I’m running as an independent because major party politics is failing us. The major parties are prioritising their own agendas over the needs of everyday Australians. They are failing to address our long-term challenges, including housing affordability, climate action and economic reform, and spend more time opposing each other than getting things done. 

I had never considered entering politics, but after seeing the advertisement by Voices of the Top End calling for applications for a community independent, I decided to apply. I realised I could either keep trying to fix some of the problems we face from the outside - or try to fix the problem at its source in Canberra. I was selected as the successful candidate to represent our community.

By running as an Independent, I answer only to the Solomon community, representing locals and their values. Let’s make Solomon independent - for true community representation in Canberra.

Independents focus on their communities, not party politics or vested interests, and can deliver real results that work for Darwin and Palmerston. Independents can:

• Ensure genuine representation of the community - independents can assess each bill on its merits and vote according to their community's best interests, and don’t have to tow a party line. 
• Hold the government to account by shining a spotlight on promises or decisions they’ve made.
• Speak freely on national issues -  major parties are unwilling to undertake reform on many issues, such as gambling reform and multinational tax avoidance, for fear of upsetting powerful vested interests. 
• Improve legislation and negotiate better deals - freedom to work with all representatives to secure real benefits for real people. 
• Introduce new legislation and champion issues that major parties are reluctant to address.
• Consider legislation in light of the evidence base and long-term consequences - major parties are often tied to an ideology or legacy and short-term election cycles.
• Ensure otherwise ignored community perspectives and concerns are aired — for example, the work Jacqui Lambie did to highlight the challenges facing veterans, leading to the royal Commission and ultimately millions of additional dollars being directed towards veterans support. 

Independents are powerful voices who can set policy agendas, improve legislation, champion ignored issues, and push for greater transparency and accountability. Independents, free from party obligations, also have more time for their communities.

Independents have a strong track record of delivering results, such as:

• Andrew Wilkie secured $340 million in federal funding for the Royal Hobart Hospital.

• Sophie Scamps secured $250 million to upgrade Mona Vale Rd in Mackellar in the most recent federal budget.

• Helen Haines helped secure 40% of all funding in Victoria for mobile phone blackspots making the electorate of Indi more connected than ever. 

• David Pocock succeeded in convincing the government to base the $251.7m new Australian Centre for Disease control in Canberra.

• National Anti-Corruption Commission: Led by Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines, Australia now has a federal watchdog tasked with investigating corruption at the highest level.

If there is a power-sharing parliament, I will have even greater negotiating power to deliver for Darwin and Palmerston. The choice is clear: a backbencher who follows party orders, or an independent who fights for the community.

Community independent candidates are different from major party and other candidates for the following reasons:

Roots in a ground-up grass-roots community process

• Community organising and listening - Inspired by Voices for Indi, communities are organising themselves, and bringing people together for kitchen table conversations to hear what’s important to locals and how they want to be represented by their elected member. The process is based on respectful conversations, and ensures everyone feels heard and included. These conversations grow connections and community. When people feel heard and included, they feel empowered and are often inspired to search for a candidate that represent their needs.
• The candidate is selected and endorsed by their community - Often, a community independent candidate emerges from the community listening process. Most community independent candidates have not previously considered entering politics and decide to stand, not for career aspirations, but to improve society for their children, and to give their community the opportunity of better representation and a different way of doing politics that puts people at the centre.

Committed to ‘Doing Politics Differently’ 

Community Independents are endorsed by their community and are committed to a 'community compact' and a different way of doing politics. It’s how politics should work. This is one where they:

• genuinely represent their community
• reflect the values and views of their electorates
• have a ‘compact’ with their community that guides their actions
• empower their communities through collaborating and partnering with them
• have processes for their communities to actively participate in politics
• are co-creating with their communities real political change in Australia.

This involves a commitment to a two-way process and ongoing conversation between the candidate if elected - where they will collaborate and share decision-making with their community through deliberative forums, such as town halls and community panels; while the community makes a promise to the MP that they will continue to actively participate in our democracy, and thereby help to strengthen it.

This campaign has been funded by hundreds of everyday people in our community like you! My campaign has also received funding from Climate 200, a public crowdfunding platform supported by more than 45,000 donors. Climate 200 exists to help level the playing field for community independents and only supports candidates chosen by local community groups who commit to: A science-based response to climate change; Integrity in politics; Respect and safety for women.

As an independent, I am accountable only to the people of Solomon — not to a party or vested interests.

Donations to Members of Parliament are tax deductible whilst they are an MP. 

Donations to non-incumbent independent candidates are only tax deductible after the candidate has been formally declared by the AEC to be a candidate (usually a month or so before the election). 

$1,500 is the maximum amount you can claim as a tax deduction in any financial year for all donation/s to MPs or candidates.

Companies are not eligible to claim a tax deduction, only individuals.

Many people are asking me where my preferences go. It's an easy question to answer - they go wherever you send them. Your preferences are YOUR choice.

As an Independent, I will never do preference deals with other parties or candidates on preferences. Your preferences are yours to decide - I respect your right to make that choice based on your values.

Some How-to-Vote cards have preferences and make recommendations for where they think your preferences to go. These are the party's recommendations only. They are based on how they believe their values align with other candidates and parties that are running in that seat. 

My how-to-vote card will simply say ‘Vote 1 Phil Scott’ and ‘number every box according to YOUR preference’.

As a Community Independent, I work only for you.

To ensure a valid vote, you must number every box.

I have been engaging with First Nations communities, listening deeply and learning from their knowledge, strength, and enduring connection to Country. I am committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in genuine partnership, and to doing the work needed to Close the Gap—not just in health and education, but in housing, employment, justice, and cultural recognition.

I am keen to work with everyone in our community, including minority groups. Using your ideas and feedback, we’re building policy positions based on the needs of everyday people across our electorate. The policies and positions I will advocate for in parliament are shaped by you — the people I'm seeking to represent. 

As an independent candidate, I am free from party politics and can advocate directly for what matters to our community. I will continue to push for action that is community-led, culturally appropriate, and rooted in respect, truth-telling, and self-determination.