<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>336053</docID> <postdate>2025-01-01 12:47:32</postdate> <headline>Independent to challenge Payne in Canberra seat</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-336054" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ClaireMiles_gracecostaphotographer-21-Edit-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="601" /></p> <caption>Independent candidate Claire Miles... "I am proudly centrist, standing for people, not party politics. I am not tied to any faction and can remain focused on practical solutions and real outcomes for our community."</caption> <p><strong>With a 28-year career in the Royal Australian Air Force, independent Claire Miles is taking a tilt at sitting Labor member Alicia Payne in the central seat of Canberra at the federal election, which may only be weeks away.</strong></p> <p>Ms Miles, whose website is coloured teal, says she wants to be a "true voice for the community, untethered by party lines or lobbyist influence".</p> <p>"I stand for integrity in politics and will be a genuine voice for our community, my focus is on listening to the concerns of the people in Canberra and delivering practical outcomes that truly represent us all," she says.</p> <p>"The overwhelming community support I’ve received shows that Canberra is ready for change, and together, we can make it happen."</p> <p class="">She started her RAAF career in administration and later as an environmental health officer.</p> <p class="">"Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in policy development and health-related roles, contributing to the well-being of personnel and the effectiveness of operations," she says.</p> <p class="">"I am proudly centrist, standing for people, not party politics. I am not tied to any faction and can remain focused on practical solutions and real outcomes for our community."</p> <p> </p> </body>