Election 2025: Robertson candidates and what they stand for
Whoever wins Robertson, wins the election. That’s been the case since 1983 for the bellwether electorate. So who’s in the running and what do they stand for? Find out here.
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In its 56-year history, since it was formed in 1969, the seat of Robertson has been won by the party which has gone on to form government at every election bar three (1975, 1977 and 1980).
But since 1983 when it was secured by Labor, the marginal electorate of Robertson has become arguably the best indicator of who will lead the country having been won by the party that ultimately formed government for the past 15 straight elections.
Labor’s incumbent MP Dr Gordon Reid holds the seat by a slim 2.2 per cent margin but he has plenty of contenders.
Here they are in the order they were drawn for the ballot paper.
PAULINE HANSON’S ONE NATION – MATT LLOYD
What inspired you to run for Robertson?
Having seen the gradual yet undeniable decline in both community values and standards not only across the Central Coast but across the country, like many people I started looking at firstly, what was causing this decline, and secondly what, or who, could set Australia up for a better future.
I feel the answer has been a distinct lack of leadership over the past 20 years. My early adult life was under the direction of perhaps the best two governments Australia has seen, Hawke/Keating and Howard/Costello.
Both of these governments had goals, both long and short term, and both had a vision of what Australia could be. Successive governments since then appear to be unable to see past the next three-year term.
Love her or hate her, Pauline Hanson has remained consistent in her vision for
Australia, a strong, resilient, self sufficient country that draws on its broad historical
base to drive its future strength and prosperity. I share this vision.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
Like the rest of Australia, the people of Robertson and the Central Coast are struggling to make ends meet. Soaring house prices, rents, energy costs and general cost of living expenses are forcing a decline in our standard of living.
These living costs are, in my opinion, driven largely by poor government decisions, immigration levels and energy policy being just two. One Nation has a set of fully costed policies that will see government decisions preference what is best for Australia, and Australians.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
The Central Coast is perfectly situated between the two largest cities in NSW, Sydney and Newcastle. Our public and private transport links are operating at near capacity now, yet there are no plans to cater for the future, unavoidable increase in our local population.
Striking the right balance between preserving our magnificent patch of Australia and catering for the increasing needs of an growing population must be core to any government’s goals. Returning the Central Coast people’s pride in the area, increasing social cohesion and looking out for those of us who are really struggling needs to be high on our list of priorities.
THE GREENS – CHERYL WALLACE
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
I’m standing for the Greens for the seat of Robertson because the broken two-party system is dominated by elite corporations and the super-wealthy, whose self-interest does not represent most Australians.
Instead of working for all of us, both Labor and the Liberals receive millions in donations from large corporations like coal and gas, banks, and property developers, who donate heavily because it gets them results. This is not democracy.
The Greens do not accept money from large corporations. We can’t be bought, and we won’t sell out!
I also strongly believe in the Greens’ principles of social justice, ecological sustainability, grassroots democracy, and peace and nonviolence.
Ignoring the current noise of election promises and incentives, there is a significant policy failure in housing, education, health, and, importantly, the environment because the major parties are beholden to their large donors. This is not democracy.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
Robertson has earned the dishonourable distinction of having Australia’s highest rental and mortgage stress levels. The cost of living impacts many on the Central Coast, particularly those earning lower wages, such as aged care nurses and hospitality staff, who struggle to make ends meet.
Moreover, many residents carry the HECS debt burden, affecting their housing options. It is crucial to address the root causes of the housing crisis instead of merely supporting developers and those with extensive property portfolios.
Another significant issue is education. Education, from childcare to university, should be free and could be achieved with a fair tax system. Locally, some state schools on the Central Coast lack airconditioning, making it challenging for students and teachers to work effectively. Equitable funding is needed now.
The Central Coast is a beautiful place that requires decisive, consistent and committed action concerning environmental and climate change impacts. The Greens have a long history of protecting and advocating for the environment and supporting science, whether it pertains to addressing damaging sea walls, the health and environmental effects of coal ash from fossil fuels or halting native forest logging.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
1. Implement strong environmental laws to address the climate crisis, including a ban on new coal and gas projects.
2. Provide affordable and social housing, with caps on rent increases and limitations on negative gearing. Focus on addressing the housing crisis rather than supporting developers.
3. Enhance healthcare by including dental and mental health services in Medicare, offering free GP services, which would benefit many people in Robertson. Over half of Australians delay or avoid visiting the dentist. Our mental health is influenced by more than just mental factors; housing, employment, inequality, education, poverty, and living paycheck to paycheck contribute to stress and impact our mental wellbeing!
THE LIBERAL PARTY – LUCY WICKS
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
I’m running because the people of the Central Coast deserve better. I’ve spoken with families living with family or friends because they can’t find an affordable rental. I’ve met pensioners forced to choose between groceries and power bills, and young people struggling to access the mental health care they urgently need.
The decisions made in Canberra are hitting us hard here on the coast – and we need someone who will actually fight for us, not take this seat for granted. I served as the Member for Robertson for nine years, and I know what it takes to get things done. Experience matters.
All across the electorate, I’m hearing the same thing: people feel let down by Labor’s local member, Gordon Reid. They’re tired of promises with no follow-through. Under Labor, the Coast has gone backwards. This is my home. It’s where I’m raising my kids in a blended family with my partner, Caine. I care deeply about our community – and I’m stepping up again because I know we can do so much better, and I’m ready to deliver.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
The top issues are hitting every household: the cost of living, the housing and rental crisis; and declining access to healthcare under Labor – especially mental health care. Here on the Central Coast, these pressures are magnified. Power bills are out of control. Rents have skyrocketed. Bulk billing is disappearing, and mental health services are stretched to breaking point.
What’s worse is that people feel like they’re being ignored. Too often, the Coast is treated like an afterthought – but we are one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, and we deserve targeted support. This election is about fighting for practical solutions that deliver relief — more affordable housing, lower energy bills, and proper funding for local health services.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would they be?
Tackling the cost of living head-on – Starting with a halving of the fuel tax to bring fuel prices down by around 25c per litre. We need urgent action on power prices with a balanced energy approach that delivers affordable, reliable energy for households and businesses. And to support local small businesses – we’ll introduce a permanent $30,000 instant asset write-off to help them grow and create jobs.
Delivering local road upgrades: Our roads have been left to crumble under Labor after the Albanese Government cancelled, cut, and delayed more than $30bn worth of infrastructure funding over the past three years. I’ll fight for better, safer roads. I’ve already secured $112.5m from an elected Dutton Liberal Government to upgrade Terrigal Drive, and I’m confident I can secure further investment.
A serious plan to solve the housing crisis. This starts with a balanced migration scheme to make sure we’re building enough homes to match population growth, not leaving Australians behind. A Liberal Government will also invest $5bn in infrastructure over five years to unlock housing supply and support new home builds across the country – creating jobs, easing the pressure on housing and ensuring more Australians can afford a place to call home.
LEGALISE CANNABIS AUSTRALIA – TOM LILLICRAP
What has inspired you to run for Robertson?
I’m running because the current laws around cannabis are outdated, harmful and based on
stigma, not science. I’ve seen how cannabis can improve lives and how prohibition continues to cause unnecessary harm. We need representation that will stand up for personal freedom, evidence-based policy and fairness. I’m standing with Legalise Cannabis to be a voice for real reform and civil liberties.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the
Central Coast?
Cost of living, healthcare access and housing are key national issues, but for the Central Coast, it’s also about fairness, jobs and health freedom. Legal cannabis could create new industries, local employment and reduce pressure on the police and justice system. It’s time
to stop wasting resources criminalising everyday people and start investing in a smarter, more compassionate future.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for the Central Coast, what would it include?
1. Legalise cannabis for adult use, including home growing and regulated retail.
2. End discrimination against unimpaired cannabis users on the road and at work.
3. Invest in local cannabis cultivation and hemp industries to create sustainable jobs
and boost the regional economy.
INDEPENDENT – LISA BELLAMY
What has inspired you to run for Robertson?
I’ve lived on the Central Coast most of my life – I raised my kids here, now I’m helping raise my grandkids and I care for injured wildlife in my spare time.
I never thought I’d go into politics, but after years of trying to get the big parties to listen – especially about protecting our bushland and stopping inappropriate development – I decided enough was enough.
I’m running as an independent because our community deserves a voice that puts people and place before profits. We need to send a message to the big parties and their corporate donors that we won’t accept business as usual.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the
Central Coast?
Cost of living is affecting a lot of us — housing is unaffordable, rent’s sky-high and accessing healthcare is getting harder.
Our roads are clogged, our GPs are booked out, and older residents aren’t getting the support they need.
Meanwhile, our bushland and green spaces are being cleared for developments that don’t benefit locals.
These problems are all symptoms of governments not listening and terrible long-term planning. We need local solutions for local issues – shaped by people who live here, not by politicians or their political donors in Sydney or Canberra or even further afield.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for the Central Coast, what would it include?
We can have a thriving economy while still protecting our way of life. First, protect our environment — our bushland, waterways, wildlife corridors and community spaces must be off-limits to overdevelopment.
Second, address housing affordability – make better use of vacant homes, support renters and rethink how we plan for future growth.
Third, fix access to healthcare and aged care — but also ask why so many of us are getting sicker and more disconnected in the first place.
Let’s go back to basics: support small local farms, access to healthy food, trees lined streets, pocket forests, community gardens, and safe spaces for kids to play.
The Coast could be a national model for environmentally responsible, community-first living – more cubby houses in the bush and cricket on the street, less time stuck in traffic on the M1.
TRUMPET OF PATRIOTS – DAVID BORG
What has inspired you to run for Robertson?
My inspiration for running for the seat of Robertson has come from seeing many decades of false and misleading promises by governments and councils all at the cost of the taxpayers.
All talk and very little action compared to overall income versus expenditure.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the
Central Coast?
Infrastructure repair. A huge issue on the Central Coast is the condition of roads and infrastructure.
Misallocation and overspending of our funds, There is a growing concern that needs to be addressed about the spending practices in federal and local areas. Many citizens feel that funds are not being allocated effectively to areas that need the funds the most, critical infrastructure, repairs and community services are often overlooked compared to the income being received.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for the Central Coast, what would it include?
1. Proper repair of roads throughout the Central Coast region regardless of suburb or road definition.
2. Maintenance and beautification of road sides and other areas to show pride in the area and for residents to see where their money is actually being spent, where it matters most. Creates much more needed employment in all sectors.
3. Make government federal/local on all levels accountable for the proper use of our money.
4. Economic development to enhance employment and tourism for the region.
INCUMBENT LABOR MP – DR GORDON REID
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson again?
As the federal member for Robertson and a local emergency department doctor, I have delivered a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Umina Beach, supported tax cuts for every taxpayer on the Central Coast and made PBS medicines cheaper.
There is more work to do, and I want to keep delivering for our community, including a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to service the northern part of our electorate, provide $10m to improve maternity services at our public hospitals, and make more visits to the GP free.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
When I am talking to people in our community, the cost of living and health care are two of the biggest concerns raised with me.
They want a federal government that is on their side and that understands the pressures Australians are under.
That is why I support tax cuts for every taxpayer on the Central Coast, and a wage increase for our lowest paid workers.
It is why I support our $8.5bn commitment to strengthen bulk billing so more people can see a GP for free, and why I want to deliver a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on the Central Coast.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
The Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Umina Beach has treated over 14,000 patients since opening, helping take pressure off our hospital emergency departments, and is bulk billed.
I want to continue to strengthen healthcare services in the region and open a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to service the northern part of the electorate.
I want to also continue to invest in local infrastructure with our $115m upgrade to Terrigal Drive and our $15m package to fix intersections in Empire Bay.
Our investments also include our $93m Central Coast Roads Package which is rolling out across the region.
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