Authorised by A. Hirst, Liberal, Canberra
Sue Chapman was a card-carrying member of the Greens - until she swapped labels and started calling herself an ‘Independent.’1
But voters deserve to know: her values haven’t changed, just the branding.
Dr Chapman has taken donations of $130,000 from the WA Greens' biggest donor - and she admits it herself, right on her own website.2
Climate 200 (the same group funding Teal ‘Independents’ across the country) is bankrolling Sue Chapman’s campaign.3
Parliamentary voting records show the eight Teal Independents have voted mostly with the Greens.4
On votes for legislation, the Teal Independents’ voting is even more skewed, voting 77% with the Greens, versus 20% with the Liberals.5
Teal MPs want higher taxes – including on investments, housing and a higher GST.
In February 2023, every Teal Independent voted with the Greens against tougher laws to stop criminals getting visas.6
Dr Chapman’s campaign is coordinated by a prominent Extinction Rebellion activist (the same movement known for supergluing themselves to roads to block traffic).
This individual has been involved in high-profile protests, including traffic blockades and disruptive demonstrations, and has a long history of extreme anti-WA, anti-industry environmental activism.7
More than 700 wind turbines - each 268 metres tall - have been proposed for Geographe Bay.
It’s one of the most significant environmental issues facing our community.
And yet, Dr Chapman refuses to take a position. How can someone running to represent our region have nothing to say on something this important?8
Dr Chapman has publicly opposed controlled burns - a critical tool for reducing bushfire risk. In a region as fire-prone as the South West, that’s not just reckless, it’s dangerous.
While emergency services worked to protect homes in Dunsborough, extreme activist views like hers risk leaving our community exposed.9
Dr Chapman tried to stop the Bunbury Outer Ring Road by launching legal action in the Federal Court - targeting a project that’s vital for local jobs, safety, and connectivity.
She even flew in activists like former Greens Leader Bob Brown to protest against it. You can’t build a future for Forrest by blocking the roads that lead to it.10
Dr Chapman backs Labor’s plan to shut down the live export industry - a move that would devastate South West farmers and gut a vital part of our economy.
Her written position is clear: she supports the ban.11 No amount of spin about ‘transition funding’ will protect the livelihoods that will be lost. It’s a sell-out. Plain and simple.
The next election is expected to be close, with many commentators predicting a “hung parliament” where no party can form majority government.
If that happens, Greens and Independents could decide who forms government.
Despite campaigning on “transparency”, Teal Independents have consistently refused to say who they would back into government if there’s a hung parliament.
The Teals’ voting record shows they overwhelmingly support the Greens and Labor.