Contenders’ last-ditch pitches; main rivals issue messages to voters ahead of Saturday’s election

With voters heading to the polls this Saturday, May 3, main candidates in Fairfax and Fisher have issued their final appeals, each setting out a different vision for the region’s future.

Major parties are campaigning on economic management and past infrastructure investment, while community independents Francine Wiig and Keryn Jones are calling for a break from traditional party politics and stronger local advocacy.

The contest has sharpened further with Labor preferencing the Greens ahead of the teal independents, signalling an intense finish in two electorates where cost of living pressures, housing, the environment and integrity have shaped the debate.

Here’s how each of the main candidates summed up their pitch to hinterland voters.

Fairfax

Naomi McQueen (ALP) said she was a proud Sunshine Coast local and would always fight for her electorate. “This election, your choice matters,” she said. “Labor has reduced inflation, lifted wages and delivered tax cuts. But there’s more to do. We’ll strengthen Medicare including two new free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Buderim and Caloundra, cap PBS medications at $25, make free TAFE permanent, cut HECS debt by 20%, take $150 off your next power bill and deliver more tax cuts. Peter Dutton will cut cost-of-living relief and Medicare while increasing taxes for his $600 billion nuclear scheme. We can’t afford Dutton, because when he cuts, you pay.”

Ted O’Brien (LNP) asked for voters’ support at this election “to continue delivering for our region and serving our nation as your Federal Member”. 

“Under Labor, the cost of living has spiralled: power bills up 32%, food up 13%, rents up 27%, and mortgage holders paying $50,000 more. 

“Unless Labor is replaced with a LNP Coalition Government which offers a positive plan to get Australia back on track, life will only get harder.  Only the Coalition can strengthen the economy and get prices down. 

“Locally, I’m proud to have delivered billions for Sunshine Coast infrastructure, and if re-elected I’ll continue to fight to deliver even more.”

Francine Wiig (teal community independent) said it had been a pleasure meeting so many people during the campaign. “I’ve heard you,” she said. “You are sick and tired of party politics, empty pre-election promises, and negative, fear-based campaigns. This election, we have a real chance to do things differently. As your community independent, I’ll stand up to the major parties and fight for our fair share of funding. Let’s build a future where our kids can afford a home, our infrastructure keeps up, our businesses thrive, and our voices are heard. We don’t have to be a safe seat anymore. Let’s choose a fairer, more hopeful future, together.”

Fisher

Andrew Wallace (LNP) said he’d lived and worked on the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years. “It’s been an honour to represent our community in Canberra for the past nine,” he said. “This election is a sliding doors moment: more of the same under Labor, or a real plan to get our country back on track. I’ve delivered nearly $7.2 billion for local infrastructure. The LNP will halve the fuel excise, axe Labor’s Family Car and Ute Tax, and deliver immediate cost of living relief. On May 3, I ask for your support to keep delivering for Fisher.”

Keryn Jones (teal community independent) said: “As a community-backed Independent, I can deliver real results where party backbenchers struggle — especially if stuck in opposition. In a likely minority government, I’ll be at the negotiating table, not sidelined by party politics. Fisher has been a safe seat for decades, and we’ve waited too long for the infrastructure and services we deserve. I’ll work with all sides to secure affordable housing, fair tax reform, stronger Medicare, environmental protection, cost-of-living relief, and integrity in politics. Guided by what matters to you — not party donors — I’ll put Fisher first. Vote 1 Keryn Jones, Independent for Fisher.”

Morrison Lakey (ALP) said he had lived on the Sunshine Coast his whole life. “I know how vibrant and resilient our hinterland community is. But too often, we’re left out of the conversation in Canberra. I’m running to change that. With experience across hospitality, the legal sector, and public service, I understand the challenges locals face and how good government can help. I’ll fight for better health services, affordable housing, secure local jobs, and stronger infrastructure. I’ll make sure our hinterland’s voice is heard and deliver real outcomes for the people who call this region home.”

Naomi McQueen (ALP)

Ted O’Brien (LNP)

Francine Wiig (teal/ Independent)