Pre-polling for the May 3 federal election has opened, with candidates continuing to make their pitch for votes.
To help voters decide, 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 part one, they were asked: Why should you be elected to the federal government?
Keep reading Sunshine Coast News in the coming days as we present parts two and three of our Q&A with candidates.
Fairfax
Beatrice Marsh – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Francine Wiig – Independent: I’m standing as an independent because our region needs a strong, local voice, not another party politician toeing the line. I’ll always put the Sunshine Coast first, and I’m not afraid to challenge Canberra’s priorities when they don’t reflect our needs. Unlike major party candidates, I’m free to collaborate across the aisle and all levels of government and advocate for what truly matters to our community. I bring transparency, integrity and a commitment to evidence-based policy. If elected, I’ll work every day to restore trust in politics, push for practical solutions, and represent you, not a party room.
Rhys Sanderson – Family First Party Australia
Sue Etheridge – Queensland Greens: This election is a turning point for Fairfax. We can stick with the same old politics from Labor and the LNP – who’ve failed to tackle the housing crisis, protect our environment, or properly fund essential services – or we can choose real, meaningful change. The Greens have a bold, fully costed plan to invest in housing, healthcare, education, and climate action — by making big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. We don’t take donations from big business, so you know I’ll work for you, not vested interests. If you want real change, you have to vote for it.
Naomi McQueen – Australian Labor Party: I’m running to deliver strong, compassionate representation for our community. I’m here to put community voices back at the centre of decision making and deliver real outcomes, not more empty promises. Protecting worker’s rights including weekend pay rates, maternity and paternity leave and the flexibility to work from home.
Paul McKeown – Independent: As an independent, unimpeded by party policy or ideological backing, I can offer a unique choice for voters. Unlike so many of our ‘career politicians’, I can offer balance, empathy and some real-life experience, both as a pilot and small business owner. My flying career has given me an ‘elevated’ perspective on our place in the world – but it has also taught me the skills of critical thinking, decision making and of taking responsibility. I know how to keep my passengers and crew safe. With so much frustration in politics at the moment, I offer an opportunity for something new.
Ted O’Brien – Liberal National Party: My track record includes delivering more federal funding to the Sunshine Coast than ever, including $3.2 billion for the Bruce Highway, $3.15 billion for Sunshine Coast rail, $1.79 billion for local roads, $61.14 million for local businesses and $38.6 million for community groups. But there’s more to do and I want to keep fighting for our region. I’ll work to rein in wasteful spending, ease cost-of-living pressures, strengthen Medicare and keep our community safe. I’ve delivered before, and with your support, I’ll keep delivering.
Gregory Ryzy – Trumpet of Patriots
Fisher
Keryn Jones – Independent: A community-backed Independent is more likely to deliver real outcomes than a party backbencher – especially if they’re stuck in opposition. In a likely minority government, I’d be at the negotiating table, not sidelined by party politics. Independents have already helped deliver national progress on integrity, climate and cost-of-living relief. I’ll work with all sides to secure practical solutions – like more affordable housing, fairer tax reform, stronger Medicare and measures to ease everyday costs like energy, groceries and rent. I’ll be guided by what matters to you – not party donors or party bosses – and make sure Fisher’s voice helps shape a fairer future for all.
Renay Wells – Queensland Greens: I bring a unique mix of real-world experience – business founder, sustainability expert, community advocate – and a vision for a future that works for all of us. I’m running to shake up the status quo, put people before profit, and push for urgent climate action, housing justice, and fairer funding. The Greens are fighting for a future where everyone has what they need to live a good life – and I’m ready to be that strong, honest voice for the Sunshine Coast in Canberra.
Andrew Wallace – Liberal National Party: I’ve fought for better roads, rail and community infrastructure; to boost mental health services and to back small businesses and local manufacturers. More than that, I’ve delivered to the tune of $7.2 billion. I’ve stood up to vested interests at the big end of town to keep kids safe, reduce gambling harm and to protect Australians. And I’ve worked hard to fight for our local community: against Council’s casino and light rail and for better mobile service, community facilities, and healthcare in the hinterland. While Labor carelessly cuts and so-called “community independents” complain, I’m fighting and delivering for Fisher.
Denis Fricot – Trumpet of Patriots
Morrison Lakey – Australian Labor Party: I love this community. I’ve lived here my entire life and I’m running because I want to give back to the community that raised me. I believe politics is about service and I would love the opportunity to serve the people of Fisher and ensure they have a local representative who puts them first. My background in hospitality, the legal sector and the public service has given me an understanding of not just how good government works, but also the wide-ranging negative impacts that bad government has, particularly on our small businesses and communities. Most people in Fisher simply cannot afford a Dutton LNP government.
James Pidgeon – Gerard Rennick People First
Bronwen Bolitho – Family First Party Australia
Benjamin Kelly – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation: I’m a dedicated local who understands Fisher’s challenges – cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability and infrastructure needs. As One Nation’s candidate, I’ll fight for practical solutions, not party politics, prioritizing affordable energy, small business support and regional investment. My commitment to Australian values ensures I’ll stand up for our community’s interests, not global agendas. With a track record of hard work and listening to locals, I’ll bring honesty and accountability to Canberra. Elect me to deliver real change, protect our lifestyle and ensure the Sunshine Coast’s voice is heard loud and clear.
