After months of build-up the state election campaign frenzy reaches its climax tomorrow, with Queenslanders heading to the polls.
To help voters decide, Sunshine Coast News has asked all 45 candidates across the eight Sunshine Coast electorates to share no more than 100 words on three questions.
In today’s third and final question, they were asked: How will you engage with constituents to ensure their voices are heard? You can also read parts one one and two.
All candidates below are as they will appear on the ballot paper. Polls are open tomorrow from 8am-6pm. Click here for a list of polling booth locations.
BUDERIM – Buderim, Sippy Downs, Palmview, Mountain Creek and surrounds
Brent Mickelberg, LNP (incumbent): I’m a big advocate for community consultation and I welcome the views and opinions of locals. I engage with constituents through phone calls, door knocking, mobile offices, social media and newsletters. I regularly raise matters in Queensland Parliament ensure local voices are heard loud and clear. I go into fight on behalf of locals, including those stuck in the broken Queensland Health system.
Shaun Sandow, Legalise Cannabis Queensland
Ryan Beall, One Nation: One Nation is the only party at this election with a policy to strengthen and enhance democracy in Queensland. I want to give the voters of Buderim a strong voice who is accountable to the community. I’ll hold regular town hall events and face constituents in person. I’ll staff my office with people who understand their first duty is to serve our community, and I’ll be an active communicator to ensure voters know what I’m doing and why.
Deborah Moseley, The Greens: Having worked for years in community development, I believe that an MP’s job is to build their community. I will work in partnership with the Kabi Kabi people to utilise the many thousands of years of knowledge that has maintained the natural balance of the land; taking this valuable culture into our shared future to benefit all. I’ll join all our Greens MPs in turning my offices into a welcoming place where people work together to help people get ahead. That’s why we run free community meals, family fun days, community pantries, little libraries and tool sheds everywhere we get elected. My commitment to you is every month I will hold a public open conversation about the local issues right in Buderim Park.
Adrian Burke, Australian Labor Party
CALOUNDRA – Caloundra, Caloundra South, Beerwah, Landsborough and surrounds
Kendall Morton, LNP: I have spent the whole year door knocking and calling people in this community, to make sure my priorities are your priorities. This feedback has led to the LNP’s commitments to deliver a $400 million congestion-busting traffic plan to fix Caloundra Road, a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority which will safeguard the Pumicestone Passage, and a TAFE Centre of Excellence which will deliver skilled tradespeople and futureproof this area. I will continue to listen to voices across the Caloundra electorate to ensure that Caloundra does not continue to miss out.
Mike Jessop, Independent: As a modern political candidate I will employ modern means of two-way communication to contact an elected representative and talk about shaping policy. If members of the public and voters have any questions or a workable solution or can be of help they can contact me via Facebook, Twitter or video conference. As a business owner with 37 years’ experience in both macro and micro businesses in the form of electronics manufacture and boat building, I fully understand and you can be sure I will address the imperative to reduce bureaucracy and taxation that hinder and stunt business activity so severely.
Ben Storch, One Nation
Jason Hunt, Australian Labor Party (incumbent): As your local MP, it is crucial that I’m out in the community listening to you and ensuring your concerns are recognised and heard. I am always doorknocking, visiting local businesses, and attending community meetings and forums. My electoral office is situated right in the centre of Caloundra, so pop in and have a chat with me or my friendly team whenever you like.
Peta Higgs, The Greens: As a doctor, my skill set is listening to people and working within a team to address their concerns and make the best plan to address the problem. I am keen to listen to the people of the Caloundra electorate as to their concerns and how they can be addressed within the State Government. If elected, I would like to have mobile booths and travel around the electorate to meet with people and engage with the community.
Pamela Mariko, Animal Justice Party
Allison McMaster, Legalise Cannabis Queensland: If elected I would have regular “meet ‘n’ greet” sessions over coffee in all corners of the electorate. I would encourage people to call me with their problems and see what I could do to help. I would be asking questions of the parliament on their behalf. A monthly newsletter keeping them informed of what is happening with cannabis law reform and other issues.
GLASS HOUSE – Maleny, Montville, Glass House Mountains, Woodford and surrounds
Adam Farr, One Nation: By establishing open communication channels for feedback, such as town hall meetings, surveys, social media platforms, providing regular updates and allowing for collaborative initiatives to encourage community members to shape policies that directly affect them.
Timothy Hallcroft, Legalise Cannabis Queensland: For this I will be setting up monthly Q&A meetings around Glass House so that the people can bring their complaints to be heard. I find getting out and about is better than sitting in an office all day. I took this approach when I was OH&S Manager in the timber industry and remodelled a leading safety and workplace health plan which when it was introduced had massive positive effects. You cannot manage or maintain any business by not engaging with the people. That is why I have an open-door policy for everyone.
Andrew Powell, LNP (incumbent): I’ve been engaging with constituents for many years now as a local MP. My office is always open to emails, phone calls, letters and walk-in visits. And when you can’t come to me, I go to you with regular mobile offices around the electorate. I update the community multiple times a day on social media with what I’ve been up to, upcoming local events and important public information notices. I have regular columns in local papers and an e-newsletter that goes out monthly. I also endeavour to be at as many neighbourhood events as possible to chat with locals.
Humphrey Caspersz, Australian Labor Party: As a working member of my community, I plan on engaging with locals as much as possible, I want to hear people’s stories, understand their needs and advocate for our community based on this. I am open, approachable, and determined to help.
Andrew McLean, The Greens: Have you ever tried to meet with an MP? The model of the major parties doesn’t work. They don’t listen. They don’t want to listen. The Greens are different. We’re a grassroots, people-powered movement — and as your MP I’ll be all about empowering our community, not just doing tick-and-flick consultation. I’ll use my resources as an MP to support neighbourhood action groups to hold regular town hall meetings and other community events. Remember: nothing changes if nothing changes.
Bronwen Bolitho, Family First
KAWANA – Currimundi, Little Mountain, Bokarina, Buddina and surrounds
Jarrod Bleijie, LNP (incumbent): The LNP have listened to Queenslanders, and we’ve reflected this with our Plan for Queensland’s Future. When Queenslanders vote on October 26, they need to ask themselves after 10 years of Labor, can we do better than this? When it comes to getting tough on crime, easing the cost of living, and providing health services when you need them – only the LNP have the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future. Queensland needs a Fresh Start, and the only way to guarantee this is by voting 1 LNP at this State Election.
Peter Hinton, One Nation
Ian Simons, The Greens: Democracy isn’t a once-off process where you only have to hear from your voters once every four years at the ballot box, no matter what the major party politicians might want. As your local representative, I actually want to represent you and that means listening all the time — not just at election time.
Jim Dawson, Australian Labor Party: If you chose to put your hand up in politics, you need to be ready and willing to listen. And that’s just what I will do as the Labor candidate for Kawana – listen to my community so I can advocate for them as part of a united Labor team.
MAROOCHYDORE – Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Mudjimba, Marcoola and surrounds
Fiona Simpson, LNP (incumbent): I am regularly at community events through the week and weekends, meeting with my constituents, wherever they live, work and play. Community corners and mobile electorate offices are a regular feature of how I engage in person throughout the electorate, which I advertise ahead by community newsletters, newspaper columns, Facebook and e-newsletters.
Naomi McQueen, Australian Labor Party: I’ve enjoyed volunteering in my community frequently with both OzHarvest and Park Run. I recognise that the most important part of engaging with locals is being open and available to listen to their needs and concerns. I am out every day meeting with people, doorknocking, manning stalls, and volunteering. Truly immersing myself in the community is how I am engaging with constituents – so that if elected I can be a true advocate for their needs.
Mark Wadeson, Independent: Woke and leftists are not worth talking to, nor the anti-male people. The other 70 per cent always happy to chill and talk to. Disabled have more time for especially to help stop leftists from scamming their NDIS so proper serving is done.
Heinrich Koekemoer, The Greens: Too many politicians spend their time in office catering to wealthy patrons, corporate lobbyists and their big business donors instead of being out in their community and talking to everyday people. My commitment to you is that I’ll always be available, I’ll always be approachable and — because I don’t take corporate donations — I’ll always put Maroochydore first. That’s why Greens MPs are active within their communities year-round, organising free community meals and family events. This October, we have the opportunity to break the stranglehold of the two-party system and restore genuine, grassroots democracy to our community.
Kyle Haley, One Nation
NICKLIN – Nambour, Cooroy, Palmwoods, Yandina, Kenilworth and surrounds
Phillip Eschler, Family First
Rob Skelton, Australian Labor Party (incumbent): I am always looking to engage constituents by getting out into the community, meeting with people, visiting businesses and doorknocking. I value my time with locals and always fight for the best possible outcome for Nicklin in every possible way – whether that’s working with the federal government, council, private sector, or going street to street or town to town.
Sue Etheridge, The Greens: The Greens approach politics differently, with a deep commitment to community involvement year-round, not just during elections. Our MPs don’t just maintain offices; we transform them into vibrant community hubs that foster connection and collaboration. Real democracy is built on active, ongoing engagement, and as your representative, I pledge to be open, transparent, accessible, and committed to listening and responding to the community’s concerns. This isn’t about personal ambition—it’s about understanding what’s best for the people I represent. By creating spaces for real dialogue, we aim to empower individuals and work together for a fairer, more sustainable future for all.
Rebecca McCosker, One Nation
Steve Dickson, Independent: I’ll engage with constituents through regular face-to-face meetings, maintaining a strong online presence, and hosting town hall meetings. I’ll also keep the community informed about upcoming bills in the Queensland Parliament that may affect them, ensuring everyone has a chance to share their views and be heard.
Marty Hunt, LNP
Melody Lindsay, Legalise Cannabis Queensland: I love the Sunshine Coast; it is my home, where I grew up, and where I chose to raise my children. To ensure that I hear the community’s voices. I would have an open-door policy for the constituents, share community developments, attend community forums, and be an independent voice on the crossbench. It enables me to think and act freely, and where I can show the community voices have been heard.
NINDERRY – Coolum, Bli Bli, North Buderim, Eumundi and surrounds
Michael Stewart, One Nation: One Nation is the only party at this election with a policy to defend and enhance democracy in Queensland and I want to live up to that principle. I believe in transparency and accountability. We want to bring back old-style town hall events and face our constituents in person on a regular basis, and if elected my office will be open to everyone.
Jo Justo, Australian Labor Party: I’ve previously worked in a diverse number of roles, all sharing a common theme of working closely with vulnerable community members and advocating for their rights. I understand that engaging with all constituents requires an open approach, an ability to listen and be skilled to handle every situation without judgement. It’s how I conduct myself when I am out in the community, talking with locals about matters that are important to them and what I will continue to do if elected in October.
Dan Purdie, LNP (incumbent): I am proud of my track record in delivering for the electorate, including securing millions in funding for roads and infrastructure, supporting the community, and changing the law. In 2021, I tabled a petition signed by more than 72,000 people calling on the State Government to reject the parole application of Barrie John Watts, who murdered Noosa school girl Sian Kingi. As a result, changes were made to legislation to strengthen parole laws to ensure the worst of the worst offenders like Watts, remain behind bars for longer. I will keep listening and fighting for the things that matter to locals, including safety where you live, health services when you need them, respect for your money, a place to call home, and a government that works for you.
Timothy Nixon, Legalise Cannabis Queensland: Most members have offices and can be contacted to visit or reply via email. I would suggest that hosting a monthly ‘MP report’ meeting for the community would be an excellent way to not only keep close communication with the will of the people, but also enable quick action where needed should emergency or special situations arise. Such meetings should be held with an openly advertised agenda which the community can add to as their needs dictate. When you look into the eyes of the people you serve, and hear their words, it is difficult to ignore them.
Tom Carden, The Greens: True democracy is built on genuine engagement with the community. As an elected representative, it’s my responsibility to be open, transparent, honest, and always willing to listen. Far too often, we see MPs focusing on what they think is best, ignoring the very people they are meant to serve. To truly understand and address the needs of the community, I will hold regular open forums — spaces where we can come together, have honest conversations, and find real solutions. This isn’t about my vision; it’s about empowering the community to shape its future.
NOOSA – Noosa Heads, Tewantin, Peregian Beach, Pomona, Kin Kin and surrounds
Sandy Bolton, Independent (incumbent): Every day, in every way, Sandy continues to ensure the diverse voices of the Noosa electorate are heard, and work hard to deliver to the expectations of our community, representing fellow residents with respect, credibility and integrity. She is passionate about all of Noosa, from beach to bush, and has no other priority, nor political party vested interest or policies to adhere to, with her only allegiance to the people of the Noosa electorate. In Parliament, as the only elected Independent now for seven years, she is able to work with both major parties, as well hold them to account. Noosa has been Sandy’s home for nearly 35 years, and will be forever.
Rhonda Prescott, The Greens: I believe your local MP should be a pillar of the local community and an MP’s office should be welcoming, open and a place for organising and community action. As your MP, I’ll be out and about, chatting on the street and down at the local markets whenever I can. Grassroots democracy is one of the Greens’ key pillars, and that means listening to everyone. Politicians who aren’t accessible, who aren’t in their community whenever they can, aren’t being a real local representative.
Clare Stewart, LNP: Over the course of my term as Mayor, and during the last five months of my campaign, I have engaged with our residents in every way possible in person and online. I have spoken with thousands of people on the phone, or at markets, at pop-up stalls, through formal consultations and informal community meetings and events. I have not only spoken to people about their concerns – I have taken action to make sure those concerns and views are acted upon. Whether it’s our petition to save Noosa Hospital, which has resulted in a commitment to our long-term lease; or making our pledge that the LNP will stop Labor’s high-rise development, I will always fight and stand up for Noosa.
Felicity Roser, Family First
Darrel Hinson, One Nation
Mark Denham, Australian Labor Party: Having been a paramedic for most of my career and raising my family right here in Noosa, I know my local community very well. I enjoy spending time talking with the people of Noosa, and believe that engaging in important conversations is vital, whether that be through doorknocking, streetside stalls, or just having a chat with locals down at the coffee shop. And if you do see me down the street, feel free to stop me and have a chat because I love to listen to what you have to say.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
