The Australian Christians party hopes that the re-run of the WA federal senate election will result in its first representative making it to Canberra.
Australian Christians are the largest political party without a federal representative, but State director Gary Kleyn told The Record he was confident that could change when voters return to the polls on April 5.
“We were very pleased with the support we received at the [first] WA senate election,” he said.
“Even with a significant increase in parties running, we managed to maintain the same level of voter support as in the previous federal election.”
At the September 7 election, the party’s lead candidate Jamie van Burgel secured a large portion of votes, however, he won’t be contesting this time.
“Unfortunately Jamie will not be running because he and his wife Janelle have just been blessed with their fourth child,” Mr Kleyn said.
“Last Friday the Australian Christians WA Council nominated national director and experienced campaigner Ray Moran to run as the lead candidate.
“Justin Moseley will be running again as our second candidate.”
Mr Moran said he hoped to improve on the 25,000 votes for Australian Christians candidates at the first senate election.
“We are hopeful of consolidating the Christian vote while also offering an appealing option for those that long for a return to a country with a moral and caring attitude,” he said.
The lead candidate added that the party has received strong support from WA Catholics, due to their shared values.
“We have had candidates from many Catholic parishes and continue to have Catholic representation on our state council,” he said.
“We believe this is due to our strong pro-life, pro-marriage stance; just two of many values the party shares with Catholic folk.”
Mr Moran said the party’s preferences would go to the like-minded parties, such as Family First and the Democratic Labor Party, rather than to parties with anti-life or anti-family policies.
“Our commitment to our supporters is to place our preferences firstly with Christian-based parties followed by the Liberal Party before going on to other conservative parties,” he said.
“This election is a great opportunity for all Christians to make a stand for traditional Christian values that have been largely abandoned or threatened by both major parties.”