Wagga-born Kirsti Miller to run in federal election for Parkes

Kirsti Miller, 56, has decided to run for the Parkes electorate, where Mark Coulton currently sits, as a member of the New Liberal Party, which was formed in 2019.

The choice comes after years of frustration due to "inaction" from both the Coalition and Labor governments in power when it comes to critical issues.

"I am totally disenfranchised by politics at all levels in Australia," she said.

"The real-world problems are not getting fixed. I think there is a need for real people to be in politics, not career politicians.

"I think Australia is ready to have a transgender woman in Parliament, and it's a time where Australia needs diversity in Parliament."

To those who doubt that she could represent anyone living in regional areas, she referenced her career.

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"Kirsti would be one of the most regional people in the regions," she said. "I was born and bred in Wagga, and I am proud of it."

Kirsti, known to all then as Warren Miller, travelled the world representing the nation, played first grade for Wagga Brothers and was inducted into the Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame.

"I was born and bred in Wagga," she said. "I also did an electrical trade in the Riverina."

Then in 1990, Kirsti became a correctional officer and worked with some of Australia's most notorious criminals, including granny killer Wayne John Glover, Anita Cobby killers Michael Murphy and Raymond John Travers, and Ivan Milat.

"I worked in places like Goulburn, Cooma, Tumbarumba," Ms Miller said. "I lived in Lithgow. I was in Broken Hill and far-west NSW.

"My life has been so diverse. I have lived as a man. I have lived as a woman. I have been an international athlete. With me, you get a jack of all trades."

Kirsti came out whilst working as the Governor of the Broken Hill Correctional Centre in 2000. She now works as a cabbie at Broken Hill.

If elected, there are multiple issues that Kirsti wants to tackle, from water and unemployment to the deaths of Indigenous Australians in custody.

"I also want to see a federal Independent Commission Against Corruption introduced," she said. "One with teeth and retrospective powers. We need to hold politicians to account just like everyone else. Anyone that goes against it has something to hide."

When asked if she has a realistic chance of taking on the Nationals Party in the region that has held the seat for years, Kirsti said, "without a doubt".

"I don't take anything on if I don't think I can win," she said.

NOTE: Kirsti Miller permitted The Daily Advertiser to reference her past using her former name Warren Miller.

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