The stakes are high this Federal Election on 3 May, with the ALP seeking a second term, and the Liberal Party hoping to make Anthony Albanese a one-term prime minister. Since the last election in 2022, there has been a redistribution of seats in NSW, with Mackellar now taking in 15,300 voters from Warringah. Compiled by Editor in Chief Michelle Giglio.
MACKELLAR
Independent Sophie Scamps won this former blue-ribbon seat from the Liberals in 2022 by the narrowest of margins. Dr Scamps got a tiny uptick following the 2024 redistribution, where she gained voters from fellow Independent Zali Steggall, so her margin has increased slightly from 2.5% to 3.3%. The seat is known for its surf beaches in the east, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the west.
JAMES BROWN | LIBERAL PARTY
Australia isn’t heading in the right direction at the moment and I believe we can lift our country to do better. At the moment I see so many people in our Northern Beaches community doing it tough, so many small businesses struggling and I want to be able to fight in Canberra to help those people. The country has to change and only a Liberal government can do that.
The Liberals will restore responsible economic management. I’ll work with our Liberal team to fix the economy and reduce inflation which will ease the burden on everyday expenses. We have to reduce out of control cost of living pressures, driven by Anthony Albanese government’s excessive spending and economic mismanagement. We will secure investment in key local infrastructure, our community facilities and roads which have been left to run down. And we will return to responsible levels of immigration into Australia, ensuring that immigration keeps balance with infrastructure and housing.
As an officer of the Australian Army I led Australian soldiers in three different conflict zones. As president of the NSW RSL, I led a transformation of that charity which cleaned out corruption and restored good governance, as well as boosting frontline mental health and housing services. Before putting my hand up to run for Mackellar I was the CEO of Space Industry of Australia, leading 70 space industry businesses working on cutting edge technology to deliver services from and in space.
As part of a strong Liberal team in Canberra I’ll be able to get things done to make life easier for our households and businesses by helping to lower inflation, with cuts to wasteful spending, reduction in tax and red tape, delivering cheaper energy, and more investment in our roads and infrastructure.
ETHAN HRNJAK | AUSTRALIAN GREENS
I’m running to provide a strong progressive voice in Mackellar. I’m the only local candidate offering genuine, concrete and visionary solutions to the issues we face. Instead of marching to the neoliberal drumbeat of tax cuts and deductible lunches for businesses, I know that we need real, community-focused policy in this country again if we want to counter the rise of the far-right.
Make billionaires and the big corporations that profit from price- gouging pay their fair share of tax to fund policies that we all benefit from and reduce inequality. Address the cost of living and housing crises by capping home mortgage interest rates at 1%, stop unlimited rent increases, make GP visits completely free and wipe all student debt. Protect the environment and climate by making Australia a renewable superpower, introducing strong environmental laws to protect our native species and ending native forest logging.
I consider my experience as a young person a superpower. It enables me to speak with first-hand knowledge of the inequality that young people face and their needs. Elevating young voices to the decision making table provides more diversity and representation from which we all benefit. That’s what I’ve been doing as a local councillor, where I’ve stood with the community against inappropriate development and on issues such as tree canopy loss.
As a Greens MP on the crossbench, I will be in a unique position to negotiate for the people of Mackellar with the strength of our other Greens in Parliament. I will advocate for housing reforms, like the Greens proposal to create a public property developer; universal free GP visits as well as inclusion of dental and mental health in Medicare; cost of living relief such as 50 cent public transport fares across the whole country; and subsidies for solar and batteries as conditions of my support.
We have always been open to working with any political party to deliver real action on climate and inequality, but Peter Dutton’s Liberals have made it clear they are the party of climate wreckers, big business and the top end of town. However, in the event of a hung parliament, we would consult and negotiate with all political groups before deciding whether we would support a minority government. The Greens would be looking to support a government pushing to go harder and faster on confronting the climate crisis, cost of living relief, universal free health care and education, as well as housing reform.
JEFFREY QUINN | AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
Mackellar has been taken for granted by the Liberals for too long. We’ve seen the neglect of public services, outdated infrastructure, and policies that have left too many young, vulnerable and aging people struggling. I’ve lived in Mackellar for 66 years – my family has been here since before Federation. I have operated businesses in Artarmon, Chatswood, Frenchs Forest and Mona Vale for 28 years, supporting local families through education. This is my home, and I can’t see it being ignored. It’s time for authentic representation that puts our community first, not political complacency, nuclear fantasy or simply occupying the cross-bench.
Strengthening Medicare and public health services. I will work closely with State and Local governments to ensure Mackellar has the best possible health services, including emergency, palliative, aged care, mental health and maternity services. Investing in clean energy and local jobs – electrifying Mackellar by expanding battery storage, micro-grids for homes and businesses. Supporting families, students and seniors – free TAFE, lower student debt, better support for newcomers to improve their English skills, and ensuring pensions are protected and available for all who need it.
I am not a career politician. I am an educator, business owner, and community advocate. I have taught in local schools and successfully run businesses, dedicated to helping local students thrive through my tutoring and mentoring. I understand what it takes to create jobs, manage finances, and improve services – something Mackellar desperately needs. I understand the challenges workers and employers face. I am committed to policies that support local businesses, strengthen education and health services, and provide real opportunities for our community.
Mackellar voters have told me they want real change after decades of Liberal neglect and complacency. I will deliver: world-class health services, working across all levels of government to expand access to emergency care, aged care, maternity, and mental health support. Climate action that benefits our community includes cheaper energy, no nuclear power, and investment in battery storage and microgrids with the necessary generation means, including solar, tidal, and innovative small wind modules. Sports and recreation upgrades include building more courts and facilities for indoor sports like netball and basketball. Economic growth and jobs, encouraging technology and clean energy businesses to locate in Mackellar, leveraging our micro-grids and lower power costs.
SOPHIE SCAMPS | INDEPENDENT
I’ve been part of our Northern Beaches community for more than 25 years as a doctor, mother, keen sportsperson and now as your independent MP for Mackellar. My commitment to Mackellar comes from a great love for it and a strong sense that our community deserves a strong voice in Canberra. My kids went to local schools, joined Little Athletics, Nippers and more. As a GP I’ve treated our children’s flus and fevers, and as an emergency doctor I’ve cared for people in crisis at Mona Vale Hospital. I’ve been part of the highs and lows and everyday lives of so many local people. I understand our challenges, our values and our way of life.
I’ve spent my first term fighting for cost-of-living relief, greater support for business, stronger climate policy, and honest politics. Locally, I’ve had several major wins including helping to end the licence to drill for oil and gas off our coastline, and successfully advocating for a performance audit of the Northern Beaches Hospital. Most recently, I secured a commitment for an Urgent Care Clinic in Dee Why, and a new youth mental health hub in Brookvale. Now I’m leading the fight to return our hospital to public hands.
I’ve also taken fresh, commonsense ideas to Parliament, leading calls for a tax-free threshold for small business, an end to gambling and junk food advertising, and subsidises for household batteries to reduce electricity prices. In Parliament, I’ve also had big wins. With my ‘ending jobs for mates’ bill, I set a precedent in gold standard appointment processes, and strengthened protections for our rivers from gas fracking. My team in the electorate office are compassionate and fierce advocates, helping our residents with struggles with the NDIS, ATO, passports, visas and more.
I’ve been clear and consistent in my policy priorities, which come directly from listening to the people of Mackellar. No matter what the make-up of the Parliament is – the people of Mackellar can rest assured I will stay true to our values, every time. Many voters may not realise that I do not have to enter an agreement with either side, but can continue to vote on each piece of legislation on its merits, so I stay independent and true to my community. This is the true power of an independent and is what I will aim to do.
MANDEEP SINGH SUNNY | Independent
I am Northern Beaches councillor who grew up on the Northern Beaches and now lives here with my family. My core policy platforms are: local community empowerment, and restoring trust and integrity in federal politics.
I’m running in this election because I believe the people of Mackellar deserve a strong, independent voice who will listen, represent their values, and advocate for practical solutions — not party agendas. After years of disconnect between politicians and everyday Australians, it’s time to return to people-first politics.
I believe in support for local businesses: reduce red tape and provide incentives for small businesses. Affordable housing: work on practical solutions for housing affordability without compromising community character. Better wages and job security: advocate for fair wages and more employment opportunities in the Northern Beaches. Better healthcare access: improve funding for local hospitals, aged care, and mental health services. Support for families: more childcare options and family-friendly policies. Active lifestyle promotion: enhance funding for sports clubs and recreational areas. I would like to bring mona Vale Hospital back to make health more accessible. Protect against overdevelopment while ensuring housing solutions for young people, seniors, and essential workers. Fix traffic bottlenecks: advocate for federal funding to upgrade key arterial roads (like Warringah Road, Wakehurst Parkway). Improve public transport links to reduce reliance on cars and connect the beaches better to the city.
I bring many years of experience working across many areas – for example, healthcare, business, education, where collaboration, transparency, and results matter. I’ve worked with diverse teams, led initiatives, and been a strong advocate for underrepresented voices. My practical, solutions-focused mindset is what federal politics needs.
If elected and a minority government arises, I would support stable government based on merit, not party loyalty. I would back the party that offers the best commitments to action, integrity, and investment in our community and increase local economy by creating more jobs – with formal agreements to protect those interests.