Election 2025: Page candidates and what they stand for
Page is the seat to watch come election night but how well do you know the candidates? We help you decide as hopefuls share a range of insights from their political ideals to baking with the CWA and transgender sports.
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Eleven candidates have put up their hands to take the seat of Page in the May 3 federal election.
The seat is held by Nationals MP Kevin Hogan who is looking at securing a fourth term in the seat.
In the 2022 federal election for the North Coast seat of Page, Hogan secured a dominant position with 45.6 per cent of the primary vote, experiencing a slight swing of -4.0 per cent. Despite this, Hogan’s post-preference vote increased to 60.7 per cent, marking a 1.3 per cent swing in his favour.
The post-redistribution results showed the Nationals at 45.4 per cent primary and 60.7 per cent two-party preferred, with Labor at 18.6 per cent primary and 39.3 per cent two-party preferred.
We asked all candidates the same three questions ranging from their “wish list” for Page to why they’re running and what the biggest issues are affecting their electorate.
Kevin Hogan – Nationals
Born in South Australia Kevin Hogan runs a consultancy business and small cattle property near Lismore while his wife works as a registered nurse. He was elected the member for Page in 2013, being re-elected in 2016, 2019, and 2022.
The father of three has worked in the finance sector and education, serving as Deputy Principal at St Mary’s High School in Casino.
His community involvement includes serving on a Wastewater Advisory Committee, leadership roles in local sports organisations, and coaching junior teams.
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I am running again to make a positive difference to families and businesses in our region.
Before I was elected in 2013, I would see we were forgotten by city focused politicians and their parties.
Every day I remind the city pollies we are here and what we deliver in food, tourism and other great resources that benefits the whole of Australia. Our families and businesses deserve the best of care and services right here in the regions.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
The cost of living is the prominent issue facing his electorate and the nation.
Families with a mortgage are $35,000 worse off under Labor. It is not good enough. We have to change this.
Every day a business comes to me and tells me they are struggling to pay and keep staff with the burden of interest rates and electricity costs.
Regional people are hit hard by these costs due to distance and these costs get passed on to goods and services.
Pensioners tell me they are scared to turn on heating or cooling, and families are not going out as much due to the costs.
Many people are having to prioritise where their money is spent just to cover food and essentials.
Labor promised to fix the housing crisis and yet has not built one new home.
This is of great concern.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
Lower cost of living for everyone. This includes making petrol and diesel cheaper.
Lower electricity prices, instead of the skyrocketing prices that has occurred under Labor.
Making housing affordable again, by building more homes for families, and controlling inflation and interests rates.
Dr Luke Robinson – Greens
Dr Robinson works as a specialist emergency department doctor in hospitals across the Northern Rivers where he cares for a broad cross-section of the community.
“I have a deep appreciation not just of the medical needs, but also the social and economic challenges my patients and their loved ones face,’’ he said.
Living with his partner at Whian Whian, the couple works at restoring the local Big Scrub rainforest.
He said despite his best efforts to care for his patients and the land he believes he could make a bigger difference as Page’s federal MP by “pushing our government to take the big actions we need from it” despite criticism the Greens’ demands would cost $215bn.
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I am advocating for a society that prioritises mutual care and environmental stewardship through robust government services funded by a fair taxation system.
Universal public services, such as health care are more equitable and cost-effective than privatised alternatives.
For decades now governments have been under-investing in our public services and the care of our natural home, and we have suffered as individuals and as a country as a result. It’s creating damaging divides socially and economically.
Government should be working for us all – but we must demand it and vote in representatives with the vision and ambition to make it so.
The same member has run the seat of Page for 12 years yet the region is “being left behind”.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
Public services, the cost of living, housing, and climate change are the top issues.
Regional communities like in Page rely on public services even more than those in the cities.
In my work I see people struggling to find or afford a GP, dental or mental health care, or get the aged care they need whether in-home or residential.
Several pressing issues for the electorate including the chronic under-resourcing of childcare and public schools, alongside prohibitive tertiary education costs.
Housing affordability is a major concern, with many struggling to rent or buy homes.
Recovery from the 2022 floods is slow, compounded by inadequate government response and unaffordable insurance.
Climate change-induced disasters pose a threat, yet new coal and gas projects are still supported by major parties.
There is a need to protect unique forests and species, like koalas, from logging, and advocates for transitioning workers to sustainable industries.
Our community needs urgent action.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
Expanding Medicare to cover dental and mental health, and ensuring proper funding for aged care, public schools and child care.
I advocate for wiping student debt and reinstating free University and TAFE.
I aim to support first-home buyers by phasing out tax benefits for wealthy property investors and regulating banks for fairer mortgages.
I also emphasise building affordable homes, controlling rent increases and addressing climate change by halting new fossil fuel projects.
Invest in renewable energy, protect native forests and ensure a just transition for workers to new industries.
Andrew Grady – Family First
Grafton father of three, Andrew Grady has been married to Myra for 51 years, working mostly in construction and has owned and run a small business for several years in Grafton.
I believe the government needs to “get back to basics” and start doing their duty of care for the citizens of Australia, looking for the most efficient ways in which they can reduce the cost of living.
What inspired you to run for the seat?
Family and Judeo-Christian values which shaped Australia have now been abandoned by the major parties.
I want to put the needs of mums, dads and kids first in public policy. Strong families make strong nations.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
Our governments must address the cost of living.
The government should stop spending money on so-called renewable energy that “doesn’t work, which is an issue that may decide the election.
I blame renewables on the ripple effect that has driven the cost of everything up.
We need a coal-to-gas-to-nuclear transition as they only viable and affordable way to keep the lights on and power prices affordable.
I advocate for parental rights in education and oppose mandates for faith-based schools to hire teachers promoting LGBTIQA+ ideologies.
Girls and women should not have to compete in sports against males who identify as females and Family First will aim for “common sense” in local competitions.
I am also calling for reducing red tape to support families and small businesses.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
1. Medical services need to be vastly improved. There is a chronic shortage of doctors and other services in regional areas including in Page and this is not being addressed by the major parties.
2. Housing. This is an ongoing issue and of deep concern. Rental availability is close to zero and affordability is ridiculously high even for a regional area.
3. The ongoing flood issues in Lismore where houses are sitting in indefinite limbo, unable to be demolished or lived in. There needs to be a better plan for flood prone areas.
Jennifer Baker – Australian Citizens’ Party
Casino’s Jennifer Baker returned after two decades in Sydney. With a background in accounting, she has been a self-employed bookkeeper and BAS Agent since 2000. Baker and her husband have actively served in the Rural Fire Service since 2002 and is a passionate member of the CWA, where she enjoys baking as a creative outlet. For nearly 20 years, Baker has supported the Citizens Party and is now running as a candidate for Page, driven by her concern for the country’s future direction.
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I am running because of my concern for the direction this country is taking.
I fear for what the next generations will inherit. Will they ever be able to buy a home, educate themselves or their children, or afford healthcare?
Will there still be freedom of speech?
I am dedicated to the principles and ideas of the “common good” putting the welfare and prosperity of the people ahead of corrupt banking and political vested interests.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
Affordable housing, employment, and a lack of mental and health services.
Closure of many of our local bank branches and the lack of face-to-face services.
The lack of action on the recovery from the 2022 floods, and phone and internet services reliability.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
The establishment of a people’s postal bank, where profits would fund local flood recovery, infrastructure, help small business and farms boosting the local economy.
Affordable homes and rentals for all. This will encourage more teachers, health care, and other essential services workers to the electorate.
Better phone and internet services.
Wendy Backhous – Australian Labor Party
Emerald Beach candidate for Page, Wendy Backhous wants to prioritise families, health care, housing, job security, and education.
A grandmother and retired nurse, she aims to make a difference for local families by advocating for long-term, practical solutions, focusing on affordable medicines and childcare, increased housing, solar power, Medicare bulk billing, higher wages, tax cuts, and improved education.
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I am inspired to help people in the electorate. It’s “deeply distressing” how hard it is for so many people in Page to just live, work and care for their families.
I want to bring opportunities for sustainable jobs growth in tourism, primary industries, and innovative clean energy solutions.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
Cost of living and housing supply are on top of my list for Page.
Page’s housing crisis is made worse by the impacts of flooding. We need more affordable housing built away from flood plains.
Access to affordable care is a major concern in Page, with only six general practitioner practices currently bulk billing.
To ensure access to critical care, Labor has opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Lismore and in Coffs Harbour that have serviced around 24,000 bulk billed patients.
Climate change is a major issue. Northern Rivers communities are on the front line of climate change as the recent devastating extreme weather events of ex tropical cyclone Alfred have shown.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
Opportunities for children, opportunities for women and a sustainable future.
I want to ensure children have a bright future through education from preschool to university and by fostering job security in regional areas as crucial for their development and prosperity.
Labor is closing the gender pay gap, providing better women’s health services, three days of free early education, 26 weeks of paid parental leave and implementing Australia’s first national strategy to achieve gender equality.
Thirdly, I am committed to protecting the unique natural environment in Page and protecting and preserving the region’s productive farmlands.
Leveraging its beauty to build a strong sustainable tourism industry, thus attracting the new, well paid jobs in Australia’s renewable energy future.
Donna Pike – Trumpet of Patriots
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I am running for office because I am passionate about my country and frustrated with the limited political choices presented by the current system.
I believe that the government is compromising the future of “our” children by neglecting critical issues like food security, housing, energy costs, environmental protection and homelessness.
I am determined to challenge the status quo and advocate for broader options and solutions.
I could not stand by and watch, I had to fight back,
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
The government has done such a bad job, that almost every area is a concern.
The critical nature of housing and homelessness, and the burden of rising food, petrol, and power costs.
There are “ridiculous ideologies” pressed on youth and I lament the struggles of farmers losing their farms to big corporations.
The situation is a “total disaster” for all ages across Australia.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
My top priorities focus on community engagement, preservation and philanthropy.
The Page electorate really needs a fighter.
I am committed to being a voice for the people, promising to actively consult with residents to address their needs. I vows to protect local areas from overseas investment to preserve them for future generations.
I went to Kyogle High School, lived and worked in Lismore and Iluka. I have family now living in Coraki, Casino, Evans Head, Ballina and I grew up in all of those amazing areas.
I pledge to donate a third of my income annually to support local groups, including those addressing homelessness and community services.
This job is not about the money for me, it is 100 per cent about saving my country and caring for its people.
Richard Wells – Independent
What inspired you to run for the seat?
Richard Wells is running due to the severe impact of recent flooding and storms in the electorate of Page. He said towns and farms had been devastated, and thousands are displaced, highlighting inadequate government responses. He believes there’s an urgent need for better disaster planning and management, as well as increased public investment in flood mitigation, housing and infrastructure. Motivated by these challenges, Wells aims to lead a more intensive effort to improve the situation and assist the community effectively.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
To me the three biggest issues are housing, the cost of living crisis and energy generation and its cost.
I am most concerned about widespread homelessness and cost of living throughout the country.
Food and energy costs are skyrocketing and the major parties seem to be wallowing in chaos in their attempts to alleviate these issues.
I oppose nuclear energy due to its high costs, uncertain timelines, and limited fuel reserves saying the environmental risks make it unacceptable.
I support renewable energy as a viable alternative to phasing out coal.
Strategically located oceanic wave generation is a very attractive power alternative that should be considered.
Addressing these issues nationally would benefit our region.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
My wish list for Page is that the problems of homelessness, poverty and health are urgently solved and this will require a major collaborative effort by all tiers of government now, through a very significant and substantial level of investment on all fronts using intelligent, inspirational and visionary leadership.
Brenton Williams – Libertarian Party
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I am running for office due to concerns about government overreach and lack of accountability, highlighted during Covid and the 2022 floods. I was inspired by the community’s resilience and self-sufficiency during these crises.
The freedoms that were violated during this period can’t be forgotten.
I believe communities can manage themselves without excessive government intervention and believe current representatives are out of touch.
My experiences have led me to advocate for a government that respects individual freedoms and supports community-driven solutions.
We don’t need Big Brother Government looking over us, we are capable and we are resilient.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
I identify excessive taxation and the erosion of personal freedoms as the biggest issues for this region.
I argue that high taxes – including income, excise, and hidden taxes – limit people’s ability to afford housing, healthy food and leisure activities.
Fix taxation and the burden to afford housing eases, we can afford to eat healthy, we can afford a family holiday and we can afford to spend valuable time with our loved ones.
I also emphasises the importance of personal freedoms, such as the right to make individual decisions about one’s body and finances.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
My main issues are tax reform, personal autonomy and energy policy.
I propose easing the housing burden by raising the tax-free threshold and implementing a flat 10 per cent income tax, while reducing government size to lessen taxpayer load.
Advocating for personal freedom and opposing government interference in personal choices. We know what’s best for us and our families.
The Net Zero agenda harms the environment and economy.
How does destroying tens of thousands of square kilometres of bushland help this cause?
Jordan Colless – The Good Party
Dr Jordan Colless actively contributes to his community. He helped with projects in Kerala, India, taught English in Thailand, and supported refugees in the Netherlands. He also taught at the University of Danang and worked as a lifeguard in Vietnam. Jordan studied criminology and international relations at the University of Queensland, then switched to law, earning a master’s. He later pursued a medical degree, driven by his passion for helping others. He focuses on healthcare and drug reform in Australia. Jordan lives in Northern Rivers, NSW and works as a GP in Lismore.
What inspired you to run for the seat?
As a local GP, I have the privileged position of getting to know people and what concerns them.
Too often the root of the problem stems from systemic issues that are outside our control: The cost of childcare, healthcare, education.
I can help my patient’s blood pressure, but not the real issues they have to face daily. My answer was “why don’t you write a letter to your representative? but governments come and go, and never address the issues that the people of Page want addressed.
I want to be that voice for meaningful change.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
Meaningful Tax reform. 50 per cent of Australians - those earning up to the average wage of $90,000 - make up just 12 per cent of the government’s tax revenue.
Mechanisms exist that could free the majority of working Australians, the ones most affected by the cost of living crisis, from the burden of paying income tax that would immediately and forever end the crisis.
Let’s finally start charging the gas and mining industries appropriate royalties for our raw materials. That alone would generate billions of additional dollars in national revenue that could be spent on building affordable housing, robust health care, and safeguarding our environment.
Health care: The government’s proposed Medicare changes are a long overdue step in the right direction, but don’t go far enough to attract and keep doctors and nurses in the Northern Rivers.
Why don’t breast cancer screening ultrasounds and mammograms attract a full Medicare rebate? If men had to get them done, they’d be fully bulk billed.
Josh Pianca – Shooters, Fishers, Farmers Party
What inspired you to run for the seat?
Honestly, it came down to frustration.
Having observed decision-making in Canberra, I believe regional communities are being neglected.
I’ve had enough conversations where I’ve been the one pointing out what’s going wrong.
I aim to be a constructive voice on the crossbench, ensuring major parties focus on the people they represent. I am driven by a desire to include everyday Australians in the national conversation, acknowledging that while forming a government isn’t the goal, influencing it is.
Eventually, I realised that if I care enough to keep speaking up, then I should be willing to step up too.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
The big three for him are gentrification, health care and support for regional industries.
Housing affordability, rising living costs and health care as key issues for Page.
Many of the people making decisions are incredibly far removed from those realities.
I am calling for improved health care funding and staffing, particularly in rural areas, and advocate for policies that support farming and small businesses. I stress the importance of creating stability and opportunity for these industries, rather than prioritising larger interests.
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
Protect housing for locals – making sure that people who live and work here can afford to stay here, whether that’s through better access to rentals, support for first-home buyers, or longer-term affordability solutions.
Secure and strengthen healthcare – proper funding for regional hospitals, more support for the staff who keep them running, increased access and affordability to primary healthcare like a family GP, and a system that doesn’t leave people behind just because they live outside a metro postcode.
Back local industries with practical policy – whether it’s farming, fishing, tourism, or small business, we need a government that supports the backbone of our local economy, not just big players in capital cities. Decisions that affect regional livelihoods shouldn’t be made in isolation from the people living them.
Peter Nottle – One Nation
What inspired you to run for the seat?
I wanted to give the voters in Page a chance to vote for One Nation.
Pauline Hanson does not break her promises.
What do you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?
Flood reparation a top priority.
In 2022 both the federal and state labour governments made promises to the people of Page regarding flood reparation that have been broken.
There are a lot of people in Page who are still suffering as a result, with the lack of housing being a major issue.
This needs to be addressed immediately.’’
What is your top three wishlist for the electorate?
Cost of living is a major concern. In 2022 the federal Labor government made a promise regarding power prices which has been broken. Cost of living has gone through the roof. We need a government that can manage the economy and provide cost of living relief.
There is a lack of health and medical professionals in country Australia.
In Page there is a shortage of doctors, with a lot of medical centres unable to take new patients putting pressure on hospital emergency departments.
There are also long waiting lists for other health professionals in our area with waiting lists of up to six months or more, forcing residents to go to South East Queensland if they want to be seen immediately.
I would like to see Australia strong and prosperous again.
Got a news tip? Email catherine.piltz@news.com.au
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