I’m Renée, your community independent candidate for the state seat of Bassendean.
I didn’t start out with political ambitions, but as someone committed to the well-being of our community, I couldn't continue to stand by while our priorities were ignored. Over eight years on Council, I’ve listened closely to your hopes & concerns and shared your vision for a bright future. As Bassendean Mayor, I worked hard to make meaningful progress, but it’s become clear that achieving real change also demands action at the state level.
Party politics isn’t working for us. Time and again, what is important to our community is overlooked by the State Government. That’s why I’m taking action - to bring attention to our priorities and amplify our local voices.
We need a genuine alternative that is loyal to our community, not to a party — one that puts people and the planet first - that stands up for our shared values, and is serious about tackling our biggest issues with integrity.
In March, we have the power to make change. Let’s vote differently and build a more hopeful, stronger, community-led future together.
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Renée McLennan
Community Independent for Bassendean
Hi Bassendean,
People Powered Politics
Across Australia, communities like ours are turning away from party politics in favor of genuine, community-focused representation. Unlike party politicians, independents aren’t bound by party lines or internal power struggles—they are free to focus entirely on representing those who elected them. Independents reflect the values and concerns of their communities and champion balanced, fair decision-making that prioritizes people and the planet.
With more independents in parliament, we can foster collaboration and bring balance to critical issues and ensuring they get the attention and scrutiny they deserve. Independents bring accountability and transparency, making decisions based on community sentiment, expert advice, and evidence, rather than being dictated by party agendas.
The word "democracy" comes from the Greek words demos, meaning "people," and kratos, meaning "power." At its core, democracy is about the power of the people—a system of leadership that reflects the will of the community.
But in Australia, that power has been stripped away from the people and handed over to vested interests that unfairly influence our governments. The major parties are locked in a cycle of chasing election wins instead of focusing on genuine leadership. Too often, their loyalty lies with their party, not the communities they’re supposed to represent.
We deserve leaders whose first priority is us—the people they serve. Leaders who listen to their communities, weigh each issue on its merits, and act based on what’s right, not what’s in the party playbook. It’s time for all of us to step up, reclaim our democracy, and put the power back where it belongs—in the hands of the local people.
Voting Independent
Australian politics has traditionally been dominated by the major parties, but this is changing as Australians now expect more from our democracy and are turning away from the two party system. A third of Australians gave their first preference to an independent or minor party in the last Federal election. Despite fear mongering by the major parties, thanks to Australia's preferential voting system, voting for an independent is never a wasted voted.