Federal candidate says seat of Canberra is ready for a new independent voice

An environmental health officer with the Royal Australian Air Force is challenging Labor’s Alicia Payne for the federal seat of Canberra in this year’s election.

Claire Miles has had a 28-year career in the military, which she says has primed her for a life in politics as an independent.

“It has absolutely prepared me for this,” she told Region.

“We look at politics in an apolitical way and that experience will help me to stay independent.

“Plus, I have had some incredible examples of strong leadership all my life. I take leadership very seriously.”

Ms Miles also takes the role of an independent seriously and says while “many people” have spoken to her since she declared her candidacy, she will be fiercely protecting her independence.

“Everyone has an agenda, and I’m aware of that,” she said.

“I’m also very aware that I don’t want to be taking money to be on their agenda.

“I have been thinking about running as a political candidate for some time now and working towards it for a few years.

“The timing is now right, for myself and for the community.

“Talking with people across the community, I get the sense that there’s a strong sentiment for something different than the two major parties. People want something different.

“Obviously, I think it’s a big task taking on a sitting Labor MP, but the ALP has been in power in Canberra locally and at the federal level for a long time now.

“It’s time for a change. It’s happened elsewhere, and it’s started to happen for Canberra, too.”

While she says to expect more policy positions to be rolled out as the election nears and the campaign progresses, Ms Miles has already declared climate change, accountable leadership, the cost of living and homelessness as her top priorities.

With action on climate change, she says she will be advocating for “bold, practical policies” that deliver measurable outcomes to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future.

This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind and exploring the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

On accountable leadership, Ms Miles says she is committed to championing transparent governance, ethical decision-making, and policies that prioritise the community over political agendas.

“I’m committed to restoring trust and integrity in leadership by ensuring honesty, accountability and openness in all aspects of governance,” she said.

“This includes advocating for transparency in government spending, stricter regulations on political donations and stronger measures to prevent undue influence from lobbyists.”

Addressing the cost of living, Ms Miles says she will take practical steps to address “growing inequality in Australia” and ease financial pressures on households. These steps include breaking the duopoly of the two major supermarket chains by fostering competition, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for fairer pricing.

Tackling the increasing burden of Medicare gap payments is another priority for her cost-of-living approach.

She is also committed to ensuring that those experiencing homelessness have access to stable housing as a first step, supported by “wrap-around services” that address the root causes of their situation.

These include mental health support, addiction recovery programs, employment assistance, and financial counselling.

“I stand for integrity in politics and will be a genuine voice for our community,” Ms Miles said.

“My focus is on listening to the concerns of the people in Canberra and delivering practical outcomes that truly represent us all.

“The overwhelming community support I’ve received shows that Canberra is ready for change, and together, we can make it happen.

“I believe in fostering progress through practical, inclusive policies that unite diverse perspectives for the benefit of all.”

Ms Miles says she recognises the potential for an independent Canberra to play a pivotal role in a minority government, “amplifying the electorate’s voice and ensuring its concerns are effectively represented”.

She is married with three children (one an adult) and lives in the electorate.