Gympie identity and disability advocate Emma Buhse (pronounced BOO-see) is not a typical political candidate: she’s been homeless, never owned a car ‘and I’m not one to promote myself’.
The 41 year old is a first time candidate and decided to stand for the Greens in Gympie in the state election because the previous candidate was not standing.
‘A lot of people in Gympie would be devastated if there was no Greens candidate to vote for.’
Buhse has Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a disorder affecting connective tissue and has lived in Gympie since 2004. During her 20 years in Gympie, she been an advocate with the Access Advisory Committee and Bravo Disability Support, working with businesses and governments to improve Gympie’s accessibility and inclusion.
Greens candidate Emma Buhse is a prominent member of the Gympie community and works hard to build accessibility and inclusion. PHOTO: Alicia Robinson
Wins include persuading Translink to offer an accessible shuttle bus to Gympie North Train station so people using mobility scooters and wheelchairs don’t have to rely on Maxi Taxis.
‘We’ve been fighting for that for over ten years and it was finally introduced this year,’ says Buhse.
She has also worked on previous election campaigns to support people with disability getting the chance to vote.
She’s all about inclusion
‘The work I do aims to build inclusion and connection in the Gympie community.’
Buhse was inspired to be a Greens candidate by Green Senator Jordon Steele-John, the first wheelchair user in the Senate.
‘Jordan is a big advocate for people with disability throughout Australia. People with a disability and our families and friends take a lot of love and comfort from him. He inspired me to stand and make my voice heard although I’m nervous about public speaking.’
Greens candidate Emma Buhse is active in the Gympie community. PHOTO: Sean Connelly
In addition to disability access and inclusion, Emma Buhse is campaigning on the Greens’ major policies, including capping rents, increasing social housing and no new gas and coal projects.
She has mixed feelings about the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro project, which may stall if there’s a change of government.
‘We definitely need to get away from coal and fossil fuels but the impacts of renewable energy projects on the environment and on humans are a concern. There needed to be lot more consultation before it was pushed through. At the end of the day it’s about listening to people in affected areas and making sure the impact on flora and fauna is as minimal as possible.’
Health and transport focus
Buhse says health and transport policies are also a focus for her campaign.
‘The Greens propose more accessible and bulk billed health clinics and extending rail and buses between Gympie and the Sunshine Coast so people can travel to university or hospitals outside Gympie.
‘This region is growing and services need to grow with population.’
Greens’ policies resonating
During campaigning, she has noticed the Green’s policies resonating with Gympie community.
‘There have been demographic changes in Gympie. So many people are affected by the lack of support and services. The Greens want to see everyone get the basics so they can start thriving instead of surviving.’
Buhse says the reaction from Gympie voters during the campaign has been mostly positive.
‘I think my sense of being one of the people, an average Joe, is coming across. People are sick of the major parties.
Personal attacks
‘There have been some personal attacks: verbal and online abuse that’s nothing to do with the parties or policies. It’s been hard to see people be unkind about the colour of someone’s skin or their ability.’
Emma says the negative comments just strengthen her motivation.
Driven to work for community
‘Someone said the Greens are going for sympathy vote in Gympie. They greatly underestimate me and my drive to work for the community. Some people think I’m the token and it can be upsetting but I do a good job of proving them wrong.
‘I’ve been an active volunteer in several organisations and projects and I stand on my record of achievement.’
Buhse says she’s also standing as a candidate for the Greens to inspire by example.
‘I want to encourage people who don’t come from privileged backgrounds to be a part of governance.’
PHOTO of Emma Buhse at top of story: Cindy Vogels
