The 2025 federal election is now just a matter of days away, with Riverina voters already heading to the polls to elect their next MP. There are 13 candidates running for the seat of Riverina - the equal most for any electorate in the country (Calwell in Victoria also has 13). Among them are eight party-affiliated contenders and five independents. Incumbent Riverina MP Michael McCormack hopes to be elected for a sixth consecutive term, Wagga's Mark Jeffreson will again represent the Labor Party, 20-year-old student Pheonix Valxori will fly the flag for the Greens, while Wagga councillor Richard Foley is running as an Australian Citizens Party candidate. Joining them are Mark Craig from Pauline Hanson's One Nation, Mark Burge from the Family First Party, Desiree Gregory (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers) and Christine Onley (Libertarian Party). Wagga's Jenny Rolfe, Cootamundra's James Gooden, Wallaroo's Barbara Baikie OAM, Snowy Valleys councillor Grant Hardwick and Young builder and councillor Jake Davis will all compete as Independents. The Riverina electorate - and other incarnations of the division - has been held by the Nationals for almost 45 years (since October 1980). The division's new boundaries will play a factor in the results, with the Riverina electorate losing Parkes, Forbes and Bland councils and gaining the rest of the Hilltops, Yass Valley and Snowy Valleys council areas. Early voting has started, with three pre-polling centres in Wagga, one at 412-414 Auburn Street, Goulburn, as well as many other centres throughout the electorate. Goulburn pre-poll is open: You can find the full list of Riverina pre-poll locations here. The final day for pre-poll is on Friday, May 2, ahead of election day on Saturday, May 3. We asked all 13 candidates to tell us about themselves, to provide a final pitch to win your vote and to outline their three biggest issues this election. You can find their answers in full (and in ballot paper order) below. Did not respond Did not respond Age: 44 Resides: Riverina Occupation: Corporate Applications Coordinator Social media: Mark Burge, Family First - Riverina Candidate Background: Born and raised on the rural south coast of NSW, Mark studied and launched an IT career in Western Sydney. Returning to the regions, he has now called the Riverina home for more than 20 years. Previously residing in Gundagai and Junee, he currently lives with his wife and daughter on the outskirts of Wagga. He has successfully delivered large and complex IT projects and leads teams toward improvement and efficiency. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE I'm not seeking election for myself, but to promote a set of values that many recognise must be held tightly, to get our nation back on track. Family First is founded in values, not an individual ego, as some minor parties are. Family First believes that strong families create strong communities and are vital to building a strong nation. We feel that the major parties have largely forgotten this and therefore many of the policies coming out of Canberra are hurting families rather than strengthening them. Current government actions exacerbate cost-of-living pressures, straining households. We would seek to bring in policies that ease this pressure, such as income splitting for single-income households. We believe that parents should be able to raise their own children according to their values and not be undermined by schools where others teach their children things contrary to their values. History has taught us much about the need to limit the power of individuals. We must restore freedom of speech and the competition of ideas. Labelling speech we disagree with or dislike as hate speech, or worse, equating speech or the causing of offence with violence, is a sure path to totalitarianism. History also shows that socialism is a path to economic ruin. Fiscal responsibility must return to focus and the purchasing of votes with taxpayer dollars must end. We must stop mortgaging our children's future. THREE BIG ISSUES THIS ELECTION 1. Cut power prices. The imposition of Net Zero targets is hitting every family through their power bill and will hobble the nation through lost manufacturing, overall productivity, and self-sustainability, while our Asian neighbours use our coal to serve their best interests. Both major parties remain committed to this unsustainable path. 2. Restore our freedoms, founded in Judeo-Christian ethics. All humans of equal intrinsic value. No partiality in the law. Freedom of Conscience - personal conviction through free exchange of ideas. Personal responsibility. Individual property rights. Charity and compassion as the voluntary actions of individuals, not under compulsion of government. Limited government power and interference. 3. Protect our children. Give them hope and connection. Education focussed on celebrating western civilisation and instilling pride in this nation and our heritage, such as the selfless sacrifice encompassed in the spirit of the Anzacs. Unity, not endless division. No child is born in the wrong body. They are perfect just as they are. Female athletes able to compete fairly and female spaces protected, without biological males. Age: 73 Resides: Wallaroo Occupation: Work-life coach and consultant Social media: Instagram: @barbarabaikiecandidate, Facebook: Barbara Baikie Candidate Campaign website: barbarabaikie.com.au Background: I was born and bred on a farm just out of Wagga, one of three daughters, and have spent most of my life living on the land. I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I was educated in the Wagga area at Eunonyhareenyha, Wagga High, and much later at Charles Sturt University. My first job was at Wagga Base in pathology and I later worked as a youth worker and child protection officer, becoming the first female manager at the Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre.I taught at Charles Sturt University in Social Welfare, where I developed the Juvenile Justice Strand. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE Since beginning my campaign as an Independent candidate in January, I have travelled more than 7500km around the electorate, visiting 38 towns and villages and meeting with hundreds of people, including many small business owners. My goal is to listen to the concerns of regional and rural residents and find out what I can do, if elected, to improve services in the electorate. Many people have commented that I was the first candidate to visit and ask what they needed and wanted. I am a passionate advocate for truly representative democracy and for equity and access for all to health, education, housing, clean, sustainable and affordable energy, meaningful work and appropriate communications and transport systems. My professional and personal life has involved working in areas of social justice, service provision and care for the vulnerable. As a lifelong volunteer, community leader and through professional roles in government agencies and departments, I bring high-level negotiating and interpersonal skills to my approach to problem solving. I always begin by listening to people with diverse views to find win-win situations when there are differences. THREE BIG ISSUES 1. Improve all aspects of health and community care in the region, including women's health, mental health services, access to specialist services and pharmacies. Investment in training at a local level and providing incentives to attract medical practitioners to regional areas should be a national priority. Services and policies to reduce the incidence of domestic violence also come under this umbrella. 2. Mobile blackspots and internet speed and reliability. This affects all areas of the electorate and can be a life and death situation. It impacts businesses as well as people who work and study from home. All Australians should be assured of fast and affordable communications as a 21st-century necessity. 3. Affordable, appropriate housing. Shelter is a basic human right. I support tax reform in order to make housing available for new home buyers. I believe that housing should be largely taken out of the investment sphere and put back into the arena of social cohesion and equity. The role of government in providing social housing should be restored. Read more about Barbara here. Resides: Wagga Occupation: Business Adviser Social media: Facebook: Mark Jeffreson - Labor for Riverina Background: I have lived and worked in the Riverina my entire life. My background is in banking and finance and I have worked for companies large and small and Kylie, my wife, and I ran a family business. My interest in politics was raised when I was a (very) young boy when Medibank was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government. When I'm not defending working to protect and strengthen Medicare I enjoy being with family, watching my precious Saints, and watching Australia beat England and India in the cricket. I've lived in regional Australia my entire life - and given the choice, I wouldn't live anywhere else. My wife and I have married, raised a family, paid off a mortgage, and contributed to our community. We've worked hard, paid our taxes, and done our best to be good citizens. Now, I'm running for office in the Riverina because I believe in building Australia's future - not cutting it down. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE This election, I'm standing on a platform of cost-of-living relief, real wages growth, and keeping inflation under control. That makes it easier for families to take control of their finances and lead stable, fulfilling lives. When Labor came to government, we inherited an economy with high inflation, stagnant wages, and a care sector in crisis. After four responsible budgets, Labor has delivered real progress: interest rates are falling, inflation is back within the 2-3 per cent target band, wages are growing, every taxpayer is receiving tax cuts, and aged care and the NDIS are being restored. Labor is delivering for regional Australia. THREE BIG ISSUES Cost of living: Labor inherited an economy where inflation had risen to over 6 per cent, wages had flatlined and Medicare was in decline after nearly 10 years of chipping away by the Nationals and Liberals. Bulk Billing was in free fall. Under the Albanese Labor Government, inflation rate has reduced to 2.4 per cent, interest rates have begun to fall, wages are increasing, and every taxpayer will receive a tax cut. Those factors, as well as protecting and strengthening Medicare has led to the easing of the cost-of-living pressure people are facing. Protecting Medicare: As health minister Peter Dutton cut billions from Medicare and tried to create an American-style healthcare system, with more expensive medicines, no free GP visits, no free blood tests and no free medical scans. The contrast at this election is clear: Labor, which will strengthen Medicare and bulk billing, or Peter Dutton, who tried to end free GP visits, end free blood tests and end free medical scans. In the Riverina there have been an extra 52,000 bulk billed visits since Labor tripled the bulk billing incentive in November 2023, as well as patients saving $9 million in the Riverina on cheaper medicines. Family and domestic violence: I am appalled at the unacceptable and unrelenting rates of gender-based violence we see in this country, and I want to further the strong steps of the Albanese Labor Government as it continues to provide national leadership on this incredibly important issue. Labor's investment in social, affordable and emergency housing is incredibly important, with $1 billion committed through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility for housing for women and children impacted by violence and for young people. Nobody should live in physical or emotional danger, and we will continue working hard to get that housing to women and children at risk. This is an area I will advocate strongly on for our community, because incidents of threats, violence, injury and death must be addressed to end the scourge of gender-based violence. Read more about Mark here Age: 27 Resides: Tumut Occupation: Councillor, Tradesman, and Small Business Owner Social media: Facebook: Grant Hardwick - Independent for Riverina, Instagram: @granthardwick Campaign website: granthardwick.com.au Background: I'm a local government councillor, qualified tradesman, and small business owner from Tumut. I've worked across the region in industry and media, and I'm passionate about building a stronger future for the Riverina through practical policy and genuine representation. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE I'm running because I believe the Riverina deserves better - better services, fairer investment, and honest representation. For too long, our region has carried the burden of decisions made in Sydney and Canberra without seeing the benefits. I'm not part of any party. I don't take corporate donations. I'm accountable only to the people of this electorate. My policies are built around supporting our rural towns, tradies, teachers, farmers, and frontline workers. From fixing rural roads and investing in health, to making sure renewable energy developments benefit locals - I want to ensure people in the Riverina are no longer an afterthought. This election, let's put people before politics and deliver a stronger, fairer future for the Riverina. THREE BIG ISSUES Fairer funding for councils: Regional councils are expected to manage massive road networks and infrastructure with tiny ratepayer bases. We need to reform Financial Assistance Grants to reflect the real cost of delivering services in the bush. Support for rural healthcare and education: Staff shortages in schools and hospitals are crippling rural communities. I'm proposing housing support, relocation incentives, and HECS/HELP forgiveness to attract workers to our towns. Protecting regional communities from energy projects: We need to stop treating regional areas as dumping grounds for energy infrastructure. Communities hosting renewable projects deserve direct royalties, proper consultation, and a say in what gets built - and where. Read more about Grant here Age: 55 Resides: Wagga Occupation: City Councillor, Small Business Owner Social media: Facebook: Richard Foley for Riverina Campaign website: richardforriverina.com Background: Richard Foley is a Wagga Wagga City Councillor, small business owner, and long-time community advocate. With a background in construction and civic leadership, Richard is known for standing up for families, farmers, and small businesses across the Riverina. He's a strong voice for traditional Australian values, fair economic policy, and honest, grassroots representation. As a candidate for the Australian Citizens Party, Richard is focused on restoring economic sovereignty, protecting local industries, and securing vital services for regional communities. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE I'm running to put the Riverina first because career politicians have stopped listening. Our land, our industries, and our communities are being sold out to foreign interests, while locals are left struggling with crumbling infrastructure, rising costs, and disappearing services. Labor voters should know this: I stand proudly for the traditional, old-school Labor values - the kind Ben Chifley represented. I believe in protecting workers' rights, supporting the battler, and restoring fairness to the economy. But I will not back the modern woke ideological agenda Labor has become obsessed with. My loyalty lies with practical outcomes, not party dogma. For National Party and conservative voters, I say this: If any policy or proposal is genuinely in the interest of rural and regional Australia, I will support it regardless of who puts it forward. I will work constructively with all sides, and if I'm in a position to do so, I'll bring forward those ideas myself. A vote for me is a vote for safe hands, but it's also a vote for someone who will draw a hard line in the sand. I will not support the formation of any government Labor, Liberal, or otherwise, unless it meets the core demands needed to fix the problems in Riverina. I'm not here to play politics. I'm here to fight for results. Vote 1 Richard Foley - let's take back what's ours. THREE BIG ISSUES Economic sovereignty: Australia must reclaim control over its resources, industries, and financial system. I support the creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and a National Development Bank to finance nation-building projects in the public interest, not for private profit. With this, we can launch a large-scale investment in public housing, giving regional Australians access to affordable homes and rebuilding the fabric of our communities. This is how we end the housing crisis, restore dignity, and bring back real economic security for the battler. Protecting farmland and water: I will fight to protect productive farmland and oppose unsustainable developments that threaten our food security. Our land and water must stay in local hands-not foreign-owned conglomerates that don't give a damn about our communities. Riverina feeds the nation, and we're not for sale. Regional infrastructure and services: Our communities are suffering from mobile black spots, poor roads, and declining health and aged care services. I will push for fair funding to fix regional infrastructure, restore local hospitals, and guarantee emergency mobile coverage in farming and remote areas. It's time our communities got the support they've long been promised. Read more about Richard here Age: 20 Resides: Wagga Occupation: University student Social media: Facebook: Pheonix Valxori - Greens Candidate For Riverina, Instagram: @pheonixvalxorigreens Campaign website: greens.org.au/nsw/person/pheonix-valxori Background: Pheonix Valxori grew up in Wagga, went to Mount Austin High School, and is currently studying at the Charles Sturt University Wagga campus. Pheonix is a young 20-year-old, queer, disabled person who has been actively campaigning through the Riverina electorate since his nomination as the Greens candidate in February this year. Pheonix believes that everyone should be able to afford the basics of life - good health, an education, and roof over their head. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE The Albanese government has done little to build faith in it and has held policy back as an 'election promise' when they've previously demonstrated they do not stick to their promises. And Dutton's Liberals have actively decided to target Australia's working class and indigenous communities. Neither has done anything to prevent the growing problem of climate change. The Greens are the only party that aims to help improve Australians' quality of life, protect the environment and commit to climate action. I've seen people go to the hospital with scurvy because they can't afford a doctor, let alone the proper nutrition. Our current member has left the regional hubs to fend for themselves, it is thanks to this we've seen a decline in the amount of support for those with financial hardship or a lack of housing. It is only through a member committed to helping those in need that the Riverina will thrive. I am adamant that if you want change you need to vote for it. So Vote 1: Pheonix Valxori, and the Greens in the Senate, on May 3. THREE BIG ISSUES Cost of living: While people are working harder than ever and suffering under a cost-of-living crisis, one in three big corporations pays no tax. We need to bring down the cost of living by making it illegal for big corporations such as Coles and Woolworths to charge excessive prices. Under the Greens, dental and mental health costs will be brought into Medicare. In addition, treatment will be available from a doctor, dentist, nurse or psychologist at one of a thousand new free healthcare clinics. Affordable housing: If elected, I will work to freeze and cap rents, build affordable homes, and stop unlimited mortgage hikes. This will be paid for by phasing out negative gearing and other tax breaks for wealthy investors. Climate action and environmental protections: The Greens will support climate action by stopping new fuel and gas projects and working to lower carbon emissions. We need environmental protections that provide a planet our children can live on. Read more about Pheonix here Age: 56 Resides: Cootamundra, NSW Occupation: Farmer and Grazier Social media: Facebook - James Gooden - Riverina Independent Candidate, Instagram: jamesgooden_riverina_candidate Campaign website: jamesgooden.com.au Background: I'm a farmer and grazier from Cootamundra, born in Wagga and raised on a property along the Yanko Creek. I've spent my life working the land, raising a family, and contributing to regional leadership - including as former Chair of the Riverina Sustainable Food Alliance. I'm an active member of NSW Farmers and a long-time volunteer with the local Rural Fire Brigade. I'm running as an Independent to give our region a strong, honest voice in Canberra - someone who understands local challenges and won't be told how to vote by a party. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE I'm James Gooden - a farmer, grazier, and lifelong Riverina resident - running as an Independent because I believe regional people deserve better than party politics. Born in Wagga and raised along the Yanko Creek in the western Riverina, I now farm near Cootamundra. Like many in our electorate, I've worked the land, raised a family, and lived through drought, bushfires, floods and change. This election, I'm proud to welcome all new voters to the Riverina electorate following the recent boundary changes. You deserve to be heard - and I'll fight to make sure you are. I'm not a party man. I don't answer to party donors, factions, or backroom deals. I answer to the people - and that independence gives me the freedom to stand up for what's right, not just what's politically convenient. My priorities are clear: cost-of-living relief, water security, health access in rural towns, better roads and services, and protecting productive farmland from short-sighted development. I support real solutions - including exploring nuclear as part of a stable baseload energy mix - and I'll keep pushing to fix mobile blackspots and digital gaps that put lives and businesses at risk. This campaign isn't about hollow promises. It's about listening, showing up, and delivering. If you believe in straight talk and regional advocacy without party games, I'd be honoured to have your vote. THREE BIG ISSUES Mobile blackspots are getting worse - and People Are Paying the Price: Since the 3G shutdown, mobile coverage across the Riverina has deteriorated. People are experiencing dropped calls and SOS-only signals - even in towns. This is a serious safety issue during bushfires, harvest, or medical emergencies. James supports a national audit based on real-world data, stronger accountability from telcos, and further investment in rural mobile towers. Mobile access is essential infrastructure, not a luxury. Agriculture, water security and food production: James is committed to protecting the Riverina's productive farmland and securing Australia's food supply. He opposes harmful water buybacks, supports increased transparency in water trading, and will fight for long-term water security that puts farmers and communities first. He'll also stand against overdevelopment and poor infrastructure planning that threatens agricultural land. Food security starts with protecting the people and land that grow it. Cost of living and local economy: Families, pensioners, and small businesses are doing it tough. James will push for practical cost-of-living relief, support local businesses, and advocate for affordable housing tailored to regional needs. He'll work for lower energy bills, fairer transport costs, and policies that strengthen our local economy. Read more about James here Age: 24 Resides: Young Occupation: Builder Background: My name is Jake Davis. I'm a 24-year-old carpenter and have been running my own construction business for nearly three years, currently employing two full-time staff. I'm passionate about building strong communities and was recently elected to the local council, where I'm working to bring positive change and opportunities to our region. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE I'm running for the House of Representatives because I believe it's time for real, common-sense leadership that puts everyday Australians first. As a small business owner and tradesman, I see firsthand how government waste and bad policy are hurting our communities. We need to stop wasting taxpayers' money and start delivering value where it's needed most-local infrastructure, better services, and real opportunities. I support keeping cash alive. It's about protecting your freedom, your privacy, and making sure no Australian is left behind in an increasingly digital world. Australia is rich in natural resources. We should be using them to strengthen our economy, lower costs, and reduce our dependence on foreign supply chains. We need more apprenticeships, more training, and more support for young people to build careers in trades and essential industries. It's time to give the next generation a fair go. And we must stand up for women's rights and safety. That means keeping biological men out of women's spaces - like changerooms, sports, and shelters. This is about fairness, respect, and protecting hard-won rights. I'm 24 years old, I've run my own construction business for nearly three years, and I'm ready to fight for the values that matter to you. If you want practical solutions and a strong voice in Canberra - I'm here to deliver. THREE BIG ISSUES Government waste: Too much of our hard-earned taxpayer money is being wasted on projects that don't benefit everyday people. In the Riverina, we need smarter spending - on roads, hospitals, and local services, not bloated bureaucracy or inner-city agendas. Every dollar should be accountable and go towards strengthening our communities. Lack of investment in training and education: Young people in the Riverina are being left behind. We need real investment in apprenticeships, trade training, and regional education to give locals a fair go. It's time to build skills, create jobs, and support the next generation right here at home. 3. Women's safety and rights: Common sense has gone out the window. The government is allowing biological men into women's toilets, changerooms, and sports. That puts women's safety and privacy at risk. In the Riverina, we respect women and girls-and I'll fight to protect their spaces, rights, and dignity. Age: 60 Resides: Wagga Occupation: Federal Member for Riverina Social media: Facebook - MichaelMcCormackMP, Instagram - m_mccormackmp X - M_McCormackMP Website: michaelmccormack.com.au Background: I am proud to have lived and worked in the Riverina all my life. Raised on family farms at Marrar and Brucedale and attending school at Saint Michael's Regional and Trinity Senior high schools in Wagga Wagga, it was at a young age I learned the value of hard work. It is such a remarkable privilege to represent our community in Parliament and I would be honoured to continue to do so into the future. I have never forgotten where I come from and the people of the Riverina electorate will always be my first priority. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE As Riverina residents begin to vote at pre-poll centres ahead of the May 3 election day, people need to ask themselves: "Are we better off now than we were before the Labor government took office?" The answer, disappointingly, is an emphatic no! The cost of housing, rent, electricity, food, fuel and insurance has increased significantly over the past two-and-a-half years. The Riverina needs the political experience I can provide to ensure our electorate is fiercely represented in Canberra during these uncertain times. The Coalition has a plan to get Australia and the economy back on track. The Nationals in Coalition with the Liberals have developed a comprehensive suite of policies which address the issues that matter most to you, including: investing $20 billion into a Regional Australia Future Fund to improve infrastructure, support our regional health workforce, support regional industries and more; investing $9 billion into Medicare to fix Labor's healthcare crisis; supporting Local Councils with $1 billion in a renewal of the Local Roads and Infrastructure Program; delivering immediate cost-of-living relief by cutting the fuel tax in half; providing tax relief with a cost-of-living offset worth up to $1,200 for Australians earning up to $144,000; delivering cheaper energy with a balanced energy plan which includes gas, zero-emissions nuclear and renewables where they do not impact prime farmland; and making it easier to build and buy homes by funding essential infrastructure and utilities in housing developments and imposing a two-year ban on foreign investors. Visit www.nationalsplan.org.au to find out more. THREE BIG ISSUES Cost of living: Australians are suffering from the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and we are suffering through the longest per-capita recession on record. Australia has experienced the biggest fall in household disposable incomes of any developed country in the past two years. We will fight cost-of-living pressures by getting inflation down and alleviating household cost pressures through several levers, including reining in wasteful government spending, delivering cheaper energy through a balanced energy plan, establishing a Supermarket Commissioner to keep grocery prices reasonable, and boosting housing supply to help young Australians enter the property market. Fighting for the upgrade of the Wagga Wagga Airport and regional air services: Wagga Wagga deserves a state-of-the-art airport with modern and fit-for-purpose amenities. I have renewed my commitment to deliver $24 million towards the upgrade of the airport if the Coalition is returned to Government and I am re-elected as the Member for Riverina. It continues to be my priority that the Council retains the lease of the airport. I am advocating for the maximum allowable lease period without the need to go to public tender, which would drive up the price of the lease. Delivering better regional funding: Labor scrapped regional funding in its recent Budget, revealing its true colours. The Coalition will establish a Regional Australia Future Fund (RAFF) to deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional Australia. We will preserve a portion of commodity windfall receipts towards the establishment of the RAFF to grow it to $20 billion to go towards regional priorities, including: fixing local road and transport networks; growing the regional health workforce; developing regional industries; delivering flexible childcare solutions; improving regional mobile and internet services; and building and upgrading community infrastructure, facilities and services. Read more about Michael here Resides: Gelston Park Occupation: Financial Education Specialist Social media: Jenny Rolfe for Riverina - Community-Backed Independent Candidate, Instagram @jennyrolfe4riverina Campaign website: jennyrolfe.com.au Background: Jenny Rolfe is the community-backed independent candidate for the Riverina, endorsed by Together for Riverina. Born and raised in the region, Jenny is committed to putting people before politics and delivering genuine, transparent representation. With a background in teaching and over 20 years' experience in financial education, she brings insight, integrity, and a strong work ethic to her candidacy. Jenny has a long history of community service, from women's health advocacy to local floodplain management. She believes in action over rhetoric and is passionate about creating positive, lasting change for every town and community across the Riverina electorate. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE As an independent candidate for the Riverina, I offer something different: real representation that puts people before politics. Free from party constraints, I'm not here to toe a party line or answer to party leaders. My sole commitment is to our communities, and I'll be an honest, unfiltered voice in Canberra - representing your needs, not those of special interest groups. With a background in economics, education, and over two decades in financial literacy and community advocacy, I bring practical experience and deep local knowledge. I've spent years listening to people across the Riverina and working for change on the ground - whether through improving local maternity care access, supporting women's health, or serving on local committees. When I was endorsed by Together for Riverina, we built this campaign on shared values like fairness, equity, and integrity. We started by asking: How do we live our values? Our volunteer campaign team reflected, debated, and decided together - this is grassroots democracy in action. Being independent means I can work with whichever party forms government to deliver real outcomes for our region. I'm not bound by ideology; I'm driven by what works, what's fair, and what our communities actually need. You won't get spin from me. I won't always say what's popular, but I will always be honest and transparent. What you see is what you get and I believe that's exactly what's needed to bring real, lasting change to the Riverina. This election, vote for values. Vote for your voice. Vote for real representation. THREE BIG ISSUES Tax reform: Our tax system isn't working for the average Australian. It places too much burden on individuals and small businesses, while large corporations pay less than their fair share. We need tax reform that's fair and sustainable. By closing loopholes and reducing inefficiencies, we can create a system that generates the revenue needed to fund essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure - while also addressing issues like cost of living and housing affordability. Cost of living: Australians are doing it tough, with soaring housing costs, rising bills, and financial pressure weighing down families, small businesses, and farmers. No one should have to choose between food and basic necessities. As an economist, I know we need smart, targeted policies to ease the burden and I'm committed to real action that supports everyday Australians and strengthens our communities. I'll fight for tax reform that helps households, tackle corporate price gouging, and push to lower energy costs. It's time to ensure fair wages, protect the vulnerable, and restore affordability. Housing security: Affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many families. I'll push for increased investment in social and affordable housing, alongside regional development plans that prioritise the needs of local communities. A long-term solution to housing insecurity will ensure every family has a safe, affordable place to call home. Read more about Jenny here Age: 54 Resides: Weddin Mountain area Occupation: Disability and mental health services Background: I am the mother of four adult children have run several small businesses over the past 20 years whilst also working within the mental health and disability services. WHY I SHOULD GET YOUR VOTE I believe we should have less government interference, regulations and red tape in our farming, small businesses and personal lives. Reducing the costs of living by removing net zero targets and protecting our farmlands and natural environment by ceasing the wind and solar farm madness which has contributed to higher energy costs and increased prices for groceries and other daily necessities. As a party we will be removing the fuel excise permanently, putting more money back into our pockets. Public lands should be accessible for sensible use by everyone. Our Defence Force should be strong and nationally supported for our peace and independence with strong allies and removal from global entities. Immigration numbers should be greatly reduced. It is essential to safeguard women's spaces, sports, religious freedom, increased health services for us all and initiate a Royal Commission into the Covid-19 response. I am driven by the belief that governments work for us and should place the Australian people first by listening, advocating and protecting our way of life, values and freedom of speech and ensuring the Riverina is never forgotten in government plans, funding and initiatives. THREE BIG ISSUES Protection of our farming lands and natural environment by stopping wind and solar farms and the net-zero climate madness to bring down the cost of living by returning to our own abundant resources. Protecting our freedom of speech and no digital ID with the removal of the eSafety commissioner. Protection of our freedom and rights. One nation under one flag. Open public lands for us all to use sensibly. Ensuring our region benefits from ongoing public funding for roads, health services, employment opportunities saving our current services.