Election 2025: Mitchell candidates and what they stand for

A seat named after a man who explored large parts of two Australian states has long been a blue ribbon electorate. Meet the candidates vying for the seat on May 3.

The seat of Mitchell was named after the first European to explore larger areas of NSW and Victoria, Major Thomas Mitchell, and was established in 1949.

The seat is in northwest Sydney and covers Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Castle Hill, Northmead, North Rocks, West Pennant Hills and Winston Hills.

It also touches the quickly growing housing estates around Kellyville and Rouse Hill.

This masthead contacted every candidate running in the election with the same questions.

Ben Speechly – The Greens

Ben Speechly is the Greens candidate for the seat of Mitchell. Picture: The Greens

Mr Speechly said The Hills needs a progressive option “with big ideas for a sustainable and fair future”.

“Labor is tinkering around the edges – sticking with the status quo – and Liberal have a

policy vacuum apart from a nuclear fantasy and raising retirement savings to inflate the

housing market,’’ he said.

“I care about protecting our precious environment and looking after all people.”

“I wanted to listen to the community and fight for a cleaner, greener and fairer future.’’

What inspired you to run for the seat?

There are three big themes that come across when out doorknocking in The Hills.

1. Strong action on climate change – residents want subsidies and interest-free

loans for solar and community batteries (The Hills currently has none) as they

see this as a small step they can make to help make a difference to our climate

crisis.

2. Fighting the cost of living – we can ease the financial burdens by putting dental

and mental health into Medicare, 50c public transport (we have a metro but the

carparks fill up by 7am – we need a big boost to feeder bus services), stop the big

banks ripping us off – limit mortgage rates to 1 per cent above RBA interest rate for

owner occupiers – there’s less and less competition with bank branches closing

across the Hills and capping rental hikes for renters.

3. Fix broken environment laws – protect Fred Caterson reserve from

overdevelopment and protect local koala habitat.

Whatdo you see as the biggest issues for this election and how do they apply to the region?

• Dental and mental health into Medicare, see a GP for free because health costs

are skyrocketing in The Hills and it’s getting harder to see a doctor with bulk

billing

• Community batteries and more charging infrastructure for electric cars across

The Hills to support those who want to make a change, combined with higher

subsidises and interest free loans.

• Tax the billionaires and big corporations, stop the big banks and supermarkets

ripping us off.

Alex Hawke – Liberals

Alex Hawke is the Liberal MP for the seat of Mitchell. Picture: The Liberals

Mr Hawke is the incumbent member for Mitchell and is the Liberal Party’s candidate.

Mr Hawke did not respond to questions.

Dilvan Bircan – Labor

Dilvan Bircan is the Labor candidate for the seat of Mitchell. Picture: Labor

Dilvan Bircan is the Labor candidate for the seat of Mitchell.

Ms Bircan did not respond to questions.

Mark Crocker – Trumpet of Patriots

Mark Crocker is the candidate for Trumpet of Patriots for the seat of Mitchell.

Mr Crocker has not responded to questions.

Brendan McCreanor – One Nation

Brendan McCreanor is the candidate for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party for the seat of Mitchell.

Mr McCreanor has not responded to questions.

Originally published as Election 2025: Mitchell candidates and what they stand for