine are no longer overlooked.”
Ms Wright said she had deep roots in regional Victoria, she has spent years working alongside local organisations, schools, and community groups to drive positive change. She said her commitment to improving rural roads stems from witnessing firsthand the dangerous conditions that residents face daily.
“Safe, well-maintained roads are not a luxury — they are a basic right for regional communities,” she said.
Andrew Lethlean will contest Bendigo East for the Nationals while Liberal, One Nation and Greens candidates are also expected to stand.
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