The Curtin University media and cultural studies lecturer unsuccessfully stood for the seat of Moore in 2004 and said recent comments from current Tangney MP Dennis Jensen spurred him to contest pre-selection.
“I got a phone call and I thought ‘why not?’ I think I can offer an alternative,” he said.
Citing recent comments in Parliament, Mr Kerr said the electorate had lost faith in Dr Jensen.
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READ NOW“The current Federal Member for Tangney has let down his community on a range of issues,” he said.
“Dennis Jensen has denied climate change, supported the Roe 8 freeway, referred to Aboriginal communities as noble savages and compared marriage equality for same-sex couples to marrying a sibling,” he said.
“I think the Tangney community are uncomfortable with Jensen’s track record and are looking for a progressive replacement that can vote on their values.
“It is time for the Federal Member for Tangney to genuinely reflect the views of the electorate.”
Mr Kerr tagged media ownership, the Greens Renew Australia initiative and affordable higher education as major platform.
He said recent discourse former state Liberal director Ben Morton would challenge Dr Jensen for the Liberal candidacy for the seat – considered the second safest Liberal seat in the State – was inconsequential and any candidate selection should be left to the electorate.
“I think it would be better for the electorate to make the decision about who represents them rather than the Liberal machine,” he said.
When contacted, Dr Jensen declined to comment.