WHEN FREO ELECTION CANDIDATES ‘DO NOT FEEL PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE’

The 2025 mayoral debate at Notre Dame tomorrow should be a hoot.
The last time Fremantle election candidates were invited to Tannock Hall was at the ‘Great Debate’ on March 8 (opposite).
Organisers including Fremantle Network staged a game show-like event in which absent candidates in the state election were replaced with props including a Halloween inverted cross donated by Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus (Christian Party), a seagull (Liberals), WA Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Nicoletta Raffaelli (boxing kangaroo) and fake marijuana joint (Legalise Cannabis Party WA).
On Monday, mayoral candidates return for a possible repeat disaster given last week’s ‘debate’ at the East Ward debate (also co-organised by Fremantle Network) where former councillor Rachel Pemberton supporting City of Fremantle employee (on leave) Brendan Moore interjected while independent Sally McKay tried to explain why she was foregoing her council stipend of $38,000 for attending a dozen meetings a year.
The next day, Ms McKay told StreetWise: “Meanwhile, I’m made to look by the moderator (Gabby Nui) that I am trying to buy votes. She started a debate with me when she didn’t like my answers.”
Mayoral candidate Marija Vujcic also has been criticised by local media for wanting to forego her $600,000 stipend for the Freo community: “It is disappointing, however, that I was not contacted for comment. Had I been, the Herald would have heard firsthand how genuine and longstanding my commitment to community service has been over many years. My pledge to reinvest the mayoral stipend into community projects is about service, not self interest. To suggest that this somehow disenfranchises women or undermines diversity and inclusion is simply wrong.
“My pledge is an act of redistribution and empowerment: it says that leadership should be about service, not privilege. It says that resources should flow to where they’re needed, not to bolster rhetoric.”
The former councillor added: “I worry about a narrative that uses ‘women’s organisations’ to gatekeep what women can or cannot do in public life. This is about rebuilding trust and accountability in local government. Too many ratepayers feel disconnected and frustrated by waste and broken promises. In the end, this is not about me — it’s about Fremantle. I am proud to make this pledge because I believe it sends the strongest possible message: when you elect me, you get a Mayor who works for the community, not for themselves.”
Local Government Elected Members Association chair Sandra Boulter told StreetWise: “Personally, it is a candidate’s decision and elector’s choice and is about freedom of political communication and not for the Australian Local Government Women’s Association to campaign against it.”

Unsafe

On September 30, on the eve of the candidates debate at the Local Hotel (also co-organised by Fremantle Network) Ms McKay pulled out: “I have spoken with Christian Mauri from The Fremantle Network as I have withdrawn from the debate tonight as I do not feel psychologically safe to attend.”
She said: “Last week at the Q&A run by Hilton precinct and Samson precinct was disrupted by Rachel Pemberton. Following that night it was made clear on social media that Rachel is working on Brendan Moore’s campaign and her accomplice Sarah Davis who joined in with Rachel at the Q&A, is working with Nick Everett. Nick Everett has launched a personal attack on my posts implying I’m a racist and I am ok with violence against women. Today he has posted there are far right extremists running for council but won’t name anyone. In my mind if you have to resort to name calling, you don’t have anything to offer. It is clear he isn’t interested in East Ward or Fremantle and only wants to promote his political party ideology. This is why political parties have no place in local council elections.
“I have now discovered Rachel is a member and coordinator of The Fremantle Network. How can the debate be impartial when there a biased agitators involved in this? Christian Mauri was supportive and understanding but couldn’t assure me this debate wouldn’t be the equivalent of a public mauling. This debate will be an echo chamber of their own ideology.
“These people talk of human rights, diversity and inclusivity and kindness, but only if you agree with them. The minute you show a differing view or get in the way of their political aspirations they launch a tirade of hate and anger against you. This isn’t democracy. I won’t attend an event that doesn’t support the respectful exchange of thoughts and ideas.”