Kudra Falla-Ricketts is the Greens candidate for Page in the upcoming federal election. The Greens announced her candidacy in Lismore on the year’s ‘greenest’ day, St Patrick’s Day March 17. Ms Falla-Ricketts said it was “a great honour to be endorsed as the Greens’ candidate”. “We have a wonderful, vibrant community, which I am passionate to represent,” she said. “As a young person growing up in a regional area, I know what it’s like to miss out on opportunities that other people take for granted. “Our region has high unemployment and some of the most chronic health issues in the state. “Access to free education is being dismantled through the sale of TAFE and the threat of $100,000 university fees. “I want to change the way we do politics. “People are tired of the old dinosaur parties fighting amongst themselves, twisting the truth in their sound bites and memes in an attempt to one-up the other parties, rather than focusing on policy change and getting things done. “The corrupting influence of donations on our political system has to stop. “With the recent coal seam gas win, we have shown what our region is capable of. “We care about our community and our environment; our government should be helping those in need and caring for country. “We need to protect our precious farmland, water and climate. “Our region has a bright future in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and tourism. “These industries create healthier and happier jobs that last. “As a young woman who is worried about my generation’s future, I know we need a passionate voice standing up for current and future generations.” Ms Falla-Ricketts was born in Lismore. She says she has gained leadership experience working within several environmental and social justice organisations. “I see the Greens as the natural party for young people,” she said. “I want to engage people who have become disenchanted with our political system.”