All 107 SEQ 2022 election candidates and their promises
With 107 Lower House candidates vying for 16 southeast Queensland seats at the May 21 election, there has never been so much choice. We look at who they are and what they will do for your area if elected. SEE THE FULL LIST
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There was a time when Queenslanders were used to getting only two options when they turned up to polling booths for a federal election.
But on May 21, voters will have up to 10 candidates to choose from in some of the 16 southeast Queensland seats.
We profile the 107 Lower House candidates in SEQ and also what they are promising, at a national level or in your area.
* UAP – United Australia Party; PHON – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation; AJP – Animal Justice Party; LDP – Liberal Democratic Party; AVP – Australian Values Party; IMOP – Informed Medical Options Party; AFP – Australian Federation Party; LCA – Legalise Cannabis Australia
BLAIR
Danielle Mutton – Greens
A union organiser for 15 years, she lives and works in the Ipswich region.
Ms Mutton has been involved in a number of community campaigns, including the successful campaign against the Remondis waste-to-energy incinerator for Swanbank with Stop Incinerators in Ipswich.
“The Greens are focused on banning mining companies, the waste industry and big banks from donating money to political parties, to create a parliament free of vested interests,’’ she said.
“We will also make the big end of town pay their fair share in corporate taxes and royalties to adequately fund community services including public schools, free uni and TAFE, affordable public housing and bringing dental and mental health into Medicare.’’
Michelle Jaques – LDP
She is campaigning on flood mitigation, inland rail and waste disposal.
“We need to make plans to protect our area from future flooding,’’ she said.
“The Lib Dems are advocating against the inland rail proposed route from Toowoomba to Brisbane. It needs to go further north to Gladstone.
“This rail line will affect our farming land in the Lockyer, and suburbs of Brisbane, yet none of our elected representatives have expressed concern that this will affect their constituents.
“I would also like to find out why Ipswich is accepting over 40 per cent of Queensland’s garbage. This is going to have an environmental impact in the future.”
Quinton Cunningham - UAP
An eight-year army veteran, he enlisted as a Paratrooper and completed service as a Commando, deploying four times and was tasked with Counter Terrorism in Australia.
In 2014 he was discharged and returned to Afghanistan then Iraq for seven years providing close protection to foreign affairs staff.
“The people of Blair need a fighter and a defender. We have very serious issues with dumps which affect people’s health and we have vital highway upgrades ignored for 20 years,’’ he said.
Liz Suduk - PHON
An ex-NSW policewoman, she has spent the past 10 years working in the farming industry.
“I have worked a number of other industries from factory worker to retail to hospitality,” she said.
“I am standing for ethics, transparency, accountability and to stop the electorate of Blair being taken for granted.
Shayne Neumann – ALP
The sitting MP in Blair since 2007, he was born and raised in Ipswich and now lives at Flinders View.
He practised law for about 25 years and became a senior partner in a successful Brisbane law firm.
He has served in roles such as Parliamentary Secretary, Shadow Minister for Indigenous
Affairs, Shadow Minister for Ageing, and Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.
He was appointed Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel in 2019.
Mr Neumann has campaigned on transport infrastructure, health and education, among other issues.
Maria Pitman – AVP
The Karalee resident has run a manufacturing business with her husband for more than 14 years.
She said she therefore had a clear understanding of the struggles small business owners faced with increasing costs and labour shortages.
She would push for better infrastructure in Blair including new public transport corridors, transitioning youth from school into the workforce with purpose, reducing cost of living by initiating the regulation of essential services such as power and petrol, and providing dignified aged care services and facilities for our seniors
Angela Lowery – AJP
The Deakin University student is running to give animals and the planet a voice.
She believed the most pressing issue was climate change and its impact on young
people’s futures.
Her priorities included tackling animal agriculture as a cause of environmental degradation and climate change, and introducing clearer food labelling laws relating to meat and dairy products.
Sam Biggins – LNP
An Ipswich father-of-two with nearly two decades’ experience in commercial real estate, he said he understood the pressures on hardworking local families from the cost of living, child care, commuting time and budgeting.
“The LNP is delivering cost of living relief by lowering the price of fuel, delivering one-off payments and lowering taxes,’’ he said.
“More than 70,000 locals will benefit from tax relief of up to $1500 this year.
“If elected my priorities will be the Amberley/Yamanto interchange upgrades, the Mt Crosby
interchange upgrade and a second river crossing.
“I am also excited about other commitments including $40 million for the Brisbane Valley Hwy and $10 million for the Ipswich to Springfield public transport corridor study, $3.9 million for Ipswich Basketball and $1.14 million for the Lowood-Minden Road.”
BONNER
Ross Vasta – LNP
Ross Vasta, the current member for Bonner, has been a local for over 30 years and was the first member for Bonner from 2004-2007, before returning to the seat from 2010-2013.
He previously worked in small business and owned and managed a chain of restaurants and said he had a passion for people and a practical understanding of small business.
Amanda Neil – PHON
Mrs Neil grew up on a dairy farm in the Lockyer Valley and said she knew the value of hard work and the honour of your word.
She has been married for 28 years, is a marathon runner and coaches long-distance running in her spare time.
She has worked as the operations manager of a Christian Ministry in Bonner for 15 years.
Serge Diklich – UAP
Born in Yugoslavia, he trained as a dentist and was awarded the Colgate Michael Bubb Memorial Scholarship award to promote oral health in children.
He has worked for Queensland Health and since 2002 has been operating his own dental practice.
Dr Diklich said he kept a keen focus on social issues such as fair access to health care.
“I support transparency of information including potential conflict of interest, evidence-based approach and the balance between individual choices and community goals,” he said.
Tabatha Young – ALP
A proud indigenous woman, she is an advocate for equal opportunity and equal access to essential services in the Bonner community.
Ms Young and her daughter have lived in the Wynnum/Manly area for over 20 years.
She decided to run as she felt it was time for change in the community.
Bernard Lakey – Greens
An accountant, he has worked in management roles for the last 35 years in both the private and not-for-profit sectors.
Mr Lakey is originally from rural Victoria and moved to Queensland in 2011.
“Right now communities like my own in Wynnum are struggling — it’s barely possible for working people to get ahead,’’ he said.
“Wages are stagnant but corporate profits keep rising and inequality grows; something is clearly wrong in the system.
“Making corporations and billionaires pay their fair share of tax to fund free public education from childcare to uni and TAFE, public housing and universal healthcare are strategic investments in our society with a return for all of us.”
BOWMAN
Walter Todd – PHON
A deckhand and ambulance relief boat driver in the Redlands, the ex-police officer of 12 years aims to improve the area’s roads.
“I want to see the roads improved to help eliminate congestion,’’ he said.
“Getting rid of bottlenecks will shorten the journey for those who work on the Gold Coast. “Basic infrastructure upgrades and replacements are needed in Bowman in order to have secure power and water supplies across Redlands and for the SMBI island communities.’’
He also aimed to improve the Redlands Employment Scheme.
“I will champion several key One Nation policies designed to support businesses financially with apprenticeship schemes to get more locals into employment in Redlands,’’ he said
Mary-Jane Stevens – UAP
A registered nurse in the emergency department at a Queensland Health hospital, she has lived in Redlands with her partner and four children since 2014.
She has worked for two parliamentarians in NSW and has held previous corporate roles in banking, the food and beverage and real estate sectors.
She is against vaccination mandates and lockdowns.
“Protect our human rights. Freedom over bodily autonomy, religious beliefs, association and ability to travel unrestricted,’’ she said.
Ian Mazlin – Greens
The retired medical scientist has lived in the Redlands area for 27 years and is now involved with Bushcare, Citizen Science and volunteering at an aged care residence.
He has been involved with the local campaign against the proposed Toondah Harbour development, pledging to oppose the Walker proposal and instead support upgrades to the ferry terminal that keep it in public hands and ensure Moreton Bay is protected.
“I’m tired of seeing big corporations, aided and abetted by the two major parties, ignoring the wishes and trampling the rights of Redlanders,’’ he said.
“The proposal to build 3600 luxury apartments on internationally protected wetlands at Cleveland is a perfect example.”
Henry Pike – LNP
A policy analyst and advocate across a range of Australia’s largest industries, he lives in the area with his partner and children.
“I will be a strong voice for our local community and will make sure that Redlands is never taken for granted,” he said.
“I will fight for the investment that our community deserves and will work hard to make sure that federal funding is converted into better roads, not political slanging matches”.
Phil Johnson – The New Liberals
He has lived in the Redlands for 18 months and hopes to bring a positive change to the
area.
“I’m unhappy with the performance of federal politicians and the fact that we Australians simply cannot hold them to account,’’ he said.
“Australia is running low on trust in politicians because of inaction on rights, including protections for women, and lack of disclosure, truth, transparency, reporting and accountability.’’
“Australia needs to rebuild confidence in its institutions, and to do that it needs new leadership, new vision and new action.’’
Donisha Duff – ALP
She has a background in health policy, planning and management and serves as a board member with state and federal appointments.
A First Nations woman, she hopes to implement change in conditions for local workers.
“I’m proud to stand up to fight for fairer pay and conditions for workers,” she said.
“An Albanese Labor Government will provide help for Aussies on low and middle incomes to buy a home by giving a commonwealth equity contribution of up to 40 per cent of the purchase price of a new home, and up to 30 per cent for an existing home”.
BRISBANE
Tiana Kennedy – AJP
A climate activist and animal advocate, she has participated in Brisbane protests against the crocodile-leather industry, raised awareness of the fate of ex-racing horses and other causes.
She will work to protect the Great Barrier Reef and native forests and encourage the development of plant-based industries.
Justin Marc Knudson – UAP
A “dining entrepreneur’’ in the industry since 2013, he is a father of five children and grandfather of two.
He opposed vaccine mandates.
“I am deeply concerned by what I sees as a total lack of leadership in Australia and I have no faith or trust in any of the current political parties,’’ he said.
Stephen Bates – Greens
The retail worker, 29, is an openly gay man and LGBT+ advocate who has a degree in Social Science from the University of Queensland.
“If elected, the Greens are pledging to use the balance of power to push the next Government to act on climate change with a moratorium on coal and gas developments and a plan to reach 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 with no lost income for coal workers,’’ he said.
“We will build one million affordable public and community homes across Australia over 20 years and cap rent increases, and support the Greens’ bills for a Federal ICAC (corruption watchdog) and solutions to unsustainable flight noise.’’
Madonna Jarrett – ALP
Born and raised in Paddington, the mum of twin boys is a business professional with decades of private sector experience.
She has advocated for inclusion, especially for women and youth, including being a mentor as well as lending her voice to policy forums.
She supports secure jobs with a focus on sustainable industries, affordable education and well-funded hospital, aged care and NDIS systems.
Trevor Evans – LNP
The Member since 2016, when he was the youngest federal LNP MP and its only openly gay one, he held off a surging Greens vote in 2019 to win despite a swing against him.
Mr Evans’ biggest recent policy win was a promise to force regulators to redesign Brisbane’s controversial new flight paths.
The law graduate and Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction also joined with Ryan MP Julian Simmonds to persuade the Prime Minister to backflip and support half-federal payment of Queensland’s $771 million flood recovery plan.
He distanced himself from Senator Matt Canavan’s comment that the government’s zero emissions target was “dead’’.
He has also campaigned on cost of living and infrastructure such as new green bridges.
Trevor Hold – PHON
While he lives far outside the CBD electorate — in the Lockyer Valley — Mr Hold says he has been conducting business in the Brisbane throughout his 20 years as director of his own company.
That’s why he can relate to business bureaucracy and the red and green tape associated with trying to create business opportunities and jobs.
He supports PHON’s policies on foreign ownership, affordable energy and cost of living.
He believes it is every Australian’s inalienable right to equity of arms under our law and constitution.
Anthony Bull – LDP
A passionate pro-liberty candidate, he contested the 2020 Brisbane City Council election.
“After seeing how both Labor at the state level and the LNP at the federal level failed Australians over the last two years, I am looking to shake up this seat and bring about real change in Australian politics,’’ he said.
DICKSON
Alan Buchbach – Independent
The Albany Creek resident worked as an air traffic controller for a short time after joining the RAAMC when he was 18, but; later worked across Australia in the energy resource sector and more recently has been working in Albany Creek in project and general management roles.
The three pillars of his election promise are education, security and prosperity.
“I cannot stand aside this election and hope someone else stands up. I am standing up. I hope you’ll stand with me,” he said.
Lloyd Russell – LDP
A proud fourth generation family business member, he works as a Family Business Continuity specialist.
He also has a background in strategy, governance and neuroscience.
“Now is the time to really look at each party to ascertain if they are supporting individual ambition and creativity,” he said.
Peter Dutton – LNP
The Defence Minister, he has represented the seat of Dickson since 2001 and served in several portfolio areas in his career.
In 2004, he became one of the youngest ministers since Federation when he was appointed by John Howard.
“I’m asking for your vote so I can continue to deliver locally for Dickson and keep Australia safe as Defence Minister,” he said.
He has backed a number of major local projects including the Ferny Hills Park n Ride upgrade and Samford Rd intersection upgrade.
Thor Prohaska – Independent
Lawton-based Mr Prohaska has mainly worked in IT but also in a range of roles including as a labourer, taxi driver, sales representative and in public service.
He has lived in the electorate of Dickson for 18 years and raised his family of four there.
He founded the Dickson Representatives Network as part of his plan to “give every Australian a voice in Parliament”.
“If you want 100 per cent guaranteed democracy in Dickson then I’m the only candidate who has legally committed to representing what the majority want and has a practical plan to deliver it,” he said.”
Tamera Gibson – PHON
She served in the Royal Australian Navy for eight years and worked in a range of roles afterwards including aged and disability, education, banking, and as a businesswoman in hospitality and retail.
She has lived in Samford Valley for the last two decades and raised her children there.
“This country we now live in is nothing like the country I grew up in and is not what I want to leave for my children or grandchildren,” she said.
“I won’t rest until we put a stop to government-sponsored vaccine discrimination and coercion and have safeguarded the democratic principles that make Australia a great nation.”
Alina Karen Ward – UAP
She said her interest in politics was sparked by the “heartbreaking devastation of the Deregulation Laws and GST introduced by the Liberal Party” during her upbringing.
She has a traineeship in children’s services and has worked in the education industry.
“My love for children has been a massive motivator to upskill and educate myself of the problems families and children are facing,” she said.
Ali France – ALP
The former newspaper journalist and Arana Hills mum has also competed internationally as a para-athlete.
Since an accident in 2011, Ms France has lived as an amputee and committed herself to community activism.
She is an advocate for better resources for health and disability workers and better access to healthcare.
Ms France lost a bruising battle against the LNP’s Peter Dutton in 2019 with a 2.95 per cent swing against the ALP in the Morrison Queensland landslide.
“It’s time for a Government that cares,” she said.
Vinnie Batten – Greens
“I am an environmental scientist, and see the Greens as the one and only option if you’re voting with climate action in mind,’’ he said.
“Having been born with a shorter left leg requiring multiple childhood surgeries, I also understand the importance of public health and disability services, so if elected I’ll fight for truly universal public services including housing, healthcare and public education.”
The Greens have pledged to bring dental and mental health into Medicare, invest $8 billion more in public hospitals and reinvest the $7 billion annual handouts for private health insurance companies into the public health system.
FORDE
Roxanne O’Halloran – UAP
Ms O’Halloran has enjoyed a career working in state primary schools, political offices and raising a family.
She is concerned by the agendas at play by the major parties and mainstream media and is passionate about restoring human rights and reconnecting with nature and humanity.
“We are fast catapulting towards an existence unfit for humanity — complete surveillance state where our personal sovereignty no longer exists,’’ she said.
“This is currently being implemented under the guise of a health emergency.”
Bert van Manen – LNP
A member of the LNP’s centre-right, he was elected to Forde in 2010.
He has been Chief Government Whip in the House of Representatives since July 2019 and is believed to have played a major role in the leadership spill with turfed out Malcolm Turnbull. Mr van Manen is on the board of the Dunamis International College of Bible Ministries.
“I’ve been campaigning to get the M1 upgraded since I first came to office,’’ he said.
“It is getting there, with work on Exits 41 and 45, and the upgrades to Daisy Hill, but more improvements are needed, such as Exit 38.
“Work is underway on the Mt Lindesay Hwy, but there’s a long way to go and I want to see those upgrades continue.
“I will continue fighting for improved roads, community and sporting facilities, and other projects for my constituents.”
Jordan Hall – Greens
A tutor, teacher aide and proud Western Wakka Wakka man, he has lived in the Logan area since 2010.
He is a volunteer youth mentor and is passionate about the well being of people and our planet.
He opposes the Coomera Connector, which will run through wetlands, and on a national level is calling for reforms to federal environmental laws and integrity reforms.
“The Liberal/National Government introduced laws that weaken our environmental protections, making it easier for property developers and big mining corporations to destroy the environment to make a quick buck,’’ he said.
Samuel Holland – The New Liberals
A scientist, he grew up in the Forde electorate and said he wanted to run for election to invest in local infrastructure to stem the brain drain in the area.
“I also want to collaborate with the State Government to provide more public transport to the rural and semi rural parts of our communities, so everyone has the opportunity to commute to work or study without the need for private transportation,’’ he said.
“I want to work with economic experts to fix our economy.
“Part of this will be ensuring that everyone pays their fair share of tax.
“It is not fair or right or even legal that billionaires, many of whom are under the control of foreign interests, pay less tax than you.’’
Rowan Holzberger – ALP
He lives in Beenleigh, where the Holzbergers have lived since the 1850s.
Mr Holzberger has worked across farming and construction as well as owned a small business. He is passionate about affordable housing, protecting Medicare, affordable quality childcare and rebuilding local industry.
Mr Holzberger works in the office of Senator Murray Watt and ran as a state candidate for Southport in 2015 and for Bonney in 2017.
“Bulk billing is dying. If the Morrison government is re-elected, we will see this trickle become a flood,’’ he said.
“I will always fight to save Medicare and protect bulk billing.”
Seschelle Matterson – PHON
Throughout her career in private practice, her primary focus has been assisting children, teens, adults, and families on the Autism Spectrum.
“At a local level, it has been devastating to witness local council under a Queensland Labor Government cripple the local taxpayers’ businesses,’’ she said.
Tobby Sutherland – LDP
A “faith filled’’ husband and father of two, he represented Australia at the World Athletic Championships.
He went on to hold a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra where he was ranked No. 1 in Australia for the 400m hurdles.
Since then, he has been teaching in southeast Queensland for the past 12 years and is committed to developing lifelong learners who can contribute to their community.
As a teacher, he said he had witnessed first-hand the effects that the lockdowns, mask mandates and “woke” ideologies were having on our younger generation.
The rising cost of living, national debt, and government overreach persuaded him to run for election.
Christopher Greaves – Independent
“Unlike the major parties, I am actively involved in my community every single day, not just when elections are around the corner,’’ he said.
“I’m a father and a beekeeper, which give me plenty of exposure to our community’s views and needs.’’
Linda McCarthy – AJP
Although her name is on the ballot paper, Linda McCarthy has withdrawn as a candidate in the seat of Forde.
GRIFFITH
Shari Ware – PHON
A bookkeeper for many years and health business owner, she is passionate about helping others to change their health story one change at a time.
She believes that Australia needs a Bill of Rights and is concerned about potential security issues with the digital identification.
She also believes Australia needs to be self-sufficient and is troubled by the level of foreign ownership.
“One Nation will pursue urgent reform to Australia’s foreign investment rules by legislating a clear definition of national interest based on national security, competition, tax, a character test, and any other impacts on Australia,’’ she said.
“We must stop the sale of (residential) property to nonresidents and non-citizens.’’
Max Chandler-Mather – Greens
Raised in the area, he has worked for the National Tertiary Education Union and was campaign manager for Jonathan Sri’s successful Brisbane City Council election campaign in 2016, and the Greens’ key strategist at the 2017 and 2020 state elections.
He previously ran for Griffith in 2019, securing a 6.7 per cent swing.
“I’ll push to cap rent increases, scrap all HECS debt and make childcare, uni and TAFE universally free, tackle climate change and bring dental and mental health into Medicare, all funded by taxing billionaires,” he said.
He has campaigned hard on aircraft noise, the biggest issue in the area, organising several protests and forums.
He has also fought against the Bulimba Barracks redevelopment and a planned aged care facility at Holland Park.
Terri Butler – ALP
One of Labor’s best performers in Queensland, with a high media profile, she has held the seat since 2014.
The Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water, she has campaigned for secure jobs, universal healthcare, quality education for all, dignity in retirement, marriage equality and climate action, and fought the Government’s GP tax, pension cuts and uni fee increase proposals.
She has degrees in journalism/law/economics and before running for office was a partner at national law firm Maurice Blackburn, where she was one of its first two female Queensland partners.
She also has campaigned on aircraft noise.
Robert Gordon McMullan – UAP
An award-winning small business owner, musician and father-to-be, he graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2004 and performed internationally before returning to Australia to set up a live entertainment company in 2016.
He is passionate about small business as a mechanism of social and economic mobility, as well as a source of self-reliance and dignity.
Olivia Roberts – LNP
A construction litigation lawyer, she is a passionate community advocate and volunteer.
“I support lower taxes for families and retirees and incentives to help small businesses to hire more apprentices and trainees,’’ she said.
“The Morrison Government is increasing funding for preschools and schools in Griffith and making childcare more affordable and accessible.
She supported the Government’s investment in the Brisbane Metro project, moves to end to price gouging by energy companies and providing customers with a price safety net.
She also supported its promise to redesign flightpaths.
LILLEY
Gerardine Louise Hoogland – UAP
She is an advocate for medical freedoms and has worked for federal and local government politicians in an advisory and administrative capacity and in the private sectors of print media, construction, higher education and IT.
Ms Hoogland also supports her husband Edward in their small family building business.
If elected, she plans to fight Covid-19 mandates.
“We must end all mandates and stop the track and trace of citizens,” she said.
Vivian Lobo, LNP
The father-of-one is focused on helping local families with their everyday costs, building better roads and public transport infrastructure to reduce traffic, helping local businesses to create more jobs in the region, guaranteeing essential services for seniors and local families and protecting national security interests.
It emerged today (May 6) that Mr Lobo has listed an apparently vacant house in Lilley as his address.
Stephen McGrath, IMOP
Dr Stephen McGrath is the Informed Medical Options Party candidate for the Lilley electorate.
He is a civil engineer, project management consultant and published author and has a PhD in governance.
Mr McGrath’s political goals include the abolishment of all vaccine mandates and transparent decision-making on medical policy issues.
He also plans on reforming the medical industry into a health sector not driven by patents.
Daniel Freshwater, LDP
If he is elected, Mr Freshwater plans to reduce legislation for small business, make superannuation voluntary, reform our universities, incorporate low, flat taxes for the middle class, make reliable energy a priority and abolish vaccine mandates, among other things.
Anika Wells, ALP
Ms Wells won the seat in 2019, by the very smallest of margins, after the retirement of long-term and high profile former ALP MP for Lilley, Wayne Swan.
She lives in Chermside and has worked as a lawyer.
If re-elected, Ms Wells promised more secure jobs and strong wages, cheaper childcare, lower electricity bills and real climate action.
She also plans on investing into Medicare, aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
She has been active in helping businesses which had to close after Toombul Shopping Centre was flooded in February.
“After almost a decade of flat wages and insecure work combined with the rising cost of living, too many northsiders feel like they just can’t get ahead no matter how hard they work,’’ she said.
Michelle Wilde, PHON
Ms Wilde has previously worked as a corporate lawyer.
Her goals were to help One Nation jump-start Australia’s “decimated small businesses’’, allow Australians to take back their personal and medical freedoms, and end irresponsible government spending.
“This is time for greater accountability and transparency from our government through sustainable policies to ensure we maintain our unique Australian way of life, long into the future,” she said.
Melissa Stevens – Greens
A Zillmere biomedical scientist, she has a career of over 16 years in the medical research and oncology manufacturing sector.
Ms Stevens is a proud union member with a history of involvement in local and global campaigns for workers’ rights, social justice, cancer research and the climate crisis.
“Listening to community members in Lilley over the last few months, it’s clear that the cost of living is too high and the biggest part of that cost is housing, with some families spending more than 50 per cent of their income on rent which makes saving for a home even more difficult,’’ she said.
“The Greens will tackle the housing crisis by building one million quality, affordable public homes across Australia over the next 20 years, where rent is capped at 25 per cent of income and tenants are given a lifetime right to their home.”
LONGMAN
Rebecca Fanning, ALP
Caboolture local Rebecca Fanning describes herself as a health and economics policy expert.
She was part of the team delivering the Palaszczuk Government’s health response to Covid-19.
If she is elected, Ms Fanning plans on creating more secure jobs for locals by investing in local manufacturing and pushing for fee-free TAFE.
Ms Fanning is also passionate about making sure every family has access to the best possible health care.
Stefanie Alexis Sutherland, UAP
She has worked in the allied health sector for most of her professional life.
If she is elected, Ms Sutherland plans to assist the United Australia Party to make housing more affordable.
“The United Australia Party has a plan to pay off the trillion dollar debt with a 15 per cent iron ore export licence,” she said.
“We will use the power of the constitution to cap home loan interest rates at 3 per cent for five years for existing lenders and we will make the first $30,000 paid on home loans tax deductible each year.”
Nigel David Quinlan, LCA
Mr Quinlan (formerly known as Nigel Quinlan Freemarijuana) has worked as a cleaner for various primary and secondary schools around Brisbane.
Mr Quinlan, who has faced court several times over cannabis possession charges, wants to see cannabis legalised so that economic and social resources can be channelled in a more productive and healthy way.
He believes other social and economic issues would receive adequate funding if the “drug war” was not being over-resourced.
Ross Taylor, PHON
The Caboolture local, who is originally from South Africa, has called Australia home since 2001.
He works as an appliance technician, running his own business.
When he’s not busy working or campaigning, he’s spending time with his wife of 17 years Allison and their three teenage children.
If he’s elected, Mr Taylor plans to be the “voice of the people”.
Jens Lipponer, LDP
Jens Lipponer has lived in the division of Longman most of his life. He emigrated from Germany to Australia at a young age.
Mr Lipponer has served in the Royal Australian Navy, owned a local business in the transport and construction sector, worked in the mining and oil and gas industries and more recently worked for a large retail business.
If he is elected, Mr Lipponer plans to fight for a “freer and fairer Australia”.
Paula Gilbard – AJP
A BAS agent and accounting software specialist, she is familiar with the need to balance sustainability, growth and resilience within a business.
From rescuing wildlife to advocating for animals in the animal agriculture system, she has a strong desire to protect all animals.
She is concerned the cruelty involved in the killing of animals for food is well hidden from consumers and that the sterilised packaging of meat in supermarkets hides the true cost to the animals, society and the earth.
Terry Young, LNP
Mr Young has held the Longman seat since 2019 and spent most of his life in Moreton Bay.
He started off his professional career in retail before working his way up to management. From there, Mr Young was able to start his own business.
If he is re-elected, Mr Young plans to continue creating new jobs and supporting manufacturing, working to deliver better and safer roads, protecting and preserving the local environment and supporting families with better health and education.
He has made numerous local funding announcements so far in the campaign.
Earl Snijders – Greens
A chef, he has worked in the hospitality industry for 38 years and owned and operated his own restaurant in Strathpine for 14 years.
He has been an active volunteer at Boondall Wetlands Environmental Centre and is currently studying Community Development at Murdoch University.
“The Greens have a fully-costed plan to ensure wage stability and free retraining for coal workers as we phase out fossil fuels, reach 100 per cent publicly owned renewable energy by 2030, and create tens of thousands of new Queensland jobs in local industries including green steel manufacturing, mineral processing, public transport and reforestation,” he said.
MORETON
Peter Power – AFP
There was no information listed for Mr Power.
Neil Swann – PHON
A qualified linguist and speech pathology assistant, he has also worked in various customer service and administrative roles and as a self-employed contractor.
“I will stand up against wasteful national debt, economically and socially harmful policies and the crushing of the liberties and values which make Australia the Lucky Country,’’ he said.
Graham Perrett – ALP
Mr Perrett is going for his sixth term in office after winning the multicultural southside seat in 2007.
Born in St George in southwestern Queensland, the seventh of 10 children, he taught high school English for 11 years in state and Catholic schools before switching to commercial and estate law.
He later worked as an organiser with the Queensland Independent Education Union, before becoming a Senior Policy Advisor with the Queensland Government and then the Queensland Resources Council.
The Moorooka resident has campaigned on health, education and better transport infrastructure.
Claire Garton – Greens
The Moorooka IT professional and LGBTIQA+ advocate has worked in the public service and was later instrumental in a local tech business since its start up 20 years ago.
Claire specialises in health industry software development.
“As a trans woman, I’m passionate about recognition and equity for anyone marginalised, from refugees seeking asylum from places of violence and fear to people struggling to pay the rent or access quality healthcare,’’ Claire said.
“I’d also love to see Moreton benefit from a clean energy revolution that will create hundreds of thousands of well-paid, long-term jobs, enabling workers in fossil fuel industries to transition and farmers to be paid to farm carbon and protect the land.”
Steven Huang – LNP
Being of Taiwanese heritage and speaking fluent Mandarin and Cantonese is a big, big advantage in this seat.
A Councillor in the local MacGregor ward since 2011, he also has a high profile and strong understanding of local issues.
He served as the Lord Mayor’s representative for multicultural communities and is deeply engaged with Brisbane’s multicultural communities.
Chelsea Follett – UAP
Ms Follett started her own business at 16 and within a short time had over 100 regular clients and a staff of five.
She also spent 15 years working with children from low socio-economic areas and children with special needs.
More recently, she has been working in management in both the tourism and retirement living sectors.
Chelsea has a passion for helping people of all ages and backgrounds.
She works hard to ensure people can live their best life, regardless of the cards that life has dealt them.
OXLEY
Timothy Coombes – UAP
South Australian-born Tim Coombes moved to Queensland in 2014 after starting his career in the Army Reserves.
He worked as a personal coach then business coach and is now is part of an education company mentoring business students.
He said he valued integrity and standing for what was right and just.
“The current government has an agenda that is not in favour of the Australian people. It’s time to unite and take back our freedom.’’
Asha Worsteling – Greens
A research assistant currently studying psychology at the University of Queensland, she wants to ensure more secure jobs and a safer climate for the future of young people in Oxley.
“As a young person trying to create a career for myself after I graduate, I am aware of the uncertainty we’re all facing with a lack of job security, rising housing prices, the climate emergency and the growing gap between rich and poor,’’ she said.
“We are the only party with a plan to create thousands of new jobs while phasing out coal and gas, increase the minimum wage and build enough public housing to meet current wait list needs.”
Kyle McMillen – LNP
Former soldier Kyle McMillen is keen to win to tackle the cost of living problems for older Australians.
“An extra 50,000 older Australians will have access to more affordable health care and medications to help ease cost-of-living pressures under changes to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card,’’ he said.
“A re-elected Morrison Government will increase the singles income test threshold from $57,761 to around $90,000 from July 1 this year, to give more senior Australians access to the concession card.
“The couple’s threshold will also increase from $92,416 to $144,000.️”
Dylan Kozlowski – PHON
Small business owner and car enthusiast Dylan Kozlowski wants to improve the quality of life for everyday Australians.
“Like many other small business owners, I suffered a significant downturn in business as a result of the frequent draconian lockdowns imposed by governments across Australia. I will fight to restore our freedom,” he said.
“I am fighting to bring down the cost of living and the cost of electricity by building reliable low emission coal-fired power stations and for urgent tax reform.
I will deliver on law and order and push for initiatives such as juvenile diversion programs and bootcamps, cadetships and local support hubs.”
Milton Dick – ALP
He was a Brisbane City Councillor for Richlands from 2008 to 2016.
He believes everyone deserves access to quality and affordable education and health care, regardless of where they live.
After finishing his studies at the University of Queensland, he was an adviser in the federal government before working at state and local government level.
His top priority is to improve the education and training opportunities for students.
He has served on the Joint Standing Committee of Electoral Matters.
PETRIE
Mick Denton – ALP
Petrie local Mick Denton worked for the Ampol Lytton Oil Refinery for five years and said he supported the industry’s contribution to creating a strong Australia Industry and manufacturing sector while also creating local jobs.
The self-proclaimed blue collar worker said he would fight for more jobs and better pay within the resource sector.
A father, he said he would also ensure families were supported as the cost of living continued to rise.
Kelly Anne Guenoun – UAP
She has spent two decades working in the dental industry and is now a small-business owner.
Mrs Guenoun said after seeing the impacts the pandemic had on business she wanted to help members of the community, calling Covid-19 restrictions destructive.
“We were all in this together, let’s not be divided so that we can repair the cracks within our community created by the current government,” she said.
The mum and wife lived in and raised a large family in the Mango Hill region.
Will Simon – Greens
He hoped to hold the major parties accountable by swinging more voters to the green side of politics this election.
Mr Simon said public health, education cost, environmental issues and housing affordability needed to be addressed.
“That’s why I am fighting for more and better quality public housing right across, universal and free University/TAFE, pre-K, bringing Dental into Medicare and investing in green manufacturing,” he said.
“There’s a lot of work that we need to do so that this country starts to work for regular people again.
“I think the start of that is banning corporate donations from our political system and enacting a federal Anti-Corruption Watchdog to keep the powerful accountable and honest.”
Luke Howarth – LNP
The sitting MP for the seat, he worked in sales for a decade before becoming managing director for Sandgate Pest Control.
A family man, he believed small business was the backbone of Australia.
He became involved in politics after being frustrated by the impacts of unions on small businesses.
During his six years in office Mr Howarth supported a chaplaincy program, worked with defence and security agencies to keep Australians safe and fought for local infrastructure.
Chris Cicchitti – AJP
The logistics manager said his first priority would be the climate crisis and ensuring the winning party tackled climate change.
The 37-year-old Dad said there should be greater incentives for people to install solar panels.
“We live in a country with sunshine practically 300-plus days a year, why aren’t we harnessing more of it?” He said.
He is passionate about animals and said he is concerned about the treatment of kangaroos across western Queensland.
“We’re (also) seeing the destruction of forests and land clearing for development and to expand animal agriculture, and this has to stop,” he said.
Anneke Wilson – LDP
A customer relations manager, she has not released any information on her campaign or any policies she will back.
Marcus Mitchell – PHON
Boilermaker and rigger Marcus Mitchell has not released any information on his campaign or any policies he will back.
RANKIN
Paul Darwen – LNP
He ran for the state seat of Miller in 2020.
A Woodridge resident, he has been Associate Dean of IT at James Cook University Brisbane since 2018.
“As an educator, I know the importance of helping people reach their full potential,’’ he said.
“My work in two technology-based start-up companies means I know innovation can create jobs.
“My research has covered a range of issues, including mining efficiency, diseases and drugs, and extreme weather events like flood prediction. So I’m well-informed on what matters in our uncertain future.”
Neil Cotter – Greens
Neil Cotter, who lives in Rochedale South, is ready to take on Clive Palmer’s billionaire billboard blitz with two billboards in Underwood and Woodridge funded entirely by community donations.
Mr Cotter, who grew up in Springwood, said the billboard crowd-funding campaign was about sending a message that the Greens were serious in Logan and would not be intimidated by the big parties’ massive budgets.
He said he was passionate about ensuring Logan was no longer overlooked and wanted to improve the cost of living burden for ordinary people, electricity prices, housing affordability and access to quality health and education. He said he was anti-political donations.
Jeff Crank – UAP
He has run a successful automotive dealership in Rankin for over a decade, being awarded Australia’s best dealership multiple times.
He now runs a small business and is an avid motorcycle and 4WD enthusiast.
“I believe the United Australia Party is the only party that can deliver the change that people need,’’ he said.
“Those that have been placed in trust are seriously failing us.”
Glen Cookson – PHON
An automotive technician, he is also a teacher of various martial arts and likes to unwind spending time with his family, going to muscle car shows and listening to his favourite heavy metal bands.
“We must exit international agreements like the UN refugee convention and Paris, invest in secure and affordable energy and increase the aged pension,’’ he said.
“I’m also keen to see reform in Australia’s broken family law and child support system, immigration reduced to sustainable levels, and tax reform which ensures foreign-owned multinationals operating in Australia pay their fair share of tax.’’
He opposed lockdowns.
Suzanne Clarke – AJP
Suzanne Clarke was one of two candidates running for the Animal Justice Party at this year’s federal election who resigned over their views on “some transgender issues”, according to the party.
Linda McCarthy and Suzanne Clarke were both running for the AJP in Queensland in the seats of Forde and Rankin.
The party said there were “candidates who used their personal social media platform to express their views on some transgender issues in a way which we believe was not in line with the AJP’s core values.”
Jim Chalmers – ALP
Jim Chalmers has played a crucial role in this year’s federal election with daily appearances on all major TV news networks and on prime-time current affairs shows.
The father of three, who lives and grew up in Logan, has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2013 and is Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for the Public Service and Shadow Treasurer.
He has been vocal about the budget deficit, wasteful spending and promoting local business supply chains.
He said if elected, he would work to increase funding for childcare and health and ensure a Labor government would work with business.
He has said he did not support Bill Shorten’s policies on targeting the “big end of town” in the last election.
RYAN
Kathryn Pollard — UAP
The naturopath has lived in Ryan for 20 years, raising three children there.
She opposes lockdowns, vaccine passports, mandates and QR code surveillance.
She listed no specific policies for the electorate but wanted a “country where politicians are people serving the Australian public with courage and integrity’’.
Damian Coory – LDP
A former senior reporter with Network Ten Australia, he also spent 10 years in radio.
In 2005 he founded corporate communications training firm Coory & Associates.
“I believe Australia is being run by senior public servants, not by our elected ministers and MPs,’’ he said.
“This will result in us going broke as government continues to feed its own growth by taking money from ordinary people and businesses in taxes.’’
Janine Rees – Australian Progressives
A survivor of 30 years of DV abuse, the lifetime Ryan resident is a first time candidate for the seat.
She is passionate about female victims of domestic violence, integrity and transparency in politics and women’s equality.
She believes women have been proportionately disadvantaged in society, even through not having enough money to invest in the clean energy sorely needed to fight the climate crisis.
Joel Love – PHON
No information was provided on Mr Love’s background or policies.
Jina Lipman – AJP
A chartered civil engineer who studied at the University of Queensland, she has six years of experience in the water resources and dams’ sector and has travelled across regional Queensland where she witnessed the impacts of climate change on animal agriculture.
She is passionate about banning live animal export, banning the use of animals for entertainment and being a voice for the animals and the environment.
She is motivated to protect Mount Coot-Tha from development and wants to see less road widening, fewer cars and more greenery, public and active transport for the inner west.
Elizabeth Watson-Brown – Greens
A St Lucia architect and former University of Queensland adjunct professor in architecture, her career focused on sustainable design, greening cities, urban resilience, accessibility and social equity.
She has advocated for a new high school to be built on the Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza site.
“The Greens’ policy of making the billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share means we can afford quality public housing, free education, free childcare, free and Australian-made vaccines, and dental and mental health included in Medicare,’’ she said.
Peter Cossar – ALP
A 57-year-old father of two, he has lived in Toowong for 23 years.
Active in the local SES, he works as an actor, teacher and producer and has a history of advocating for the arts, renewable energy, same sex marriage and has been involved in local campaigns to protect the environment, especially fighting inappropriate developments.
Mr Cossar, who ran for the ALP in Ryan in 2019, believes successive LNP governments have ignored Brisbane’s infrastructure needs
Julian Simmonds – LNP
Mr Simmonds grew up in Ryan. He served for a decade in Brisbane City Council in the Indooroopilly-based ward Walter Taylor and was its youngest-ever treasurer.
His biggest achievements in his first term as Ryan MP were delivering federal funding for the Indooroopilly and Kenmore roundabout upgrades, plus numerous grants for local sports and community groups.
He has also campaigned on paid leave for women who suffer miscarriages after being inspired by his wife’s battle to conceive.
“I’ve delivered significant upgrades for our local area, with over $230 million to fix our local
roads to ensure our infrastructure can meet the demands of our growing area,” he said,
“I’m also working hard to support families with better health, education and childcare
services as well as delivering practical cost of living relief.
“I am continuing to support our hardworking local community groups and clubs with
facility upgrades to ensure they can continue their vital work in our community.”
Axel Dancoisne – AFP
The business architecture consultant and UNSW graduate is running for the AFP, which does not have any specific policies on its website but professes a commitment to freedom of choice.
He has posted on some far right conspiracy theories, including that Ukraine is run by Nazis (false) and that mRNA vaccines such as those used to fight Covid cause cancer (also false).
WRIGHT
Scott Buchholz – LNP
Rockhampton-born Scott Buchholz got a taste of politics as Chief of Staff for the then Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce and played a large role in the merging of the Liberal and National Parties in Queensland.
He has been a long-serving member of the National Party but moved into Wright as a replacement candidate in 2010.
He has been Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport since the 2019 election. He was also appointed to the Regional and Rural Committee of Cabinet which considers policies for services in rural and regional Australia.
Cassandra Deanne Duffill – UAP
Cassandra Duffill, 45, is a qualified marketing specialist, naturopath and medicinal herbalist who lives on acreage on the Gold Coast with her husband and boys, 12 and 15.
She is running to try to solve economic issues which have arisen over the past 18 months.
She said she wants to stop overreaching government which can have disastrous consequences for small businesses and the families that run them.
She now runs a marketing consultancy to support natural health practitioners.
Keith Hicks – PHON
The family man has run his own businesses and worked in the corporate world.
He has lived in Wright for 15 years and volunteers with Greenbank Scouts Committee.
He is a strong believer in government accountability and wants to put an end to self-serving politicians.
“We can be socially and environmentally responsible in a sustainable manner that will allow us to continue making a positive difference indefinitely without shutting down our industrial and manufacturing capabilities,” he said.
Shonna-Lee Banasiak – AFP
However, she said with the vaccination mandate, she felt she could not continue that dream. The mum of three was drawn into the election because she believed “the current government and career politicians have forgotten to represent the people and have lost touch with what every day Australians want’’.
Pam McCreadie – ALP
Pam McCreadie has lived in Jimboomba with her husband Brett for years and is involved in the community through the local P&C, Pony Club, Neighbourhood Watch and Districts Cadet unit.
As a long-term local she believes she has seen first-hand the neglect of her community by the LNP and will be a strong advocate for vital investment into local roads and health services. She’s running to deliver Labor’s plan to put local jobs first by investing in Australian manufacturing and industry – and to finally give the hardworking people of Wright their fair share.
Nicole Thompson – Greens
A Scenic Rim nurse and midwife with over 30 years’ experience, she has worked at the Gold Coast University Hospital, G.C. Public Health Unit and in a community role vaccinating, and has also been a foster carer and a mother to a child with disabilities.
She was president of Southport Special School P & C and has been involved in community fundraising, particularly for the Alola Foundation supporting mothers and babies in Timor Leste, and event organising for a midwifery support group.
“The Greens will provide $190M for communities to build and upgrade critical infrastructure to reduce flood impacts, double emergency services funding over the next decade, and levy coal and gas companies to ensure we can fund a planned transition to 100 per cent publicly owned renewable energy this decade,’’ she said.