By Callum Ludwig
Phillip Courtis is running as the Trumpet of Patriots candidate for the electorate of Casey.
As part of the Star Mail’s election coverage, Mr Courtis was contacted to share a bit of information about his connection to the seat of Casey and why he is running in this election.
Mr Courtis said while he currently lives outside the electorate, his connection to Casey runs deep.
“As the youngest of ten children, I was raised with strong values of community and resilience, values that mirror the spirit of Casey, I’ve spent years actively engaging with this area, and I understand what’s at stake for its residents, this isn’t just a campaign, it’s personal,” he said.
“I’m running because Australia is heading in the wrong direction, and I refuse to stand by, I started my political journey with the Young Liberals, but as they drifted from the values that matter, I knew I had to find a new path,”
“The Trumpet of Patriots is that path, we’re committed to a government that works, an immigration policy that’s sustainable, and a future grounded in Australian values, the time for sitting on the fence is over.”
Mr Courtis’ social media presence lists an address in Mickleham which is in the electorate of Calwell. It is approximately a 40 minute drive from the nearest boundary of the Casey electorate in Panton Hill, which was recently redistributed to the area.
Mr Courtis said his goal is simple: to fight for the people of Casey like their future depends on it, because it does.
“People in Casey are under pressure. Crumbling infrastructure, spiralling rent and food costs, and unchecked immigration are pushing families and businesses to the edge, locals want their voices heard, not buried in bureaucracy,” he said.
“I’ve spoken with small business owners overwhelmed by rising premiums, staff shortages, and wage stress, these aren’t abstract issues, they’re happening now and the Trumpet of Patriots has the backbone to tackle them head on,”
“I’ll push for leaner government, smarter immigration, more homes, and policies that reduce the daily cost burden on families, I’ll fight to ensure Australian values are not just protected but prioritised, we need practical infrastructure upgrades, a revitalised local economy, and a clear voice in Canberra that won’t be ignored.”
Out on the campaign trail, according to his social media, Mr Courtis has visited Trumpet of Patriots volunteers at Lilydale Lake and small business owners in Belgrave. He also met with current Senator Ralph Babet who was elected for the now-defunct United Australia Party in 2022 and is running again under the Trumpet of Patriots banner.
Mr Courtis said Australia is at a tipping point and is on the brink of losing what makes it great.
“Government waste is out of control, housing is unaffordable, and we’re dangerously dependent on foreign manufacturing and energy, we must act urgently to restore control of our own destiny, that means protecting our freedoms, supporting local industries, and stepping back from international bodies that no longer represent our national interest,” he said.
“I’m not running to build a political career; I’m running to protect what we all love about this country, I’m a husband, a father, and a small business owner, I know firsthand how hard it’s become to stay afloat.
“With your support, I’ll bring real world experience and real urgency to Parliament, let’s take back control of our future, starting right here in Casey.”
Some of the key Trumpet of Patriots policies include:
Installing a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), seemingly in alignment with the executive order implemented by the Trump administration which is not actually an official government department.
Cutting immigration to sustainable levels and prioritising ‘migration from nations with compatible values’
Establishing high-speed rail networks to speed up commutes and allowing Australians to access their super for a home deposit
‘Restore reliable baseload power’, repeal the ban on nuclear energy, exit the Paris Agreement and ‘let the free market decide’ the cheapest form of power
Believe in one Australian flag instead of multiple flags, likely the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and that there’s no need ‘to be welcomed to your own country’
Get rid of Digital IDs, prevent a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) from being established and make accepting cash compulsory at all businesses
‘Get the woke agenda out of our schools’ with a ‘focus on reading, writing and arithmetic, not ideology’
Exit the WHO (World Health Organization), UN (United Nations) and WEF (World Economic Forum) and stay out of international conflicts
Place a 15 per cent licence fee on all iron ore exports from Australia
Establish a Royal Commission into Covid-19.