In a significant move to amplify its influence across regional Australia, the powerful fundraising organisation Climate 200 has announced the appointment of Kate Hook as its new co-convener. The former independent candidate for the NSW seat of Calare will join founding figure Simon Holmes à Court in leading the group's strategic direction.
This appointment marks a clear strategic pivot for the group, which was instrumental in getting a wave of 'teal' independents elected in metropolitan seats in 2022. Ms. Hook's experience running a fiercely contested campaign in a regional electorate is seen as invaluable for Climate 200's next chapter.
'We know that regional communities are on the front line of climate change and are also feeling the pinch from the major parties' failure to tackle economic inequality and a housing crisis,' stated Ms. Hook, highlighting the core issues driving voter discontent outside urban centres.
The group is explicitly eyeing a expansion into regional seats where community-backed independents are emerging. This strategy responds to a growing demand for genuine political alternatives and a frustration with the traditional two-party system.
Simon Holmes à Court emphasised that the group's mission extends beyond a single issue, stating, 'Our focus is on supporting high-calibre community independents who are committed to integrity, action on climate, and economic fairness... that is a message that resonates in the regions just as it does in the city.'
While not naming specific seats, the appointment signals Climate 200's readiness to back a new cohort of candidates challenging the National Party's stronghold in rural and regional constituencies, setting the stage for a dramatic and well-funded contest at the next federal election.
