At a local community fete in Gungahlin, Youma has volunteered to sit in the dunk tank chair while community members attempt to throw sponges and ask questions to Youma at the same time. With the Canberra weather making any fall into the tank a cold ask, a line begins to build as Youma awaits the first question, with signs (pictured) on either side of the tank in support of Youma.

​

https://preview.redd.it/60k28o07f2kb1.png?width=677&format=png&auto=webp&s=c86140603326689c97f35353b5ccf5c810972b23

A young lady called Martha is the first in line, and prepares her throw.

Martha: “Howdy Youma, I’m a local school teacher, I remember voting for you a few years ago, and I think it’s great that you've come back. While I admittedly did vote for TheSensibleCentre when you two last went head to head, this was before she returned to being a member of a political party, and I just feel she has taken us for granted. I found a few of the lines in your recent interview with Australia Tonight quite interesting, I was wondering if you could elaborate on what you would do for health and housing in Canberra.”

Youma: “Welcome to the fete, and thank you for the great question. I’m really glad to be back on the campaign trail after so long, and after such a mess of a term. On your question, I’ll start with what I want done for suburban health, with the note that anything would be done with consultation and the agreement of the ACT Government and Legislative Assembly, as territory rights must be respected and upheld, and as the Member for Canberra it would be my duty to protect them. While our health system is getting better through territory and federal government investment over the years, including under both my governments and subsequent Social Democratic party governments, there is always more we can do. Canberrans deserve peace of mind in knowing that if they need medical attention, there is help close by, and they have choice in the sites they can visit. Be it public health clinics or private practices, Canberrans do not want ideological purism over who cares for them, they want actual results. My plan if elected is to negotiate a new suburban health program between the Federal and ACT governments, bringing the successful walk-in centre trials out of testing stage, and into local shopping centres where locals can get help sooner, allowing the pressure facing our public hospitals to fall for the first time in years. To supplement this, I would work with the next federal government to introduce a National Health and Nursing training programme, furthering investments made previously into the health field to assist hospitals and clinics across Australia to get the qualified staff they need to keep up with demand. On housing, the ACT is currently facing an over 100 million dollar housing debt which is predicted to drain 30 million dollars from the territory budget over the next few years. While smaller than other states, it becomes ridiculous that during a housing crisis we are seeing money being spent on states and territories repaying the federal government instead of being spent on houses and housing support. I hope that with good faith negotiations, we can see the next government of Australia wipe or at least freeze the ACT’s housing debt, with a guarantee from the ACT government as part of it to spend the money that would have otherwise been spent on repayment on housing”

Martha throws her sponge, which accidentally hits one of the signs (pictured), slightly knocking it over.

​

https://preview.redd.it/fsnk69u7f2kb1.png?width=677&format=png&auto=webp&s=dba76a44aa37ee608dcb1a67736a3531bd67e55e

Martha and Youma exchange thanks, before the next person comes up, an older man named Derrick

Derrick: “Good afternoon Youma, I must say it's a surprise to see you here, it's been quite a few moon. I’ve never really been a fan of politics, I felt that self government was forced on us by a government that didn't want to deal with Mr Fluffy. You’ve spoken a lot about statehood as a concept being big on the list for you, why should this be a focus during a housing crisis, how are you any different to the other politicians if this is your priority?”

Youma: “A very good question, and thank you for lining up to ask me this. Fundamentally statehood is a question of democracy to me, is it fair that our parliament and our representation at a local level can be unilaterally abolished by a government for any reason, for zero reason the ACT can be brought under direct control by a Territories Minister that we do not elect or have a say in. To me, this is wrong. Statehood offers the people of the Australian Capital Territory certainty that our democratic system, values and ideals are upheld, regardless of who is in office, as there is no liberty without a say from the people. This is not an unfounded fear, the Howard government proved the ability for a government to act in this way by removing the power of the Legislative Assembly to debate or legislate on voluntary assisted dying despite the dispute on this issue happening over three thousands kilometres away, simply because they didn’t like the Northern Territory democratically choosing to legalise voluntary assisted dying for those terminally ill. We are a mature territory, one near the size of Tasmania, we deserve an equal say in this nation, and we deserve to have our democracy treated with respect. While stereotypical, I’m not like other politicians because my values are known, consistent, and unwavering. When something needs to be done, I get it done, when negotiations are needed, I negotiate, I know what needs to be done to deliver for Canberra, and I hope I am given the opportunity to deliver it.”

Derrick throws his sponge, which barely misses the target

Derrick: “I’m not going away just yet, I bought two of these sponges, what are your thoughts on your opponent?”

Youma: “Fair enough. Unfortunately, out of what appears to be desperation, Labour and their new leader are resorting to desperate tactics in order to try and salvage their campaign. Claims that I don’t support a united Australia are simply a lie, and show how close our movement is to making Canberra count. I have a track record from my previous parliamentary experience of consistently delivering, be it new roads across the territory, a new hospital down south, record investment for public transport, and even our beloved republic, when I commit, I deliver. Canberra deserves betteee^{eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerr-}"

Derrick throws a sponge, which hits the target and sends Youma falling below. Youma swims up and holds on to the ledge, laughing.

Youma: “Fair play, a very good throw. Canberra deserves a member of parliament that stands up for them, which unfortunately our incumbent member has failed to do. No matter which government forms, or if I support them, my principles and policies will not be changed, this is a movement to make Canberra count, and that will not be betrayed. It would not surprise me if Canberra becomes a balance of power seat, and as an Independent member I will be able to work across the isle, instead of just along party lines, to deliver what Canberra needs.”