Motoring candidates grid up for Federal election

By: Guy Allen, Photography by: Street Machine

Date: 27.06.2016

Senator Ricky Muir heads election field

At least eight petrolhead candidates are lined up for the July 2 Federal election, seven from the Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party (AMEP) and one from the Liberal Democrats (LDP).

By far the best-known is Ricky Muir, the Victorian Senator for AMEP, who has so far served only two years of a six-year term. Muir was treated with a degree of disdain when first joining Parliament, but a good maiden speech and a track record for independent thinking and voting since then has gained him considerable public credibility.

The former sawmill worker may struggle to hold his seat, thanks in part to a change in voting rules, and high-profile media commentator Derryn Hinch is tipped to outpoll him.

Our sister magazine Street Machine recently interviewed Muir. When asked how he views politics after a couple of years in the job, he responded: "I was very cynical about politics before I got involved. Unfortunately, all this role has done is reinforce that. Everything that many representatives say and do is the complete opposite of what they think. The hidden agendas become very visible once you’re on the inside." 

AMEP’s other candidates are Aaron Mackley and Max Caruso in Victoria, Rob Bryden and Daniel Kirkness in New South Wales, plus Nathan Green and Judith Kuerschner in South Australia (see more detail here at the AMEP site).

Meanwhile the LDP is fielding well-known 4x4 and motorcycle magazine writer John Rooth, better known as ‘Roothy’ in his 4WD DVD adventure series. Based in Queensland, he too is running for the senate and this is his second campaign. You can find him via Facebook.

Photo: Street Machine

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