Kurrajong independent candidate Peter Strong has taken exception to a Labor Party television and social media advertisement that “falsely” asserts that independent women, and others, are supporters of the Canberra Liberals. 

He said that he and his running mate Ann Bray, members of the Strong Independents Party, uphold women having control over their own health and bodies and having access to abortion.

“We also support Voluntary Assisted Dying laws – people must have options for dignity in death not obscene pain and suffering. These beliefs will never be compromised,” Strong said.  

Bray said it was “offensive and unacceptable for Labor to use its muscle and money to attack women and others with innuendo, that protects them from legal action, but is all the same immoral and unethical.

“Do we want this party to continue unchecked? We don’t want the Libs with their right-wing policies, and we don’t want Labor with their right-wing behaviours. We want  independents who have experience, who know what is right and have proven throughout their  long careers to be transparent and ethical,” she said. 

“The ACT is known as the worst jurisdiction in dealing with domestic violence. It lets perpetrators stay free and provides poor support in housing and rarely takes immediate  action for the victims – for the women and children. Why does the government disregard the needs of women?” 

Strong said: “Mr Barr obviously does not want to debate smart experienced independent women, when confronted with that scenario he flees to his bunker. The chief minister need not be scared of Ann Bray, her last job was as a senior diplomat in Washington DC, she would be professional and not bully him but would simply present facts using science and logic.

“Ann would firmly and  politely highlight when he is wrong. Ann would also run ethical rings around any member of this  government. That is why Mr Barr is scared and resorting to deception.”  

“We know that the chief minister and his retinue are very worried by  the independents, so worried that they have descended from the gutter to the sewer.”