Thomas Emerson is an Australian politician who has served as a member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for the electorate of Kurrajong since 2024. He is the leader and co-founder of Independents for Canberra.[2]
Thomas Emerson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for Kurrajong | |
| Assumed office 19 October 2024 | |
| Leader of Independents for Canberra | |
| Assumed office 29 January 2024 | |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Independents for Canberra (since 2024) |
| Other political affiliations | David Pocock (2022)[1] |
Early life
editFrom the age of 16, Emerson spent seven years with chronic hip, lower back and shoulder problems.[3] After graduating with a philosophy degree from the Australian National University (ANU) in 2017, he founded Praksis, a Canberra-based movement studio.[4][5]
Political career
editDuring the 2022 federal election, Emerson volunteered for independent candidate David Pocock.[6] After Pocock was successful in his election as an ACT senator, Emerson began to work for him as an advisor.[6][7]
In January 2024, Emerson co-founded Independents for Canberra (IFC) ahead of the 2024 ACT election.[8] On 31 May, IFC announced Emerson and Sara Poguet as the party's lead candidates for the electorate of Kurrajong.[9] Emerson, along with Fiona Carrick (who contested with her own Fiona Carrick Independent party) became the first independents elected to the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly in 23 years.[10][11]
Personal life
editEmerson's father is Craig Emerson, who served as the federal Minister for Small Business and Minister for Trade in the Rudd-Gillard government.[12]
References
edit- ^ Emerson, Thomas [@EmersonACT] (12 October 2024). "Never been a member of a political party, except @INDforCBR which we've registered as a party to get our own column on the ballot paper. Oh and I was on David Pocock's party membership list when he did the same thing" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 20 October 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Bovill, Monte (19 October 2024). "Emerson could become first independent in the ACT assembly in 20 years". ABC News. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ Martin, Amy (18 January 2021). "The new way to move your body in Canberra's Praksis". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "What I learned working for David Pocock". Canberra Daily. 31 August 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Thomas Emerson". praksis.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ a b "THOMAS EMERSON". Independents for Canberra. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ Bell, Patrick (13 September 2024). "ACT election campaign mode is on, and the formula for winning power is unlike anywhere else in the country". ABC News. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ Twyford, Lottie (29 January 2024). "Party of community independents to contest ACT election after being inspired by Senator David Pocock's success". ABC News. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
- ^ "Independents for Canberra Announces Lead Candidates for Kurrajong and Murrumbidgee". Independent Council Candidate Paul Noack. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ Roberts, Georgia (19 October 2024). "The independent wave hits the ACT as Andrew Barr promises a 'progressive and stable' crossbench". ABC News. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ Glenday, James (20 September 2024). "'An "It's Time" vibe': The independents hoping to shake up Canberra's status quo". ABC News. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Party of community independents to contest ACT election after being inspired by Senator David Pocock's success". ABC News.
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