Opinion: ALP’s Durack candidate Karen Wheatland on her Federal campaign, why she won despite not being elected

I wasn’t elected. But that doesn’t mean I lost.

I’ve won — in so many ways.

Running for Durack brought everything into focus.

Every chapter of my life — rough seas, rebuilding after injury, raising kids through the hard stuff, fighting for better — led me to that campaign trail.

I didn’t put my hand up because it was easy or expected. I did it because I’ve lived the consequences of policy.

I’ve seen what happens when people are left behind. And I knew I had something real to offer.

This campaign wasn’t about chasing a title — it was about standing in my truth, showing up, and giving people something honest to connect with.

I travelled thousands of kilometres, heard stories that will stay with me forever, and shared my own — not to impress, but to connect.

My values weren’t handed down to me. They weren’t shaped by a party line or family tradition. They were formed the hard way — through experience. Through working-class struggle, union activism, single parenting, injury, addiction, recovery and public service. They’ve been tested and rebuilt — just like me.

That’s why I back Labor.

Not because I was told to — but because it matches what I’ve lived. Because I know how much it matters when government shows up with practical policies —free Tafe, HECS relief, housing support, mental health funding. Not handouts — lifelines.

If there’s one thing I want people — especially younger voters — to take from this journey, it’s this: Think for yourself. Ask where your values truly sit.

Sometimes we vote the way we were raised to. We follow what feels familiar. And there’s nothing wrong with honouring where you’ve come from, but make sure it lines up with where you’re going.

The world’s changing. And we can’t move forward by holding on too tightly to the past.

You have a voice. Use it.

That’s what I did. And while I didn’t win the seat — I found my place.

And I’m just getting started.