Federal election: Mackellar 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 Mackellar ballot paper.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

I am heartily sick of the failure to address the climate crisis and economic mismanagement on all sides of politics. Scientists keep telling us we are failing the test, but neither major party is listening. We face a well-defined physical threat of imminent environmental collapse. We've probably lost the Great Barrier Reef, koalas, untold marsupials and insects. Our plant life may never recover. Places that haven't seen fire in thousands of years have been scorched and may never recover. I can't stand by while perverted economic ideology further damages Australia.

Why be a candidate for The New Liberals?

TNL aims, not only to heal the crises created by the political class in this country, but to change the very political culture itself. We are creating a wave of change which will sweep across the nation and wash away the professional politicians, with their self-serving 'power for us, power at any cost' philosophy. We will replace them with real people from the real world who care about their country. TNL is the Australian arm of the modern Liberal program. Not neoconservative like the misnamed Australian Liberal Party. TNL core values align with mine extremely well.

What do you stand for?

I intend to fight for compassion, justice and integrity. I will work to end the continued implementation of the failed austerity (neoliberal/neoconservative) policies both sides have adopted and stuck to like araldite for decades. We have seen millionaires turned into billionaires, workers become the insecure working poor and the once thriving middle classes hollowed out and replaced by levels of parasitic margin seekers and rentiers. Our natural world is being sacrificed for profit over everything. It's a sickness. I want to work with my community to heal it.

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

Climate change. I will listen to scientists to ensure our net zero 2030 policies mitigate the damage we have already inflicted on future generations and to slow down further damage. We are only just identifying several thresholds (or tipping points) we have already passed and some that seem inevitable (methane in melting permafrost, ice shelf collapses, Amazon forest, etc) far ahead of predictions. We can act now and achieve net zero 2030 with the technology, skills and workforce we already have. Aiming at 2050 is planning to fail and knowingly subject citizens to more and longer risks than already determined by the negligence to date.

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

Integrity, cost of living, community support. These issues are core to quality of life in the long term. Integrity in government and the need for a federal ICAC causes much anger in the community. We have a kakistocracy that must be replaced.

And of Australia generally? Why?

We need cleaner, more open and honest government. We need a very strong federal ICAC with the power to initiate inquiries Our treatment of refugees is disgraceful. Out First Nations need to be protected and heard. Climate change and environmental protection and rehabilitation are the most important issues. Science tells us unequivocally that we face short-term extremes and long survival of most species on Earth, including us. We have never faced a risk of this magnitude. We need to have every Australian available working on solutions to the huge challenges we face.

Why should people vote for you?

I am committed to open, evidence-based policy development and working with local communities. I have the knowledge, skills and experience in government and business to help local communities and small businesses work together for better outcomes. I am a strong advocate for hard work and fair market based economic development. I am the only candidate in this race with a scientifically backed climate change and economic policy to deliver a clean, prosperous Australia to transition into a post carbon future. If you're not aiming at 2030-ish, you're not getting the memo.

What do you like most about politics?

All voices should be heard, all ideas be reviewed and measured against evidence. Our deliberations should be open and public. The community is core to this process and decisions should be the result of informed argument. When the evidence changes, so should the decisions. conducted openly and transparently, politics can be the vehicle to explore, debate and decide (if not agree) on action, as a community of interdependent free citizens.

And least?

The rapid, vapid and vacuous decent into abuse, obfuscation and distraction we get when public discourse is hijacked by external players. The intrusion of a new patrician class and their destructive and corrupting influence in the nation's affairs has created an environment of corruption and rorts that needs to be eradicated with speed. The destruction of the Westminster System and particularly ministerial responsibilities has been extremely damaging for the public perception of government. There should be a truly independent Speaker.

Anything else you would like to add?

This will be the first election that TNL stands candidates, not the last. Margaret Thatcher lied. There is no such thing as taxpayers money. There is only government money. Until we dump the debt and deficit myths and accept that as the issuer of all Australian dollars in existence we have little chance of positive future outcomes for the greater good. The most dangerous debt is the 235 per cent of GDP in private debt. Private debtors can experience bankruptcy. As the issuer of dollars, the federal government cannot run out of money.

The Northern Beaches Review has contacted this candidate multiple times, with no success.

Although a nameless woman features on his How to Vote collateral, a woman who answered the One Nation party headquarters line said Mr Dickson was not a 'ghost candidate' and that "he's working and has other priorities".

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

Our community has been ignored and taken for granted for decades. I have lived here for 22 years and during that time our representative has not genuinely listened to nor represented the views and values of our community. It's time Mackellar had an MP who listened and acted on the issues that matter to us most. Locals have told me meaningful action on climate change, helping local businesses grow, establishing a federal anti-corruption commission and improving our health and mental health services are the most important issues facing our community - and these will be my priorities as your independent MP for Mackellar.

Why be an independent?

I am standing as an independent as the two-party system is broken and being an independent is the only way Mackellar can be genuinely represented in Canberra. Right now, the vote of Mackellar's backbench Liberal MP is controlled by the Morrison-Joyce party room, and we need to bring things back to the sensible centre. As an independent, I am only answerable to my community, and I will listen to locals, engage with the experts, work constructively with both sides of parliament and vote on every issue in a way that reflects the views and values of our community.

What do you stand for?

For too long we have been ignored and taken for granted and we deserve to have our views and voices genuinely represented in Canberra. When I speak to the people of Mackellar they tell me climate change, helping local businesses grow, restoring integrity and decency to politics and improving our health and mental health services are the issues that are most important to our community. These are the issues I will be taking to parliament as they have come directly from our community.

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

Meaningful action on climate change. Climate change is not only an environmental issue, it is also an economic, health and national security issue. It presents grave risk, but also huge economic opportunities. If we act now, we can win by mitigating the risks and seizing the opportunities of a global clean energy boom. My priorities will be protecting Australia's 2050 net zero target through legislation, setting a minimum 50 per cent 2030 emissions reduction target - in line with the science and calls from the business community - and incentivising investment in renewable energy, EVs and the clean tech industries of the future.

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

People believe our way of life is under threat. It's under threat from climate change, with coastal erosion, flooding and bushfires all a risk here. Our way of life is under threat from over-development and it's under threat due to the high cost of living pressures being faced by people every day. People here also can't believe the Morrison/Joyce government broke their promise by refusing to establish a federal anti-corruption commission. Our local health and mental health services are over-stretched and we desperately need the government to improve access to crucial health services.

And of Australia generally? Why?

If we want Australia to become a renewable energy superpower and not be left behind, we need a government that acts in the best interests of all Australians, and not just the fossil fuel donors that fund Scott Morrison's Liberal Party. Australians are also doing it tough as the cost of everyday goods like groceries, petrol and rent continues to rise, while wages are going nowhere. We need a government that doesn't just implement short-term budget measures to buy votes but undertakes long term reforms necessary to grow our economy, tackle climate change and reduce the cost-of-living pressures we are all facing.

Why should people vote for you?

For the first time the people of Mackellar have a real chance to make their vote count so that the issues that matter most are represented in Canberra. I promise I will use my vote in parliament to genuinely represent our community and vote in the best interests of everyone that lives in Mackellar. I will act on climate change. I will vote to establish a federal anti-corruption commission. I will pressure the government to increase funding for our health and mental services on the northern beaches. I will work with the government of the day to bring down the cost-of-living pressures.

What do you like most about politics?

I have loved getting out and about in our community listening to and meeting so many fantastic people. Our community here in Mackellar is a tight-knit and special community and we will live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. I have also loved developing my policies - I now have policies covering health, mental health, disability, the economy, small business, climate change, EVs, renewable energy, equality, childcare, education, the arts, the environment, integrity and anti-corruption and am excited at the prospect of implementing some of these ideas on behalf of the people of Mackellar.

And least?

Australians are sick of the lack of integrity shown by some in politics and the dishonesty we have seen during this election. It is still legal to lie in political advertising and I just cannot understand why Scott Morrison and the Liberal Party won't back Zali Steggall's Stop the Lies bill to outlaw lying. One of the reasons I am standing at this election is to restore integrity and transparency in government and ensure the people of Mackellar have an MP we can be proud of.

Anything else you would like to add?

This campaign began two years ago when we started talking to people around their kitchen tables to learn more about the issues they care about. I and my team have since spent thousands of hours listening to locals and as a community, we are close to making history at this election. This time, there is a genuine choice in Mackellar. I urge everyone to use it wisely and help make history.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

I moved to the northern breaches in 1996, from the eastern suburbs. There was no way I could afford to put a roof over my head there. I knew many TV and music friends were leaving town and I realised this would be my solution an affordable home in a magnificent setting. This is and always will be my home.

Why be a candidate for Labor?

At the tender age of 14 the Vietnam War was raging and the news was full of the most atrocious photographs. My friends' brothers were being conscripted. I became like many young people of that time involved in bringing my voice to the thousands who wanted to put a stop to our involvement in the war and to conscription, hence my first political enlightenment and dedication to the Labor Party.

What do you stand for?

Supporting the community by bringing attention to the environment. I've been a WIRES volunteer for 10 years and I see a lot of degradation. Mental health issues, we need more support here and a facility to accommodate acute care patients. The Woman's Resilience Centre run by Simone Allen a comprehensive approach to families fleeing domestic abuse. Childcare costs. Labor will make childcare affordable, small business also must be supported.

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

The environment. Mackellar, like the rest of the country, is being impacted by fossil fuels we need to start the ball rolling by embracing innovative technology now and into the future. Australia's GHG emissions are the highest per capita in the world.

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

I would say housing the environment and small business. Along with the cost of living. Hence the breaks that will come with a Labor government, i.e. childcare and aged care.

And of Australia generally? Why?

The environment and bringing manufacturing back to our country. Making work more accessible for Australians through the implementation of fee-free TAFE courses and easing cost of living for working parents by making childcare cheaper and more accessible.

Why should people vote for you?

I'm not a career politician, I've lived out in the real world. I've faced hardships and survived.

What do you like most about politics?

Meeting the people of my community, so many hard-working people who love this place and so many volunteers who give of themselves for the betterment of the place they call home.

And least?

I don't like people who take this place for granted and are apathetic about retaining its beauty.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

To continue our journey towards a more perfect nation. A nation in which everyone has a chance to live the Australian dream, the best life of their choosing. A nation in which people are judged by what they give, not who they are, what they look like or how much they inherited.

Why be a candidate for the Liberals?

Throughout history Liberals have produced societies of freedom and fairness, where people have the greatest opportunity of living the best lives of their choosing, communities that care for each other, respect one another, protect and preserve those things we hold sacred for us and future generations, and ensure the safety of all people.

What do you stand for?

A better future for everyone, a fair community provided by equality of opportunity, not outcome.

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

The defining issue of this election is who can provide a more certain and secure for all Australians in an uncertain world whether it be a strong economy, net zero emissions or reducing traffic congestion so people can spend more time with their families, friends and neighbours.

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

Continuing the upgrade of major northern beaches infrastructure, including Wakehurst Parkway and Beaches Link. Making sure our children have access to best educational tools in our schools, making sure our essential services have the resources they need, and upgrading more local clubs like we have done at Long Reef Surf Club. Continuing our strong track record of protecting our local environment, like we did with scrapping the oil and gas offshore drilling licence PEP-11. But most importantly helping our local businesses and community organisations convert to renewable energy sources.

And of Australia generally? Why?

The biggest issue facing Australia is whether we have a government that serves people, or a people that serve governments. If you, like me, think it should be the former, then we need to put in place policies and plans that enable our economy to invent the jobs of the future, not just more jobs, increase productivity to tackle the cost of living; give young Australians a chance to own their own home; get to net zero so we take advantage of the economic opportunities that it provides and the protection it creates. This will allow us to show the world that reaching net zero is both possible and profitable.

Why should people vote for you?

This election is interesting in that there is little that the serious candidates disagree on. The difference is that few people standing in this election are willing to outline how they are going to achieve these aspirations for the Australian people. If you choose to support me, then I will work day and night to make us a more perfect nation in which people are empowered and the government serves us to help us achieve all the things we want for ourselves, our families, friends and communities. If we do this then we will have a nation that is safer, securer and more certain for all of us. Our record shows we are in a strong position to manage these challenges and opportunities from creating jobs, securing the economic future for Australians. We'll help Australians keep more of what they earn, give young Australians a chance to own their home, deal with authoritarian regimes, and advance the prosperity of this nation on the path to net zero.

What do you like most about politics?

Helping fix problems people are facing so they can get on with their lives, over the last two years I have especially liked being able to keep businesses in business, workers in work, helping friends and families get back into the country, and keeping people safe. I like debating ideas to come up with better solutions for all Australians.

And least?

Outrage politics, where how loud you shout matters more than what you are shouting. When difficult problems are reduced to cliches hidden in slogans. What I really do not like is all the vandalism, graffiti, the physical assault and abuse. You see it on social media where people are encouraged to hate another person for no other reason then they are an opponent.

Anything else you would like to add?

This is a journey toward a more perfect nation is without end, but it is our generation's responsibility to advance as far down that path as possible. We on the northern beaches have seen that alone some might go fast, but together we can all go far.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

I could see Australian democratic rights being eroded away by the federal and state governments. Their heavy-handedness to its citizens during the pandemic, and potentially into the future, is just plain wrong. Locking down businesses and denying Australians the right to work via mandates, together with contradictions and inconsistencies, did more harm than good. I want to see the Australia I knew back on track 'for we are young and free'. Change can be achieved when good people stand up. We need a new government.

Why be a candidate for the United Australia Party?

UAP is big enough to form a government on its own, unlike independents. Our formulated policies, thus far, make good sense and put Australians first. Much of Australia's mineral and agricultural wealth has been sold out to overseas interests. Our wealth-creating policies go beyond jobs, jobs more jobs. We will also secure homes and businesses from the coming tsunami of interest rate rises.

What do you stand for?

I want to safeguard and protect Australians from big tech censorship and unnecessary government interference in our lives. I also want to see a federal Independent Commission Against Corruption established.

What would be your number one priority if elected?

Support a Bill of rights to protect Australians. Freedoms like the right to work, stop lockdowns permanently, support freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of choice regarding medical treatments without our coercion.

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

There is a great need to support small businesses, many business owners are struggling. We should slash government red tape and make doing business easier. Party policy will abolish provisional tax, making it easier for business owners to pay tax after they have made a profit. I have concerns about how small businesses will cope with more red tape i.e. paperwork, like carbon footprint calculating and reporting. Not to mention any associated costs incurred.

And of Australia generally? Why?

To reduce our one trillion-dollar national debt. This debt, plus interest, will affect the lives of our children and grandchildren for years to come. We must pay down the debt and retain our AAA credit rating and in doing so reduce inflation and increase living standards. UAP has a policy to apply for a 15 per cent export licence on iron ore. This strategy would pay off the trillion debt in 20 years and not, as some suggest, 180 years.

Why should people vote for me?

I have a natural desire to see the Mackellar electorate not taken for granted by the government in Canberra. That means rolling up my sleeves and strongly representing local interests as a priority.

What do you like most about politics?

Meeting people and understanding what motivates them. Also the ability to bring about positive change in society.

And the least?

Dealing with frustration. There is so much that can be achieved and yet the two major parties and the Greens are doing the same old thing.

Why are you running for election in this electorate?

In a world of increasing political despair and resignation, The Greens are putting forward a bold and positive pathway towards a cleaner, greener and fairer future for all of us.

Why be a candidate for The Greens?

The Greens are the only party that doesn't take corporate donations, and cap all individual donations at $6600 a year. Without any big donors holding us to ransom, we're free to speak out about corruption and rorts perpetrated by successive Liberal governments - unlike Labor, who also accept corporate and fossil fuel donations. I enrolled to vote at 16 and researched the policies and history of each party extensively. When I came across The Greens, I realised that their policies and values aligned almost completely with my own. I truly feel like I've found my people, and can't imagine standing for any other party.

What do you stand for?

To create progressive solutions to the big issues Australia faces, including climate, education and health. Climate - 100 per cent renewables and zero extinction by 2030, and then net-zero by 2035. Education - free childcare, university and TAFE, plus abolishing all outstanding student debt and making sure preschool isn't a debt sentence for parents. Health - including dental and mental health in Medicare - because in a country as wealthy as Australia, no one should be denied healthy teeth and proper mental health care. We'll fund these policies by taxing the billionaires and making corporations pay their fair share of tax, because one in three corporations pay no tax. When a nurse or a teacher is paying more tax than a multinational corporation, something is seriously wrong.

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

Climate policy. Our fully-costed climate action plan will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, bring electricity costs down, and drive our economy into the future. We'll immediately ban the construction of new coal, oil and gas infrastructure, ensuring we can transition Australia to zero carbon emissions by achieving 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030. We'll export this clean, green, publicly owned energy to overseas markets, establishing Australia as a renewable energy superpower.

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

The environment. When the government has actively fuelled the climate crisis for nearly a decade, it's painfully obvious that change is needed, now. I can understand the frustration within the electorate regarding this issue because, unfortunately, our local member has voted consistently against a rapid transition to renewable energy, for opening new coal and gas plants and votes in lockstep with far-right climate deniers like Barnaby Joyce.

And of Australia generally? Why?

The climate is the most important concern for voters heading to the polls on May 21. The LNP is refusing to commit to its own 2050 emissions target when bushfires are increasingly severe, floods are more frequent and 'one in 100 year' freak weather events are happening multiple times per year. The Greens will rapidly transition our nation to renewable energy, ending the chokehold the fossil fuel lobby has on our politicians (of both parties) and putting over $50 billion back into the budget over the next 10 years. Our fully-costed climate action plan will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, bring electricity costs down, and drive our economy into the future.

Why should people vote for you?

While some would consider my age a negative, I consider it a super power. I speak with a first-hand understanding of the inequality that is facing young people, and I haven't been around long enough to become the pawn of vested interests. Only The Greens are listening to what scientists are telling us, which is that we need to rapidly transition our industries and our economy to stay below 1.5c of warming by achieving minimum 75 per cent emissions reduction by 2030, and net-zero as soon as possible.

What do you like most about politics?

We've got an incredibly robust electoral system that allows voters to vote how they want, without fear of wasting their vote. Thanks to compulsory and preferential voting, our democracy is one of the world's strongest. Unfortunately, the major parties have hidden the truth about the power of your vote, because they'd hate to see you vote for what you believe in, rather than who you think will form government.

And least?

The revolving door between politics and corporate boards is a norm, with ex-MPs given cushy jobs after acting like pawns for their corporate donors. The Greens will clean up politics, cap all donations at $1000 and introduce a powerful, retrospective ICAC.

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