Generating change meant getting political. At the 1972 federal election, David Widdup became the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in Australia. Standing for the inner-western Sydney seat of Lowe, then held by prime minister William McMahon, Widdup polled only 218 votes. But his campaign got good media coverage with its catchy slogan 'I've got my eyes on Billy's seat' and achieved its aim of helping to raise awareness in the wider community.