Saturday, May 3, is Federal Election day, a time when those over 18 years of age have the opportunity to vote for who they want to represent them, and ultimately who should run the country for the next term of office.
Early voting centres open on April 22
These are at Cessnock Scout Hall, Abermain Plaza Hall, Singleton Youth Venue, Stan Thiess Memorial Centre, and the CWA Hall Quirindi.
Candidates for New England in the order on which they appear on the ballot paper are: Barnaby Joyce Nationals, Wendy Wales Greens, Natasha Ledger Independent, Laura Hughes Labor, Holly Masters Family First, Todd Juchau Trumpet of Patriots and Brent Larkham One Nation.
See the candidates for Hunter.
Barnaby Joyce – Nationals
The election gives all a chance to say whether you are comfortable with the current cost of living.
The election allows you to say whether you believe the current government is focused on country issues.
We need a government back that cares about country roads. That understands that you need a doctor in the town. We need to send a message that we are being nailed to a government climate policy cost that we are paying on everything that uses electricity.
We now have a trillion dollar debt but what assets in regional areas did we get for it to help earn the money to
repay it?
Imagine the dams, road and rail that could have been built instead, or the assistance we could have offered to pensioners with that money.
Labor use the country as the payment for their urban virtue to get Green preferences.
When we do have a major project such as the Inland Rail, the sealing of the third road across Australia, the Outback Way, or the building of dams they stop them and move the money to train lines in Sydney or stadiums
in Brisbane.
Wendy Wales – Greens
I am the Greens Candidate for New England and have been living in and near Muswellbrook for 30 years.
As a retired science teacher, I have seen the impact on the Hunter of the “Boom and Bust” economic cycles associated with the coal industry. As we transition to renewable energy, The Greens have plans to safeguard mine workers as Hunter mines close, including to implement our ‘jobs fully funded’ transition package.
The Greens will fund this and other social and environmental beneficial policies by taxing big corporations and billionaires.
We plan to provide free GP visits, including dental and mental health in Medicare, free quality education where we wipe out student debt, and fully fund public schools.
We will address the cost-of-living stress at the supermarket, passing laws that make price gouging illegal.
Most importantly, we will build more homes (we have already achieved an additional $3B for affordable
housing), stop unlimited rent rises and regulate for low-rate mortgages.
Natasha Ledger – Independent
Firstly, I extend a big, firm welcome to the residents of Muswellbrook to the New England electorate.
Muswellbrook is largely driven by industry, an industry that has delivered the currency of coal to the residents of this country.
Coal is the cheapest form of energy allowing the nation to develop into its strengths and this should continue.
I am firmly against nuclear. Apart from taking 20 years to deliver, providing only 14 per cent of the nation’s requirements for only 80 years, nuclear will become the responsibility of Australia’s future generations with a 300-year shut down protocol.
I have a comprehensive plan for Muswellbrook and surrounds.
We should immediately Investigate future coal seams together with coal fire station upgrades investment probabilities and possibilities, investigate waste incineration electric generation project, fast track Labor’s $304.8 million investment into the Muswellbrook bypass beginning work this year, get real about bargain basement prices we are charging on pollution nationwide, investigate post mining land use, address outdated rehabilitation rules, repurpose Mt Arthur’s 7000 hectares into hemp/Pine forest for the immediate long term harvesting and establish a medical marijuana facility.
Laura Hughes – Labor
Born in Taree, I was raised in Newcastle and am a proud Tamworth local for nearly 30 years. I have spent my life serving my community through education and care. As a full-time primary school teacher, I have been a steady presence in shaping the minds of our future generations.
Beyond the classroom, I have dedicated 30 years to voluntary counselling, helping parents and families navigate life’s toughest challenges.
Having lived in Newcastle during the closure of BHP, I understand the deep uncertainty and economic impact that industry changes can bring.
That’s why I stand with the people of Hunter and New England—listening to your concerns and fighting to ensure your future isn’t left behind.
I get what everyday people face—because I’m one of them. I’ve walked in your shoes, raised a family here, and seen first-hand what matters most to our region. That’s why I am stepping up to represent us in Canberra: to deliver real solutions, not more of the same.
New England, it’s time for a representative who listens, understands, and acts. I am ready to be that voice for you.
Holly Masters – Family First
I am a mother of two young children, and a dedicated speech pathologist. Since moving to regional NSW, I have embraced the opportunity to raise my family while working parttime in my profession.
I am passionate about safeguarding the future for children and preserving the family unit. I am concerned about the indoctrination of radical gender and sexuality ideologies in schools and advocate for the protection of female-only spaces for girls and women. I am a longstanding advocate for better maternity and postnatal healthcare, particularly in regional areas.
I champion freedom of religion, speech, and debate.
I believe that cancel culture is stifling important conversations and that a free society must allow for discussion of differing viewpoints in order to learn and grow. Understanding the financial pressures facing families, I support income-splitting taxation policies to give families greater flexibility in balancing work and raising their children. I believe families should have the freedom to choose how they structure their lives without being penalized by an unfair tax system.
As a candidate for Family First, I am committed to standing for families and defending the freedoms that underpin Australian society.
Todd Juchau – Trumpet of Patriots
Welcome gday to all members within New England.
My place of residence is Murrurundi, my ancestor the first mayor of Murrurundi was my 4th great grandfather Charles Francis Juchau elected on May 29, 1890.
My ancestry also goes back to first fleeters William (bones) Eggleton, he arrived at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788, aboard the transport ship Alexander.
Mary Dickenson also arrived at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. She was a convict who had sailed from England aboard the First Fleet transport ship, Lady Penrhyn.
On February 17, just three weeks after arriving in their new country, William Eggleton and Mary Dickenson were married.
Theirs was one of 15 similar ceremonies performed by the Rev. Richard Johnson, Chaplain of the First Fleet,
on that day.
Looking forward to meeting each and every one of you in the near future, just thought I would touch base and it is a great pleasure to steer the helm in the right direction.
Brent Larkham – One Nation
I am a Tamworth businessman and local for more than 50 years.
Along with my family, I have been involved in the Automotive business for many years, operating throughout the New England since 1987.
Also being involved in music and the arts, I have travelled the world extensively and have seen how a country can be destroyed by bad government.
I, along with One Nation, am committed to making the New England prosperous by simply using common sense
strategies in government.
I talk with farmers, builders, mums and dads and retirees every day, and most of them would be able to run the country better than half of the Mung beans in Canberra.
I support the One Nation policy to allow aged and veteran pensioners to work without it affecting their pension.
Every year the Government wastes billions of dollars on impractical policies and agendas making all Australians poorer.
I am dedicated to making the New England more prosperous by lowering electricity bills, lowering petrol prices and thus bringing down the cost of living.
