I'm running for the seat of mcpherson in the 2025 federal election as an independent

About me

  • My background is in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • I have an Associate Degree in Applied Health Science
  • Currently Studying a Bachelor of Laws (deferred to change the world)
  • Enrolled to study Masters of Business Administration
  • I was an operations manager for 15 years
  • I am a Lived-Experience Domestic Violence Advocate and Activist
  • I am a Professional Speaker and a podcast host
  • My first book is due to be released at the end of April 2025
  • I was born and rasied on the Gold Coast
Why i am running
I have over 20 years of experience in education and leadership. I am a lived-experience domestic violence mentor and advocate and I am currently fighting for change. I was let down by our government on more occasions than I can count. It was negligence and it posed a serious risk to my safety and my life. Our government needs to be held accountable. We need to return to community values and ensure the people get a say in their world. There needs to be full transperency and the two party system just doesn't work anymore, I'm not really sure that it ever did. We have so many social issues and there just doesn't seem to be a great improvement on the way. Cost of living, housing affordability, domestic violence, youth crime are all becoming a crisis. And there is so much more that needs to be addressed. I am running as a true independent with no link to any committee, party or group. I am here for the community!
The story that inspired my campaign I am a domestic violence survivor and a proud mother of six. My life was shaped by a relationship that spanned 20 years, a relationship marked by high-risk coercive control, psychological torment and physical abuse. There were countless nights when I feared I wouldn't make it through. The situation was dire and the threat to my life was real. Living under the shadow of such profound fear and manipulation made escaping feel almost impossible. I was trapped not only by the abuser's control but also by a system that often failed to protect me when I needed it the most.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles and the emotional toll, I found the strength to leave. But leaving was just the beginning of a long and grueling battle for justice. For nearly four years, I fought tirelessly in the courts, determined to hold my abuser accountable. It was a draining process, both emotionally and physically, but I refused to give up. Finally, after years of relentless struggle, he pleaded guilty. It was a victory that symbolised not just justice for myself but also for my children and every woman who has ever been silenced.
Today, I channel my experience into something positive. I am deeply committed to mentoring and advocating for other women who are experiencing the horrors of domestic violence. My mission is to ensure that no woman feels as isolated or powerless as I once did. I work closely with them, providing the guidance, support and resources they need to reclaim their lives. In addition to my advocacy work, I am honoured to train other women with lived-experience in peer support, empowering women and providing them with the tools to thrive. My journey has been one of unimaginable hardship, but it has also been one of resilience and transformation. I am committed to using my story to inspire change, raise awareness and support other women as they navigate their own paths to freedom and healing.

What values are important to this campaign

Accountability
Government accountability is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It’s about ensuring our leaders act transparently, responsibly and in the best interests of the people they represent. From delivering on promises to managing resources wisely, accountability builds trust between the people and the government. I believe that every decision made in Parliament should be subject to scrutiny, with clear channels for the public to hold decision-makers to account. This means advocating for stronger checks and balances, greater transparency and ensuring policies are guided by the needs and voices of the community—not by corporate or partisan interests. Let’s hold the powerful accountable and restore faith in our democracy.
Transparency
Government transparency is essential for fostering trust and empowering people. It ensures that the decisions affecting our lives are made in the open, with honesty and accountability at their core. A transparent government provides access to information, invites public scrutiny and operates with integrity. I’m committed to advocating for policies that prioritise openness—whether it’s making public spending more accessible, improving communication around decision-making processes or ensuring all voices are heard in shaping our nation’s future. When we shine a light on government actions, we strengthen democracy and create a system that truly serves its people. Let’s work together for a government that values transparency, so no one is left in the dark.
community
Community is the heart of everything we do. It’s where connection, support and shared purpose come to life. A strong community uplifts its members, celebrates diversity and ensures that no one is left behind. It’s about coming together to solve challenges, create opportunities and build a future we can all be proud of. I believe in the power of community to drive change from the ground up. By listening to one another and working collaboratively, we can create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Together, we can foster a sense of belonging and resilience that empowers us all to thrive. Because when community thrives, we all do. Let’s grow stronger together.

Issues that are important to us as a community

Cost of living
Give people some breathing room, offer immediate cost of living relief. Provide ongoing electricity rebates and increase the Tax-Free Threshold to $26000. Subsidise costs incurred for public education, increase Child Care Subsidy and increase Medicare Rebates. Include general dental under Medicare and reduce the cost of PBS medication.
Housing affordability
Housing is a basic human right, yet for many, the dream of a secure, affordable home feels increasingly out of reach. Rising costs, limited availabilit and stagnant wages have created a housing crisis that affects families, young people and vulnerable members of our community. I believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Addressing housing affordability means increasing social and affordable housing stock, supporting first-time buyers and ensuring renters are protected with fair regulations. It also requires long-term planning to meet the needs of our growing population. Work to ensure that housing is affordable. Fund Infrastructure for entry-level developments and offer rent to buy scheme incentives. Expand Social and Community Housing and reduce immigration, targeting skilled workers.
Transport and infastructure
Efficient transport and reliable infrastructure are the backbone of a thriving community. As the Gold Coast continues to grow, our roads, public transport and essential services must keep pace to ensure connectivity, safety and quality of life for all residents. A well-connected transport network is critical for a growing region like the Gold Coast. I will advocate for sustainable, sensible solutions that meet local needs without causing extreme disruption to people or damaging the character of the local area.
Domestic violence
Early intervention programs—education in schools and workplaces about coercive control, red flags and healthy relationships. Perpetrator accountability—stronger consequences for breaches of protection orders and patterns of repeat offending. Support for frontline workers—adequate funding and training for police, legal professionals and social workers to handle DFV cases appropriately. Safe and trauma-informed reporting options—no one should fear being dismissed, blamed or ignored. Access to financial, legal and housing support—so survivors aren’t forced to stay with their abuser. Survivor-led reforms—lived experience must shape policies and responses, not just bureaucratic processes. End systems abuse—perpetrators using the legal system to continue their control must be shut down. Transparency in government funding—ensuring DFV services actually reach those in need, rather than being lost in bureaucracy. Prevention and intervention programs for offenders must be a priority.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Ensuring participants have real power over their supports and services. Fighting for fair funding and better access to essential services. Strengthening oversight to prevent rorting and ensure funding reaches participants. Zero tolerance for abuse, neglect or exploitation, with stronger protections in place. Cutting red tape, reducing wait times and making the system work for people, not bureaucracy. I will work tirelessly to reform the NDIS so it delivers dignity, independence and real opportunities for people with disabilities.
Aged Care
No more price-gouging based on a resident’s bank balance. I’ll push for clear, enforceable guidelines to stop aged care providers from charging unfair fees. Aged care homes with compliance breaches should NOT be able to hide behind misleading ratings. I’ll demand an independent, transparent review system that puts residents first. Providers receive government money to improve food quality, yet this has not made a difference. I’ll push for strict accountability measures. No more business-first decision-making. I’ll advocate for an overhaul of private assessments and demand real oversight of home care funding to stop admin fees from draining support packages. The aged care workforce is underpaid and undervalued. I’ll push for wage increases, better conditions and genuine career pathways so we can attract and retain skilled workers—without relying on band-aid immigration fixes.
Environment and climate change
I am committed to practical climate action that benefits both people and the planet. Solar on New Homes: All new house builds will be required to include solar panels and battery storage. Incentives for Existing Homes: Rebates and support for homeowners to install solar and battery storage. Solar Schools: Grants for schools to install solar panels and battery systems. Climate-First Policy: Every government decision must consider environmental and climate impacts.
Cut government waste and reinvest in frontline services
Independent Efficiency Audits: Regular reviews of departmental operations to ensure systems are running effectively and resources aren't being wasted. Transparent Reporting: Audit results will be made public and departments will be required to act on recommendations. Spending Caps: Tightening controls on internal expenses such as admin, consultants and non-essential projects.Redirecting Savings: All identified savings will be reinvested directly into frontline services—education, health, policing and other essential community services. Accountability & Cultural Change: Department heads will be held accountable for implementing reforms and fostering a culture of efficiency.
Early childhood education and care
Parents shouldn’t have to choose between work and affording care. We need a properly funded system that ensures quality early learning is accessible, not just for those who can afford premium fees. The people shaping our youngest minds are among the lowest-paid professionals in Australia. If we want high-quality education, we must start valuing educators with fair wages, more support and less red tape. Centres are closing rooms, cutting programs and turning families away because they can’t find staff. We need better incentives to attract and keep skilled educators—including scholarships, wage subsidies and professional development opportunities. Educators spend more time on paperwork than engaging with children. We need a system that supports best practices without drowning professionals in unnecessary admin work. The first five years are critical for a child’s development. Early learning isn’t babysitting—it’s foundational education. It’s time we treated it as a public good, just like schools.
Small business
Advocating for tax relief and simplified compliance to reduce the financial strain on small businesses. Pushing for grants, low-interest loans and support programs to help businesses grow. Investing in training, apprenticeships and fair workplace policies that benefit both employers and employees. Streamlining approval processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that slow down business growth.
Health
I will push for increased Medicare rebates to encourage more doctors to offer bulk billing, ensuring everyone can see a doctor without financial stress. I will advocate for free and expanded mental health services, including increased Medicare-funded psychologist sessions and mental health support. I will fight for more funding for our local hospitals, shorter wait times and better support for our healthcare workers. I will ensure women have access to essential health services, including reproductive care, maternal health and trauma-informed medical support for domestic violence survivors. I will champion more funding for preventive health programs, including free health check-ups, vaccination programs and better access to allied health services like physiotherapy and dietetics.

As a grass roots independent, i receive no funding from a political party or major donor. I am seeking donations to advertise and let people know that I am here. I'd love some support if you are able to assist!

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"It's Important to work to improve our communities and our country using peoples voices. But we must have balance to ensure that we prioritise critical areas and limit damage to our natural environment" Michelle Faye

I am running in the Federal Election in the seat of Mcpherson in 2025

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