Independent candidates hoping to galvanise Muslim community in suburban seat | 7.30

Key Concepts:

• Marginal Electorate: A political district where the outcome of an election is expected to be very close.
• Cost of Living: The expense of maintaining a certain standard of living.
• Mortgage Stress: Financial difficulty experienced by homeowners in meeting their mortgage repayments.
• Muslim Vote: The collective voting power and political influence of Muslim communities.
• Two-State Solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involving the establishment of two independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.
• One-State Solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involving the establishment of a single state in which Israelis and Palestinians have equal rights.
• Genocidal Apartheid State: A state accused of committing genocide and practicing apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination.

1. Political Landscape of Corwell

• Corwell, an outer suburban Melbourne electorate, has a significant Muslim population (around 25%).
• The seat has been a safe Labor seat for 40 years (14 Federal elections).
• At the last federal election, Labor suffered a swing of almost 10% against it.
• Local political candidates are actively campaigning, particularly during Ramadan events like Iftar.
• The electorate has been described as "forgotten by labor and liberal for decades upon decades".

2. Labor's Perspective and Challenges

• Bass Abdo, Labor's candidate, grew up in the electorate and emphasizes the need to address the cost of living.
• He acknowledges the impact of the Ford factory closure in 2016, attributing it to successive Liberal governments.
• Abdo views his candidacy as a vote for change, promising a program of government addressing cost of living issues.
• Despite the historical safety of the seat, Abdo states, "I don't take anything for granted."

3. Independent Candidates and Their Platforms

• Karly Moore, a former mayor, is running as an independent, capitalizing on a national trend of voters moving away from major parties.
• Moore highlights issues such as high mortgage stress and disadvantage in Corwell, with three suburbs in the top 10 most disadvantaged in Victoria.
• Sam Mossa, a refugee from Afghanistan, is another independent candidate endorsed by Muslim Votes Matter and The Muslim Vote.
• Mossa focuses on issues like youth unemployment, which is double the national average in the area.
• Mossa advocates for a one-state solution for Israel and Palestine, calling for "the end of a genocidal apartheid state."

4. Muslim Votes Matter and Political Mobilization

• Muslim Votes Matter (MVM) is a political advocacy group endorsing candidates and issuing how-to-vote cards in all 150 seats.
• MVM is targeting at least nine seats with large Muslim populations, including Corwell.
• Aram, former president of the Islamic Council of Victoria, believes the Muslim community has been taken for granted.
• The recent Israeli-Gaza conflict has spurred moves to galvanize the political capital of Muslim communities.

5. The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Local Politics

• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the recent Gaza war, has significantly impacted the Muslim community in Corwell.
• Sam Mossa's stance on the conflict, advocating for a one-state solution, has drawn attention and potential controversy.
• Mossa's comparison of Israel to apartheid South Africa has raised concerns among some Jewish Australians.
• Labor supports a two-state solution, differing from Mossa's position.

6. Economic and Social Issues in Corwell

• Corwell faces significant economic challenges, including high mortgage stress, low income, and high living expenses.
• The closure of the Ford factory in Campbellfield had a major impact on the community, symbolizing the decline of Australian manufacturing.
• The area is expected to have 500,000 residents by 2036, raising concerns about infrastructure and services.

7. Liberal Party Absence

• The Liberal Party candidate declined to participate in the story, leaving their perspective unrepresented.

8. Notable Quotes

• "It's been forgotten by labor and liberal for decades upon decades and the neglect is palpable." - Describing the state of Corwell.
• Bass Abdo: "It's a vote for change because it um labor is offering a program of government which addresses the cost of living."
• Sam Mossa: "I am calling for the end of a genocidal apartheid state."
• Sam Mossa: "The one state solution for Palestine is a free Palestine from The River To The Sea through a representative democracy"

9. Synthesis/Conclusion

The political landscape in Corwell is complex, with a traditionally safe Labor seat facing challenges from independent candidates and shifting voter sentiments. Economic issues, particularly the cost of living and the legacy of deindustrialization, are central concerns. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also emerged as a significant factor, galvanizing the Muslim community and influencing candidate platforms. The outcome of the election in Corwell remains uncertain, with the potential for an unprecedented independent victory.