After five weeks of campaigning, the federal election is here.
Saturday’s poll will determine all 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 Senate places. Anthony Albanese is looking to become the first prime minister since John Howard to win back-to-back elections, while Peter Dutton will aim to lead the coalition back to power after one term in opposition, to become Australia’s 32nd prime minister.
To help people decide who to vote for, Sunshine Coast News has asked the candidates for the Sunshine Coast electorates of Fairfax and Fisher to share no more than 100 words on three questions.
In today’s third and final part they were asked: What specific measures will you advocate for at the federal level to ensure the continued growth and development of the Sunshine Coast? You can also read parts one and two.
Postal vote applications have now closed but some pre-poll stations will remain open on Friday. On Saturday polling stations will be open from 8am-6pm.
Fairfax
Beatrice Marsh – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Francine Wiig – Independent: The Sunshine Coast needs its fair share of federal funding to match its rapid growth. As a “safe seat”, we’ve missed out for too long. I’ll push for major investment in transport infrastructure, roads, rail, and regional public transport, to ease congestion and connect communities. I’ll advocate for housing solutions that prioritise affordability and access for workers and families. Our region also needs improved digital infrastructure and support for clean energy industries to create future jobs. I’ll work to strengthen funding for TAFE places and better health services so people can live, work, and thrive here, without having to leave the Coast.
Rhys Sanderson – Family First Party Australia
Sue Etheridge – Queensland Greens: Address the cost of living/housing by capping rent, freezing increases, building public housing, and making mortgages fairer. We’ll cap grocery prices, lower power bills with public renewables, provide free school meals and childcare, and boost income support. Tackle climate change and protect nature by ending coal and gas, phasing out fossil fuels by 2030, and investing in 100 per cent publicly owned renewables. We’ll create clean energy jobs, boost green manufacturing, protect forests and oceans, and support regional communities. Expand dental and mental health into Medicare. All of this is achievable by making big corporations and polluters pay their fair share.
Naomi McQueen – Australian Labor Party: As part of the Albanese Labor Government I’ll fight for investment in affordable housing, local infrastructure, and sustainable industries to support the Sunshine Coast’s growing population. That includes better public transport, fully funding every public school, delivering two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Buderim and Caloundra, and protecting our environment. Labor will slash student debt by cutting HECS debt by 20 per cent and make free TAFE permanent to support young people and build a stronger local workforce. The Sunshine Coast deserves a federal representative who will fight tirelessly for smart, inclusive growth that puts locals first.
Paul McKeown – Independent: The future of the Sunshine Coast is intrinsically linked to the success of the national economy. Whilst planning and development are better left to state and local governments, the job of the commonwealth is to ensure that we keep our country strong, safe and confident. If elected, I will advocate for the restoration of Australian political, economic and social sovereignty. I will be calling for an Australia where we make our own decisions, own more things, make more things, and earn more out of our products, talent and creativity. I’ll also advocate for the flow of federal funds to be unimpeded by bureaucratic inefficiency or regional bias.
Ted O’Brien – Liberal National Party: My top priority is easing cost-of-living pressures – through up to $2400 in family tax relief, 25c/L off petrol, lower power bills, cheaper medicines and a $9 billion investment to restore Medicare. Locally, I’ll fight to retain the $3.15 billion I secured for Sunshine Coast rail projects and if a Coalition government is elected I will deliver over $5 million for local community organisations for desperately needed infrastructure upgrades. I am the only candidate in this election committing to deliver so many tangible projects as part of a LNP Coalition Government, if elected.
Gregory Ryzy – Trumpet of Patriots
Fisher
Keryn Jones – Independent: As an Independent, I’ll fight for long-overdue infrastructure to support our region’s growth – starting with protecting funding for Stage 1 of rail to Caloundra and pushing for the full link to Birtinya, Maroochydore and the airport. I’ll advocate for long-neglected projects like the Mooloolah River Interchange, the Caloundra Road roundabout fix, and a dedicated coastal public transport network. I’ll support funding for coastal hazard protection, Olympic venues, and major arts infrastructure, and assess the airport expansion requirements. Fisher has been taken for granted for too long – I’ll work with all levels of government to secure the investment our community deserves.
Renay Wells – Queensland Greens: I’ll advocate for a future-ready Sunshine Coast – where affordable housing, quality healthcare, world-class education, and climate resilience are priorities. Backed by the Greens’ policies, I’ll push for federal investment in clean industries, regional job creation, and infrastructure that supports both people and the planet. As a sustainability-focused business founder, I bring practical solutions for a thriving local economy that doesn’t cost us our natural environment. Growth should mean opportunity for everyone – not just the wealthy few.
Andrew Wallace – Liberal National Party: Over nine years, I’ve secured $7.2 billion for road, rail, and community projects, including upgrades on the Bruce Highway, Steve Irwin Way, and Sunshine Coast Rail. But there’s more work to be done. I’m fighting for better infrastructure, cost-of-living relief, and affordable housing. The LNP has already committed $10 million to upgrade Fisher community facilities. We’ll establish a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund for regional infrastructure, services and opportunities. We’ll build 500,000 new homes and break down the barriers to home ownership for young Australians. And we’ll deliver immediate cost of living relief with a cost-of-living tax offset, a halved fuel excise, and by slashing Labor’s family car and ute tax.
Denis Fricot – Trumpet of Patriots
Morrison Lakey – Australian Labor Party: If elected, I’ll fight for more investment in regional health services, including the delivery of a new Urgent Care Clinic at Caloundra, improved transport links, and federal programs that deliver affordable housing options in the places people already call home. I’ll work closely with all levels of government to ensure the Sunshine Coast gets its fair share of funding and attention.
James Pidgeon – Gerard Rennick People First
Bronwen Bolitho – Family First Party Australia
Benjamin Kelly – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation: I’ll push for infrastructure upgrades, including better roads and rail to ease congestion, and support for small businesses through tax relief. Affordable energy policies will lower costs for families and industries. I’ll advocate for sustainable development, protecting our environment while fostering job creation. One Nation’s focus on regional investment will ensure Fisher gets fair funding for health services, education, and tourism to boost local growth. By cutting bureaucratic red tape, we’ll empower local councils and businesses to thrive, making the Sunshine Coast a hub for opportunity and innovation.
