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Gangland widow Roberta Williams eyes Bill Shorten’s seat

Roberta Williams has put her hand up to run against Bill Shorten as a candidate for the Australian People's Party.

Roberta Williams has put her hand up to run against Bill Shorten as a candidate for the Australian People's Party. Photo: AAP

Roberta Williams is preparing a tilt at federal politics, but her proposed run could be over before it’s even begun.

Ms Williams, the wife of slain gangland figure Carl Williams, is nominating as the Australian People’s Party candidate for the Victorian seat of Maribyrnong, which is currently held by Labor leader Bill Shorten.

However her status as an undischarged bankrupt is likely to make her ineligible.

According to her candidate page, Ms Williams’ focus is on homelessness, mental illness and assisting troubled young Australians.

“Roberta has a great understanding of the needs of the homeless, troubled youth, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues and those experiencing financial difficulties,” it reads.

It also describes Ms Williams as a “charitable person who always has time for those in need because sometimes all that those struggling require is a listening ear and shoulder to lean on”.

The candidate says she would also be a spokesperson for free medical treatment and better facilities.

Ms Williams said she deserved a chance to take a tilt at federal politics.

“So many wrongs have been done to me and other people that I believe need to be fixed and the government at the moment doesn’t seem to know how to do that,” she told reporters outside her Melbourne home.

“I have haters, I have likers, I have people who love me, we all do in society. I believe that everyone deserves a chance at giving anything a go and if you’ve got the capabilities to do so, do it.”

Ms Williams refused to comment on her bankruptcy status at the press conference.

In an earlier interview with News Corp, she said she would unseat Mr Shorten at the federal election as someone who has lived “many colours”.

“I’m someone who’s lived many colours. I’ve been homeless … an abused wife dragged through the system as a child,” she said.

“I’m not a person who has sat behind a desk and had blinkers on.

“They either like you or don’t like you. I’m ready to win the vote of the people and ready to show them what I’m made of. I’m a people person.

“I like Bill Shorten. I’ve always liked him … But I’m going to beat him.”

The Australian People’s Party was registered in March this year with the purported aim of putting “the Australian people’s long-term prosperity first”.

Its policies include prosperity tax, free education, pollution prevention, and a patient-first focus for doctors and nurses.

Last year, Ms Williams declared bankruptcy after owing $300,000 to the Australian Taxation Office.

She has also served jail time for drug trafficking, but was sentenced to less than 12 months – and does not make her ineligible.

Topics: Bill Shorten
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