Government New political banner for Jing Lee as she launches Better Community campaign

In front of more than a thousand supporters and a striking sea of purple, Jing Lee has officially launched her re-election campaign under her new political party, Jing Lee – Better Community, marking a defining moment in her fifteen-year journey serving South Australians. The event, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre and attended by registered guests, community members and dozens of volunteers, highlighted the strong momentum behind her mission to build a better community, a safer society and a stronger economy.

Reflecting on her long-standing connection with the people she serves, Lee spoke openly about the shared challenges of the past decade and a half. “During the pandemic, and the drought, and the bushfire… I’ve been with you 365 days for the last 15 years,” she said, emphasising how these moments strengthened her commitment to public service. Becoming an Independent earlier this year was a turning point, but one she said was guided by everyday South Australians. “It was you standing beside me, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart… to let me know that you still need me in Parliament to keep government accountable.”

Her new political movement will appear above the line on the Legislative Council ballot, a change Lee says will help voters easily recognise her platform. She outlined her three foundational pillars — Better Services, Safer Society and a Stronger Economy — which also reflect the broader vision behind her party’s name, Better Community. These pillars, she said, are anchored in the values that have shaped her work for 15 years: respect, trust, integrity, inclusivity and accountability.

Lee placed significant focus on easing cost-of-living pressures, noting it remains the issue she hears about “every single day” from individuals, families and small business owners. She highlighted the struggles facing local businesses navigating compliance burdens, high taxes and rising operating costs, committing to advocate for reduced red tape and more supportive conditions to help them grow. Economic strength, she said, is also closely tied to workforce development, stressing the need to recognise international talent and invest in upskilling. “We need to upskill people… to actually recognise international talents in South Australia so that they can have better opportunities to contribute back to our industry.”

A major part of her message centred on improving safety and protecting the state’s most vulnerable — including seniors at risk of abuse, children in a failing protection system and women fleeing domestic violence. Her commitment, she said, is to policies that ensure everyone feels safe “in their neighbourhood, in the workplace, and around our community.”

Lee described herself as a proud Australian, passionate South Australian leader, industry advocate and trailblazer for multicultural representation. She reflected on meeting thousands of South Australians throughout her 15 years in Parliament, gaining what she calls “a deep understanding of what matters most to them.” After leaving the Liberal Party in January 2025 to serve as an Independent, widespread community encouragement led her to establish her own party in May 2025 — a single-member movement designed to amplify community voices and work constructively with all sides of politics.

Despite leading a single-member party, Lee said she has never felt alone. She praised her supporters for providing “energy, advice and guidance,” paid tribute to her small but dedicated team, and thanked her volunteers and family — with a special nod to her husband Eddie. “He is like the lighthouse, and I’m the speedboat… the lighthouse has to beam to bring me home,” she said, drawing warm laughter from the crowd.

With about 100 days remaining before the March 21, 2026 State Election, Lee urged South Australians to spread the message of a community-first platform. Many, she said, are disillusioned by major parties, broken promises and political infighting. “People are sick and tired of being overlooked. They want to see politics done differently.” She positioned herself as the “independent, alternative choice going forward to be the strong positive change for South Australia,” offering voters a leader who listens, acts with integrity and works collaboratively to deliver real outcomes.