A prominent community advocate, Elouise Massa, has announced her intention to run as an independent candidate for the New South Wales seat of Manly, posing a significant challenge to the Liberal Party just months before the state election. This move follows the recent decision by Liberal frontbencher James Griffin not to recontest the northern beaches electorate.
Community Advocacy Fuels Political Ambition
Ms Massa brings a high public profile to her candidacy, largely due to her successful leadership of a campaign to bring the Northern Beaches Hospital under public control. This advocacy was deeply personal, stemming from the tragic death of her young son, Joe, in 2024. His passing prompted a review that identified critical failures in his treatment.
The Massa family’s subsequent campaign not only resulted in the hospital’s transfer to public ownership in April but also led to the establishment of a new system for families to escalate concerns about child healthcare. Furthermore, their efforts paved the way for “Joe’s Law,” which prohibits future public-private partnerships in major hospital projects.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms Massa stated that her family’s campaign demonstrated the power of community courage when met with responsive government officials. “Creating meaningful change has become a vocation,” she remarked, viewing her candidacy as a way to express gratitude to the community that supported her and her husband, Danny, throughout their advocacy efforts.
A History of Independent Success in the Region
The seat of Manly has been a Liberal stronghold for nearly two decades, previously held by former Premier Mike Baird. However, the area has a history of electing independent representatives, with Peter Macdonald and David Barr serving as independent MPs between 1991 and 2007. This precedent offers a potential pathway for Ms Massa’s campaign.
Adding to the trend of independent representation in the broader Manly area, federal Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall, an independent, unseated former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2019. More recently, independent candidates have seen success in nearby electorates. In 2024, Jacqui Scruby secured the seat of Pittwater from the Liberals in a by-election, and the year prior, Michael Regan won the seat of Wakehurst in the general election.
Focus on Local Issues and Community Representation
With the Liberal Party yet to name a candidate to replace James Griffin, Ms Massa aims to leverage the community’s desire for representation that prioritizes local needs over party politics. She has pledged to focus her campaign on critical issues such as healthcare, housing, and transport.
“I’m running because the Member for Manly should answer to the people who live here, not to a party room,” Ms Massa asserted. Her approach emphasizes listening to constituents and bringing their concerns directly to the parliament, a strategy that has resonated with many in the community who have encouraged her to continue her public service.
Ms Massa, a former journalist, believes an independent voice is best positioned to address the specific challenges and opportunities facing the Manly electorate. Her campaign is expected to highlight the importance of local accountability and responsive governance, drawing on her proven track record of effecting significant policy changes through community-driven advocacy.
The Road Ahead for Manly
The Liberal Party faces the considerable task of retaining the seat of Manly, a region where they have held influence for many years. Ms Massa’s independent candidacy, bolstered by her established community support and a clear platform focused on local concerns, presents a formidable challenge.
Her campaign is likely to draw parallels with the successes of other independent MPs in the region, emphasizing a commitment to serving the constituents directly. The upcoming election in Manly will be closely watched as a test of whether the electorate prioritizes traditional party representation or embraces an independent voice focused on community-led change.
