Federal election: Warringah candidates tell why they want your vote

We asked them some questions to discover what they stand for, and why they reckon you should vote for them.

Candidates are listed in order of how they appear on the Warringah ballot paper.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

Last year was the first time I felt threatened by my government and the unelected bureaucrats they hid behind. My livelihood was threatened by the response to the pandemic and I lost my job after 15 years of hard work and long hours. I felt the only option I had was to stand up and fight tooth and nail.

Why be a candidate for One Nation?

Since I was old enough, I have voted for the Liberal Party. However, the Liberal Party do not represent their proclaimed values anymore and I can no longer vote for them. One Nation is the only party taking up the fight against this draconian behaviour.

What do you stand for?

I stand for common sense, freedom and our Australian values. I want the best for Warringah and our wonderful country. I believe in small government and individual sovereignty. I believe in simplicity, we are overburdened with green and red tape, regulations and an over bloated bureaucracy. Activist movements now have more say than the quiet Australians.

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

Warringah is my number one priority. We have been neglected. Spit Bridge is the clear symbol of that neglect. There is no plan for Military Road, Warringah Road or the congestion in Dee Why. Housing affordability is also out of control. One Nation will ease this by banning foreign ownership of our residential property, to ensure greater market supply.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

Congestion and lack of planning to accommodate our increasing population. If elected, I will secure federal funding for the Beaches Link or at least a new bridge. One Nation will also push back against the indoctrination and social engineering in our schools, school is no place for that.

And of Australia generally? Why?

We must strengthen our national security. This starts with energy. One Nation will make Australia energy independent by drawing on our main strategic and economic advantage, our abundant natural resources. One Nation proposes merging the ABC and SBS and re-directing part of the $1.4 billion they receive annually into other areas. This money could be used for aged care, which is a serious and urgent crisis that needs immediate reform.

Why should people vote for you?

I am not ruled by party factions, corporate lobbyists or billionaire donors. Nor am I invested in renewables, or coal for that matter. I am an everyday Australian, I will not rely on 'sugar-hit' policies, I have policies that matter to everyday Australians, such as reforming family law and making it fairer for all or ensuring multinationals pair their fair share in tax.

What do you like most about politics?

Fleshing out ideas. I like to challenge my own ideas and work towards better solutions.

And least?

There is no level playing field. I am competing this election with a few thousand dollars, compared to war chests of Climate 200, Clive Palmer, the major parties and Warringah Independent Limited.

Anything else you would like to add?

The major parties are not football teams, you do not have to support them until the day you die. This election is the first time One Nation will be represented in the House of Representatives across the country.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

We need greater action on climate change, integrity, equality and economic repair which is not being delivered by the major parties. I will propose sensible solutions to the parliament, work across the aisle to secure the best future for Australia and the best support for Warringah.

Why be an independent?

I am free to vote in the best interests of the Warringah community. I consider each piece of legislation and consult with Warringah to ensure I represent community views on issues. In this last parliament, sensible centrist independent MPs like me have held government to account on climate, integrity, mental health, domestic violence, aged care and disability.

What do you stand for?

This election I'm determined to continue as the experienced representative for Warringah and champion the community's biggest concerns on climate change, integrity, modern healthcare, the new economy and equality.

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

Greater action on climate change.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

People in Warringah are deeply concerned about the lack of action on climate change. We are also concerned about the continuing health and economic impacts of the pandemic, including long-COVID, the impact on aged care residents and the health workforce across the board. They are also concerned about the supply chain challenges that are contributing to an increase in the cost of living.

And of Australia generally? Why?

Warringah's concerns are very similar to the concerns across Australia. Similarly COVID persists as a concern for many communities, as does political corruption and integrity issues in federal politics.

Why should people vote for you?

I am an experienced federal representative with a wonderful team. Together we have helped over 20,000 people in the community with federal issues. Listening to the community and understanding the needs is essential so I can advocate for the best outcomes for Warringah. I have demonstrated conviction by introducing the Climate Change Cill, seconding the federal ICAC bill, helping over 300 people return from overseas and advocating for support for local businesses.

What do you like most about politics?

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people's lives, to help with individual cases. I value the ability to generate change on the big issues that the people of Warringah sent me to Canberra to advocate on including climate change and integrity, represent the constituents of Warringah and articulate their voice and views in Canberra.

And least?

The immaturity of many of the people in politics, the ridiculous games, lack of understanding and the lack of a code of conduct by which to hold parliamentarians to account.

Anything else you would like to add?

It's been an absolute honour to serve as the representative for Warringah. Together we have achieved a great deal, but there is much more work to be done and I look forward to keeping Warringah strong and independent.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

I am running to protect the rights of Australian citizens from government overreach. I am standing for freedom of speech; freedom of religion and freedom of association. I have decided to take a stand and fight against the radical left-wing ideologies that are destroying human freedoms.

Why be a candidate for United Australia Party?

The UAP is the only political party in this nation that are putting people first, not private interests. To ensure that Australians are empowered to choose which medical procedures they are subjected to, and which people to employ (irrespective of their vaccination status). The UAP is committed to paying off our national debt and providing economic freedom for future generations.

What do you stand for?

I stand for small government, sound money, freedom of speech, religious freedom, the promotion of investment into the domestic economy, bringing manufacturing back to Australia, and making Australia as self-sufficient as possible.

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

Enacting a Bill of Rights. It is my highest priority to ensure that no Australian government has the power to shut down every small and medium business whilst printing money, and paying people to stay at home.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

Inflation and housing affordability. Many self-funded retirees and pensioners will suffer disproportionately as their incomes either from their superannuation or in the form of a pension, will not be able to keep up with the rate of inflation.

And of Australia generally? Why?

Australia is facing a debt crisis that will threaten the very sovereignty of this nation. Housing unaffordability is a problem that the government created through economic mismanagement, and they are no proposing genuine socialism as the solution.

Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me if they want to see the values and freedoms of Australians protected. If people want to keep their houses when interest rates go up they should vote for me. I am the only candidate in Warringah that has a plan to address rising inflation, housing affordability; economic stagnation and the erosion of our personal freedoms.

What do you like most about politics?

I do not really like anything about politics, if it was up to me I would be living a quiet life raising my children with my wife; however, this was made impossible when our governments shut down our economy. This is the only reason I am involved in politics at the moment.

And least?

The selfishness of politics. Politics should be about the people that elected officials represent, and not their corporate interest holders.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

I am running to fight for a healthy environment, safe climate, and a just society.

Why be a candidate for the Greens?

The party has a principled way of engaging with problems. We do not accept corporate donations, and limit our individual donations, so we cannot be bought, and won't sell the community out. Our policies are written by grassroots members, not by lobbyists or billionaire donors.

What do you stand for?

The Greens have four pillars which guide our decision making: ecological sustainability, grassroots democracy, social justice, and peace and non-violence.

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

It is critical that we achieve a science-based climate change policy in the next term of parliament, which sets ambitious targets for net zero emissions, the phase out of coal and gas by 2030, and establishes a just transition for workers and communities. A national scheme to buy back properties at high risk from extreme weather events, Ensuring civil infrastructure and healthcare are designed to withstand a changing climate and extreme weather.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

While our community has many challenges to be addressed, two of the most critical are climate change, and housing affordability.

And of Australia generally? Why?

Australia is facing many challenges to our environment and the wellbeing of our community. The Greens have a plan to reaffirm Australia's commitment to universal healthcare and education, including by expanding Medicare to include dental care and mental health services. The Greens have a plan to establish a new Federal environmental protection regulator, re-write our laws to be fit for purpose, fund rebuilding of habitat, and work with the community to improve sustainability.

Why should people vote for you?

I have a deep understanding of both the environmental challenges we face, but also the legal and practical strategies for addressing them.

What do you like most about politics?

Through my role as councillor, I have already had many opportunities to connect with members of the community, attend local events, and learn about the diversity of challenges and achievements in our community.

And least?

I dislike that politics too often focuses on the personalities of individual politicians or shallow slogans, rather than any meaningful discussion of ideas or policies.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

This next election is critical, and I believe I would be a great advocate for the issues facing the people in this community, because I am living them as well.

Why be a candidate for the Liberals?

The Liberal party is encouraging and supporting women to participate in the political process. The Liberal Party principles that underpin the party's policy thinking really resonate with me.

What do you stand for?

I fight for ordinary, hard-working people, doing their best to provide a good life for their children, to pay their bills and contribute to their communities. Sir Robert Menzies said these are the "forgotten people" - the middle class with a "stake in the country".

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

Ensuring appropriate support for small business recovery, and helping our local tourism, arts, and entertainment industries. Helping the local families to deal with the cost of living pressures, driving further investment in our infrastructure, sporting and community facilities.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

Cost of living pressures and small business recovery post-pandemic are very much top of mind, with many people concerned about the current economic and global uncertainty. Investment in infrastructure and looking at the housing affordability issue.

And of Australia generally? Why?

Democracy itself is under threat with the authoritarian Russian regime invading the sovereign nation of Ukraine in Europe, and China's future ambitions. In such uncertain times, we need a government that takes seriously the responsibility of keeping Australians safe and protecting our way of life.

Why should people vote for you?

I am someone who can advocate for support for local businesses, families and the infrastructure and services we need. I will use my passion for this community to fight to protect our unique lifestyle and environment and deliver jobs and services for our community.

What do you like most about politics?

We are blessed to live in a country where meaningful participation in democracy is accessible to ordinary citizens like me. Australia is one of the most successful, safe and free nations on earth, and I firmly believe that the Morrison Liberal Government is best placed to protect that legacy.

And least?

The combative approach that sometimes arises in politics.

Anything else you would like to add?

My great-grandfather, John Henry Keating, of Tasmania, was the youngest Senator in the first Australian parliament, and it is a source of pride within our family.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

I reflect the values of the people and the area. The people of Warringah deserve to have an influential voice and a seat at the table in an incoming Albanese Labor government.

Why be a candidate for Labor?

The Labor Party is the only party capable of making nation-building, institutional and legacy-leaving reforms which leave the country in a better place. There are so many policy areas in a state of disrepair after a decade of stale Liberal-National government.

What do you stand for?

I stand for a strong economy managed by a responsible government. I feel passionately about the need for a National Anti-Corruption Commission and believe that it is an urgent priority. I stand for our powering Australia plan to lower emissions by 43 per cent by 2030; lower power prices to take pressure of Australian families; and create an absolute bonanza of jobs to harness Australia's incredible potential to be a renewable energy superpower.

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

To end the climate wars. The people of Warringah have had enough; and so have I.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

Cost of living. Labor has an actual plan to structurally reduce peoples living costs and take pressure off families.

And of Australia generally? Why?

Cost of living again. No one is spared when national inflation and interest rates are going up. We need coherent policy to address energy costs; lower prohibitive childcare costs; and put policy settings in place to prioritise secure work.

Why should people vote for you?

I will diligently work for the people of Warringah and bring a fresh voice to the parliament. I am 30 years old so I believe I can represent a youth demographic.

What do you like most about politics?

The contest of ideas. Especially talking to people who may disagree with me.

And least?

Not a big fan of the deterioration of political debate into a series of facile "gotcha" moments and rote learning exercises.

Anything else you would like to add?

Vote 1 Labor, not only in the House of Representatives; but also Vote 1 in the Senate.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

Our government is not taking seriously the plight of animals and the environment. I want to give a voice to the millions of animals in this country and highlight areas where we need to do so much more to protect them. Many of our native animals are at risk of extinction and the government has turned a blind eye.

Why be a candidate for the Animal Justice Party?

Their core values of kindness and equality resonate with me. When I first saw images of the millions of animals in factory farms across Australia I felt compelled to give them voice.

What do you stand for?

A kinder and fairer society, where all beings are free from harm and can live a life worth living. I believe we need to prioritise kindness and non violence. Being mindful of our choices as consumers, or being vocal about important issues that we can change the system.

What would your No.1 priority be, if elected?

To protect our environment here. There is nothing like being immersed in nature, it is so good for mental well being. It is so important to keep these areas for future generations to enjoy and also to protect our own endangered local native animals.

What do you see as the most pressing issue/s faced by the people in this electorate? Why?

Our lack of resources and funding for mental health. I have worked as a midwife and registered nurse and I have worked in mental health. I have seen first hand the struggles many of our young people are experiencing. I'd like to see a priority given to protecting our local environment and a campaign that educates and gives people the power to make everyday choices that lessens their carbon footprint.

And of Australia generally? Why?

We are a country divided. We have politicians who are giving millions of taxpayers money to marginal seats and making promises they have no intention of keeping. We need an honest government and transparency in our media. We need hope for a fairer, kinder country.

Why should people vote for you?

I am standing up for more kindness and equality in our society and to give importance to being aware how individual choices impact their health, the environment and animals. A vote for me is also a vote for the millions of voiceless animals across the country who desperately need representation in government.

What do you like most about politics?

That we live in a democratic country and if people feel passionate enough about something and want to try to make things better they have an opportunity to do so. The fact that our political system allows our young people to engage and have a voice is also exciting.

And least?

Some of the egos involved.

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