Kate Dezarnaulds’ hopes of stealing the Gilmore seat away from incumbent Fiona Phillips and main rival Andrew Constance have received a boost with former Independent MP John Hatton throwing his support behind the Community Independent candidate.

Hatton, who served as the Independent Member for South Coast in the NSW Parliament from 1973 to 1995, is widely respected across the political spectrum for his fearless pursuit of truth and transparency.

He is best known for initiating the Royal Commission into Police Corruption, one of Australia’s most significant anti-corruption inquiries. Hatton was named an Officer of the Order of Australia and declared an Australian Living Treasure.

A lifelong advocate for open and accountable government, Hatton said Gilmore deserved a representative who listens to the community and acts with integrity instead of party loyalty.

“Kate Dezarnaulds is the only candidate in this race with the independence, integrity, and courage to speak up for her community, without fear or favour,” Hatton said.

“She’s not here to climb a party ladder. She’s standing to serve the people of Gilmore, and I believe she will do so with honesty, transparency and a genuine commitment to public service.”

Hatton also raised the alarm over the Coalition’s nuclear energy proposal, warning it risks national security, undermines Australia’s sovereignty and could open the door to dangerous and costly developments on the South Coast.

“This isn’t just bad policy, it’s an invasion of a different kind,” he said.

“Jervis Bay was almost the first site chosen for a nuclear power station. If elected, they could open it tomorrow.

“They’re talking about spending 6000 million dollars, money that could build 6000 homes, fund free universities or electrify the country and not a line of it appeared in their budget reply.

“If this plan is so good, why are they hiding it? I stopped believing in Father Christmas when I was five, and I’ve never seen an election full of more fantasy and distraction than this one.”

Constance, the Liberal Party’s candidate in Gilmore, has endorsed the use of nuclear power to tackle Australia’s energy crisis but also believes renewables have a part to play in the solution.

Dezarnaulds was thrilled to receive Hatton’s endorsement, describing him as “a giant of integrity in Australian public life”.

“His support means a great deal to me and to so many in our community who want a better kind of politics.

“As an Independent, I’ll always put our region first, not a party agenda. People are ready for a representative who listens, speaks the truth, and puts the public interest at the centre of every decision.”