Independent candidate for Canberra, Claire Miles, has declared she will run again at the next federal election. Photo: Region.
Independent candidate at last year’s federal election Claire Miles has raised her hand for another tilt at the seat of Canberra.
Ms Miles secured 10.9 per cent of the vote in the May 2025 election, coming in fourth behind Labor, the Greens and the Liberals.
She ran a hard-fought campaign and was generally regarded as a genuine community-minded candidate.
But that was all without the backing of an army of volunteers and financial support that some other independent candidates received in electorates around the country.
She chose then not to have the endorsement of campaign funder Climate 200, which has helped numerous independent candidates get elected to Federal Parliament, including ACT Senator David Pocock.
Now, just nine months after that election and more than two years before the next one, the newly-established Canberra Independent Network (CIN) has announced it will endorse Ms Miles as an independent candidate for the electorate of Canberra.
Just exactly who are the driving forces behind CIN remains unclear, with just first names being listed on the group’s website and no-one willing to put their names to its statement issued – quotes instead being attributed to “CIN representatives”.
Small business advocate and former independent candidate for the ACT Assembly, Peter Strong (also a regular columnist for Region Media), is the group’s media contact.
The group says it received “overwhelming feedback” from the community that it should rally behind Ms Miles to “build on her strong foundation” from the previous campaign.
“Claire represents what Canberra wants in a leader: integrity, independence and a genuine commitment to listening and delivering practical outcomes,” the CIN statement said.
“Her track record and community engagement make her the ideal candidate to champion the issues that matter most to Canberrans.”
CIN stresses that it is not a political party, but rather a group of like-minded residents who want change for Canberra.
It was founded during the 2025 federal election when some community-minded citizens came together with a shared belief that “our city deserves better representation” and declared it wasn’t about party politics, but about people and putting community at the heart of decision-making.
“Since that election, we’ve been busy turning that belief into action,” the group’s statement says.
“We have hosted 27 community discussions, convened three panels with key interest groups and met with dozens of local business owners, board representatives and everyday Canberrans.
“These conversations have shaped our vision for a stronger, more independent voice for Canberra.”
During that process, CIN said it became convinced of Ms Miles’ ability to “connect authentically with voters” and her “unwavering commitment to being a real voice for Canberra” and one not constrained by party politics or slogans.
Ms Miles said she believed meaningful representation started long before election day and her focus between now and then would be on building genuine connections and shaping practical solutions that reflected the voices of Canberrans.
“I am honoured by the community’s trust and CIN’s endorsement,” she said.
“My commitment is simple: to listen, to act and to represent Canberra with integrity.”
The campaign will focus on three key actions CIN and Ms Miles say are aimed at strengthening the connection in the community and ensuring Canberra’s voice is heard.
They are listening and engaging; building partnerships; and strengthening independent representation.
An environmental health officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, Ms Miles has had a three-decade career in the military, which she insists has primed her for a life in politics.
She believes Canberra deserves a representative who is independent, inclusive and solutions-focused.
“An independent Canberra voice can play a pivotal role in shaping policy and ensuring the electorate’s concerns are heard at the highest level,” she said.
Canberra is currently regarded as a “very safe” Labor seat, with incumbent Alicia Payne securing a 7.3 per cent swing to the ALP at the 2025 election, winning 48.3 per cent of first preferences and a commanding 69.5 per cent of the vote on a two-candidate preferred basis.
