The Bulletin approached candidates and parties to provide brief biographies. Not all are yet to respond. Some background for this guide is gathered from their social media.

This list will continue to be updated as more candidates may nominate. Our contacts to forward information are paul.weston@news.com.au and andrew.potts@news.com.au.

COOMERA

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Michael Crandon; 1.1 per cent.

Michael Crandon (LNP)

Has lived and worked in his community for more than 40 years. Married with three children. Was a financial planner for more than 21 years before being elected in 2009. Renowned for tabling petitions and persistent lobbying for infrastructure in the fast growing north. Regularly clashed with former Transport Minister Mark Bailey in the parliament, complaining about the slowness of M1 upgrades along with exits.

Chris Johnson (Labor)

Works as a community mental health nurse at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Born in country NSW, has lived in Upper Coomera with husband Angus for the past 21 years, aware of the fast change in the area. A community advocate for delivering a new hospital, new schools, police and ambulance stations along with upgrading the Coomera Connector. Says he is a “working class guy” and not a politician.

Nick Muir (One Nation)

Father of two and local business owner, at 43, says he is “deeply rooted” in community issues. Over the past four years has observed skyrocketing rents and mortgages, unbearable traffic congestion and a crime wave he says has left many feeling under siege in their own homes. He believes that immediate change is needed in Queensland parliament to address these issues. Will advocate for pausing immigration until our housing, roads, and hospitals catch up. Additionally, he supports serious judicial reform to tackle the crime epidemic, which has spiralled beyond the control of the major parties.

Stuart Fletcher (Greens)

A small business owner working in lawns and gardens but his real passion is surfing. Lived on the Coast for twenty years and is passionate about the community. Says he is running as he wants to drive real change in our community and empower people to use their vote to make their lives better. Wants housing to be affordable and fossil fuel companies and billionaires to pay their fair share of tax.

Suzette Luyken (Legalise Cannabis Queensland)

Focusing on issues like “unfair” roadside testing and zero tolerance for THC, which can unjustly impact drivers. Believes every Australian should have the right to use cannabis, whether socially or medically, without facing criminalisation. Supports a fairer system for medical users, including the option to grow at home.

THEODORE

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Mark Boothman; 3.3 per cent.

Mark Boothman (LNP)

Was an independent mortgage broker prior to being elected in 2012. Married with three children. A backbencher renowned for being an on-the-ground politician, he was first on the scene and among residents during the Christmas Day storm clean-ups and later warned authorities “we need action now”. Has focused on trying to unlock the gridlock on roads in his fast growing electorate.

Rita Anwari (Labor)

Has a background in operational strategies. Originally from Afghanistan, arrived in Australia in 1993. Reflecting on her personal experiences in conflict zones, she believes it ignited a profound dedication to empowering women. As the founder of Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL), became an unwavering advocate for women’s rights and education. Has been honoured with the International Women’s Day Award for Justice and Gender Equality.

Cassandra Duffill (One Nation)

Dedicated to addressing youth crime, the rising cost of living and the housing crisis. A lifelong Queenslander – married and a mother of two sons. Passionate about the wellbeing of families and the plight of small businesses which are “the backbone of our region”. Operated a natural health practice prior to the pandemic, and now runs her own online marketing consultancy – understands the challenges small businesses face. Disappointed by the decline the Australian way of life and concerns for the country her son’s will inherit, decided to stand for office.

Andrew Stimpson (Greens)

Andrew is a high school teacher, environmental volunteer and small business advocate. He’s passionate about public education, public healthcare, and affordable housing. Under a decade of Labor governments a whole generation of state school kids have passed from Prep to Year 12 without a single day of adequate resources in their classrooms — and it’s parents paying the cost.

GAVEN

CURRENTLY HELD BY: Labor: Meaghan Scanlon: 7.8 per cent.

Meaghan Scanlon (Labor)

In 2017, at 24, youngest woman elected to Queensland parliament. Previously completed a law degree. Became Assistant Minister for Tourism in 2018, promoted to Environment Minister in 2020 and three years later Housing, Local Government and Planning Minister. Grew up and still lives in Nerang. Her mantra in this poll has been creating affordable housing, aware the young and elderly are struggling with the cost of living crisis, along with commitment to big transport projects like Coomera Connector and M1 upgrades. Is Labor’s only state representative in the city and potential future leader.

Bianca Stone (LNP)

Moved to the Coast as a 15-year-old, went to school and university here. Married to a senior Coast police officer, mother to three children. Worked for two decades as a journalist, heading up Sunrise bureau. Says the first-hand impacts of Labor’s mismanagement prompted her to run for politics. Concerns include fewer police and ramping at hospitals along with widespread housing stress. Community safety a key concern, and ensuring people feel safe in their home. Was a “captain’s choice” by leader David Crisafulli to run in the northern seat.

Sally Spain (Greens)

Educated at Beaumaris State School, St Hilda’s Southport and University of Queensland. Resident of Coast for more than 60 years, teacher for 25 years. Leader of the Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast branch. Steadfast about protecting the Coast’s natural values, including our koala population survives. Wants to reduce the threat of climate change, ensure people can realise the dream of owning a home and get more funding for local public schools. Has been the public face of the green movement for decades here.

Sandy Roach (One Nation)

Lived on the Coast since 1994, married and mother of four. Runs a bookkeeping business. Believes small business is the backbone of the country. Wants to fight human trafficking and advocating for Australian jobs. Says she will “stamp out government overreach and corporate globalist greed”.

Jenelle Porter (Legalise Cannabis Queensland)

Supports “home grow for all” and amnesty for patients to self supply until current law changes. Wants driving laws changed that are unfair against medical cannabis patients. Wants police to be free to focus on crime and unclog the court system.

MUDGEERABA

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Ros Bates; 10.1 per cent.

Ros Bates (LNP)

Was elected in 2009. Prior to that, employed as a nurse and held administrative positions in health including general manager of a private hospital. Appointed Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts as part of Campbell Newman’s first cabinet in 2012. Is Shadow Minister for Health and outspoken parliamentary front bencher in the David Crisafulli team. Has been the voice of ramping concerns at public hospitals. If LNP wins government, has vowed to reform and fix health system.

Sophie Lynch (Labor)

A Coast resident, lawyer and a strong campaigner for workers. She now works as an advocate for our local firefighters, ensuring fair workplace rights for our first responders. Her decision to stand for politics is motivated by protecting the Coast’s first responders who risk their lives to keep Queenslanders safe. Says her top priority is “lowering your household bills” and has talked up Labor delivering affordable housing including new Robina flood plain estate.

Scott Turner (Greens)

Has a background in scientific research, administration for health care and education industries. Was a customer service agent for TransLink. Passionate about an end to coal and gas, national freeze on rent increases and getting dental and mental health into Medicare. Wants the big end of town to pay their tax.

Carl Mocnik (One Nation)

A local business owner, a decorated former naval officer and a single father of two young children. His candidacy is driven by a core belief in the protection of personal freedoms, and he remains a vocal opponent of government overreach, including medical mandates and lockdowns.

BROADWATER

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; David Crisafulli; 16.6 per cent.

David Crisafulli (LNP)

Born in Ingham, was a journalist with WIN News in Townsville. Became youngest ever person elected to Townsville City Council. First elected to state parliament in 2012 as MP for Mundingburra. Appointed Local Government Minister in 2012-13. Lost 2015 election, moved to Hope Island, gained preselection for Broadwater and won in 2017 poll. Became Leader of the Opposition in November 2020. Married with two children. Wants to “restore Queensland’s opportunity” – will do this by providing stability and governing with integrity, making the community safer and with easier access to health services. On track to becoming next Premier.

Tamika Hicks (Labor)

Worked in the early childhood sector for more than 20 years. Has been an educator, TAFE teacher, small business owner and community advocate. Is the daughter of factory workers who grew up in social housing. Her decision to stand for politics was the possibility of an LNP government “with their track record of sacking frontline workers, empty promises of better healthcare and the risk to women’s rights”. Her focus is to maintain and extend the best health care services, well-resourced schools and nearby TAFE. Ms Hicks has vowed to fight for ongoing investment in local small business.

Steven Whitehead (One Nation)

Left South Africa in 2007 and arrived here with “a suitcase and handful of dollars”. Built up his own companies. Now 43, believes the major parties have forgotten the people of Queensland. “I want to bring people back to the centre of decision making in parliament and implement effective policies that reduce crime, reduce the cost of living, and improve housing affordability. Only One Nation has a policy to defend and enhance democracy in Queensland.” Says he is committed to addressing cost of living, road congestion, infrastructure, and crime.

Simon Margan (Greens)

A solicitor, human rights advocate and long time Runaway Bay local. Key issues include accessible education, adequate aged care, and equality and justice for all. Says it shouldn’t matter your background — race, gender, religion or sexuality — because everyone should be treated equally and have equal opportunities to live a good life. Fully funding public schools and TAFE and scrapping out of pocket expenses will make lifelong education a real thing for thousands of people locked out on the Gold Coast.

Peter Edwards (Family First)

Advocate for family values, faith and pro-life causes. Believes our country and children “deserve better than the options we presently have”. Waiting on more details.

BONNEY

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Sam O’Connor; 1.7 per cent.

Sam O’Connor (LNP)

Elected in 2017, was previously a “bartender and courtesy bus driver” at Labrador AFL Sports Club after being a federal media adviser. Promoted to shadow minister for environment in 2020. Only State LNP MP to support Voice to parliament, strong supporter for protecting Broadwater and campaigned with Arundel Hills Country Club residents to protect green space from development. Ran the Bonney crime forum and worked closely with Brett and Belinda Beasley to reform youth crime laws. Works closely with schools and welfare groups.

Kyle Kelly-Collins (Labor)

Advocate for worker rights, currently works as a drive-in, drive-out worker on an energy project. Determined to address unfair work practices and discrimination, wants to promote fairness and opportunity for all. Grew up in social housing, and wants to be spokesman for renter rights.

Scott Philip (One Nation)

Maintains he is not a career politician – “I‘m running because like many Queenslanders, I became tired of listening to career politicians telling me how to think, what I can say and how I should live my life”. Working since high school in variety of roles including mechanic, financial planner and in local government. Says community safety is the first priority of any government. Opposed to Arundel Hills Country Club intervention by state government to fast forward the development. Says One Nation has housing policy to fix the cost of living crisis.

Amin Javanmard (Greens)

Has been focused on party’s closeness to community. Has posted: “The big two parties have big corporate donors, we have something more important – you.” Strongly opposed to losing green space at Arundel Hills Country Club. As a community pharmacist, says he has to “mop up from the consequences of our healthcare system’s dysfunction constantly”. Opposed to commercialisation of national parks. Says Christmas storm was example of climate change first hand.

SURFERS PARADISE

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; John-Paul Langbroek; 16.2 per cent.

John-Paul Langbroek (LNP)

Elected in 2004. Became leader of the Opposition in 2009-11. Was a Minister in the Newman Government, with portfolios of Science, Information Technology and the Arts along with Education. Became Deputy leader after the LNP lost office, and has remained on the Opposition front bench, having worked progressively forward with several party leaders. Married with three children. Expected to be minister, given his experience, if the LNP win.

James Knight (Labor)

Grew up in Surfers Paradise and has worked at several hospitality venues. Currently studying public policy and journalism at Griffith University. Has been working at a local cafe, gaining first hand knowledge of the tourism industry’s huge role in Surfers Paradise. As a young student and worker, knows the financial challenges faced by families and businesses. Big supporter of Labor’s 50 cents fares.

Steven Everson (Greens)

Steve is a Gold Coast local, passionate community organiser, and lawn bowls aficionado with a long career in project management. As a granddad, Steve’s worried that the major parties are neglecting their responsibility to shepard the state for the next generation.

Mark Jaric (One Nation)

Has spent the past 18 years working in state and local governments delivering roads and infrastructure projects, during this time he has worked together with a team to ensure value for money on each project delivered on the Coast. At 39, running for office because “I’m fed up with the current government not listening to the Australian taxpayer and making it impossible to get ahead in the current climate with cost of living through the roof, youth crime worse than ever and our free speech in jeopardy”. Focused on addressing pressing issues like cost of living, youth crime and affordable energy.

SOUTHPORT

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Rob Molhoek; 5.4 per cent.

Rob Molhoek (LNP)

First elected in 2012. Was Assistant Minister in the Newman Government, notably in Child Safety, which has remained a key focus. Has been director and former national president of Bravehearts. Prior to election, was Coast radio boss and former city councillor. Helped establish the Titans. In recent times, made remarkable recovery from a stroke, now focused on improving health outcomes by funding research. At 64, more determined than ever to make an impact for the community.

Letitia del Fabbro (Labor)

A local nurse and nurse educator passionate about improving access to local health care. Supports programs like Free TAFE and Free Kindy. Is campaigning on Labor’s health commitments – the Miles government’s $1.6 billion investment in health infrastructure projects giving more hospital beds and greater support for our health workers.

David Vaughan (One Nation)

Grew up in Gaven, recently moved to Southport. Faced a broken home, lost his young son to a rare brain cancer in 2022, which has helped shape his resolve to give back to community. Involved in the car industry. Lost his job due to refusal to comply with vaccine mandates. Now involved in local church, big issues are “tackling inflation and combating lawlessness”.

Ruth Fea (Family First)

Educator and teacher of primary school children, a literacy consultant to the Education Department and TAFE lecturer on property. Small health care business owner. Developed her businesses by listening to what people want and offering professional advice based on research. A mother of two adult children, chose to run to be a “representative with family values”.

Mitch McCausland (Greens)

Mitch McCausland is a video game designer, renter and union leader. He says working in a volatile industry means he’s intimately familiar with the stress and anxiety the cost of living and housing crises put on everyday people. That’s what motivated him to help his fellow workers organise for better conditions and wages.

MERMAID BEACH

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Ray Stevens; 4.4 per cent.

Ray Stevens (LNP)

First elected in 2006. An accountant, was employed by Price Waterhouse in Sydney, returned to family’s cattle and sheep station before moving to the Coast in 1979 where he established businesses around Pacific Fair. Was a councillor with the Albert Shire from 1988 to 1995 before becoming Mayor from 1995 to 1997. Outspoken backbencher for the LNP, one of city’s most experienced MPs. Married with two children.

Joseph Shiels (Labor)

A local foster carer who has dedicated his life to supporting people, families and community. Has worked in public health care for ten years, is an accredited mental health social worker with post graduate studies in clinical redesign. Committed to delivering to the community on cost of living pressures, affordable housing, cheaper public transport and energy bills.

Lucy Carra-Schulz (Greens)

Is studying to be a doctor and tutors maths. She says that, like most young people, she facing the sharp end of the cost of living crisis as the prospect of buying a house gets further and further out of reach.

Roger Marquass (One Nation)

Born in Brisbane, has a global perspective having lived in various countries. Focused on ensuring a future for his family, including nine-year-old daughter. Started work in cafes, retail and door to door sales. Progressed to hospitality where he worked front office for ACCOR. In 2000 started local tennis club. Concerned about “woke agendas” in schools, and wants return to traditional values.

Clare Todd (Family First)

Waiting on details.

BURLEIGH

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Michael Hart (retiring); 1.2 per cent.

Hermann Vorster (LNP)

Long term community volunteer and council representative. Running on his track record which he says “means you can count on me”. To that end as council representative, fought for stronger laws, more police and expansion of CCTV in villages, parks and residential streets. Campaigned against Labor’s cuts to policing and poor hooning laws. Worked hard in local government to keep rates low, extend bus travel for seniors. Passionate about restoring the national park and waterways. Married with three children, wants to give area a strong voice.

Claire Carlin (Labor)

Has lived on the Gold Coast for nearly 20 years, having a diverse career spanning non-profits, small business, craft beer and the arts. Focused on reducing cost-of-living pressures, delivering affordable housing, protecting the natural environment, preventing family and domestic violence and ensuring a fair and equitable education system. Has posted: “One thing I’m not is a career politician, I’m a real and genuine person who has always worked for my living and who is ready to work hard to represent the community.”

Hunter Grove-McGrath (Greens)

An engineering student and a “proud Gold Coaster” who grew up in Burleigh. Completed school and worked here, watched “the city I know and love change”. Believes Labor and the LNP prioritise the vested interests of their “rich corporate donor mates” ahead of the needs of our community. Cost of living a priority with Greens to introduce rent freeze and cap increases, tackle mortgage stress and the rising costs of essentials like groceries and power bills.

Cathy Osborne (Libertarian Party)

Mother of three grown children, married and small business owner who has called the Coast home for more than 30 years. Says “my commitment to our community has always been at the heart of what I do” and that she’s “not a career politician”. Co-founded the Gold Coast Lifestyle Association. Has run for council prompted by concerns about oceanway and light rail. Sees an “endless tug of war between the red and the blue has distracted from the real solutions”. Wants a bipartisan approach, tackle the big issues, and bring some common sense back into politics. Promises to stand up on key issues like cost of living, housing affordability, crime and protecting freedoms from “government overreach”.

Jason Gann (Legalise Cannabis Queensland)

A Burleigh local, best known for the international hit comedy series ‘Wilfred’ and the Australian sketch comedy series ‘The Wedge’, is making the leap to politics with a focus on medicinal cannabis and hemp. He is advocating for freedom of choice, aiming not only to support the cause but to enact legislative change. Gained prominence in the early 2000s, winning the Tropfest Best Actor award twice before international success came with the sale of the ‘Wilfred’ format to the US. Gann’s worked alongside actors Elijah Wood and Robin Williams garnered acclaim for its candid portrayal of cannabis use and its handling of mental health issues.

Neena Tester (Family First)

Waiting on details.

CURRUMBIN

CURRENTLY HELD BY: LNP; Laura Gerber; 0.5 per cent.

Laura Gerber (LNP)

First elected in 2020. Before that a lawyer, formerly a federal prosecutor with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and disciplinary prosecutor with the Office of the Health Ombudsman. Was appointed Shadow Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support. Married with two children. Has been LNP voice for crackdown on youth crime.

Nathan Fleury (Labor)

A local family man and former infantry soldier in the Australian Army. As a vocational education and training specialist, Mr Fleury is a strong supporter of a free TAFE. Will campaign on Labor delivering critical infrastructure like the Tugun Satellite Hospital and widening of the M1. “I know we can do better for our youth, our environment and for those doing it tough,” he says.

Braden Smith (Greens)

A lifelong Currumbin local and journalism student. Strong advocate to protect the area’s natural environment from threats like land clearing and poor development. Wants more focus on the cost of living crisis. As a young person, says it is increasingly difficult for people to move out of home, and many people are being forced out of the Coast due to sky-high rents.

Angela Gunson (One Nation)

Strong environmentalist concerned about overdevelopment of coastal suburbs. As mother of teenagers, committed to retaining natural beauty of Currumbin. Coast resident for more than 30 years and will stand up against overdevelopment. Runs small online homeware business, keeps her focus on challenges for small businesses.

Kath Down (Independent)

A long-term local of the southern Coast who “cares deeply about our community, our lifestyle, our natural landscape and our safety”. Believes successive state governments have “dropped the ball” on costs of living, affordable housing, accessible health care and youth crime. “Both the Labor Government and the LNP are focused on finger-pointing. I’m focused on solutions. I have the history to prove my first priority is my community, not toeing any party line, community first,” she says.

paul.weston@news.com.au