FAQ - Fairfax Matters

Who are we?  How can you get involved?  Whether you’re curious about our initiatives, seeking ways to contribute, or just want to learn more about the importance of independent representation, you’ll find all the information you need here. If you have any questions please ask one of our volunteers or subscribe to our newsletters or come along to one of our events.

Who Is Fairfax Matters Inc?

Fairfax Matters is a community-driven initiative dedicated to empowering residents of the Sunshine Coast to engage in local issues and shape the future of the region. We focus on raising awareness about key concerns, encouraging civic participation, and finding an independent candidate who truly represents the community’s interests. We are a group of parents, grandparents, and young people who are deeply concerned about the future of the Coast and are tired of candidates ignoring community voices. For too long, we have been a safe seat that politicians take for granted. While we may not have the financial resources of the major parties, we have the passion and commitment to make a difference.

Fairfax Matters Inc is a Qld incorporated association. 

Registration IA4786505

ABN 51 503 461 483

More details are available at the QLD Government Fair Trading department.

The Australian federal government controls the allocation of funding for sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services, impacting local projects reliant on this support. One key funding area is GST revenue, which the government collects and redistributes to the states. How these funds are allocated can determine if local projects progress or face delays due to funding shortages.

For too long, the Sunshine Coast has been caught in funding battles between state and federal governments, where different parties play against one another, taking advantage of the region’s status as a safe seat.

Stronger local representation in the federal government can ensure that community priorities are heard and funding needs are met, preventing local projects from stalling due to financial gaps or political games.

No, Fairfax Matters is not affiliated with any political party. We are an independent movement formed by community members who want to see a more representative, accountable, and responsive government.

We sought and supported an independent candidate, Francine Wiig for the Federal Election in 2025. 

2028 election has not been called. 

Kitchen Table Conversations (KTC) are small, informal discussion groups where community members come together to share their views on local issues. We have met in peoples homes, pubs and coffee shops. These conversations help us gather diverse perspectives, understand the concerns of residents, and guide our advocacy efforts. If you would like to host a KTC let us know here.

The phrase “Teal independent” is a made up the media coined for a group of Independent community-supported candidates who rose to prominence during the 2022 Federal election, often competing in traditionally safe Liberal seats. These candidates prioritized policies such as climate action, political integrity, and local concerns, with many receiving up to 30% of their campaign funding from Climate 200’s community accelerator program.

Unlike major political parties, which receive significant funding from oil and gas donors, community independents are free from corporate influence. Although Climate 200 provides partial funding, it does not control the candidates’ platforms. These independents focus on serving their constituents, ensuring the community’s needs guide their actions in government.

We advocate for this type of grassroots-driven representation, supporting leaders who prioritise the interests of their community without the constraints of party politics.

People. Not Parties

Fairfax Matters supported a community independent in 2025 and commits to a candidate in 2028. 

  • We do not determine the independent candidate’s policies.
  • We work closely with them to develop policies they propose. 
  • Policies are based on evidence, integrity, and equality – see our core values

Independents are not part of the Greens or any political party.

By definition, independent representatives are not affiliated with any established political party. They run their campaigns and make decisions based on the specific needs and priorities of their constituents, free from party policies or agendas.

While some of their views or policies might align with those of other parties on certain issues, independents maintain their autonomy and are not bound by any party’s platform or directives.

  • With the Greens and Labor: Independents vote with the Greens and Labor when it aligns with their electorate’s core concerns, such as climate action, integrity in politics, and social issues. This collaborative approach prioritizes beneficial policies over party lines, showing they’re flexible and driven by values rather than partisan loyalty.
  • With Liberals: Independents vote with Liberals when those votes align with their electorate’s priorities, illustrating their balanced approach and commitment to policies over parties.

Supporting an independent can lead to a more inclusive and transparent political process. By electing a representative who is committed solely to the electorate’s well-being, Fairfax can enjoy focused advocacy, direct responsiveness, and policy changes tailored to its specific needs.

Real-world examples of the impact of independents include:

  • Climate Action: Independents such as Zali Steggall, who introduced the Climate Change Bill, pushed for stronger legislative frameworks on emissions reduction and climate adaptation. Although initially rejected, it placed significant pressure on the government to elevate climate policies.
  • Integrity and Accountability: Helen Haines, representing the electorate of Indi, spearheaded efforts for a federal integrity commission to address corruption and strengthen trust in government. Her advocacy led to increased focus on anti-corruption measures in parliamentary debates.
  • Representation and Policy Influence: Independents like Cathy McGowan have used their balance-of-power position to secure regional funding and better services for their constituents. Her work in championing rural health and connectivity demonstrated the power of an independent voice advocating for local needs.
  • Higher Education Reform: Monique Ryan, the Independent Member for Kooyong, launched a petition in March 2024 to reform the HECS-HELP debt system. The petition garnered over 288,000 signatures, highlighting widespread concern over student debt indexation. This grassroots effort led to the government announcing a $3 billion reduction in student debt and changes to loan indexation rules, benefiting over three million Australians.

These examples show how independents can drive change, champion critical issues, and ensure the voices of their communities are heard in Parliament. Electing an independent can bring this same dedicated and impactful representation to Fairfax, promoting a government that works for the people.

Fairfax Matters engages with the community to identify and understand key concerns. Through Kitchen Table Conversations and surveys, we have found the following to be the most pressing issues:

  • Population Growth
  • Housing Affordability & Homelessness
  •  Infrastructure & Services
  • Environmental Protection
  • Climate Change
  • Governance
  • Aged care

We advocate for the issues that matter most to locals, ensuring that their voices are heard and their priorities are addressed – not the priorities of party politics.

Fairfax Matters operates as a grassroots, community-led initiative focused on engaging local residents and advocating for issues that matter to the Sunshine Coast. Our activities are funded through a combination of small donations from individuals, fundraising events, in-kind contributions from local businesses, and small grants. We rely on the support of volunteers and community members to help organise events and spread our message, and we are committed to maintaining transparency in our operations. 

A community-backed independent is a political candidate who isn’t part of a political party. Instead of answering to party bosses or donors, they are supported by everyday people from their community through time, donations, and shared values.

They listen first, act with integrity, and are accountable to the people they represent. Community independents are often powered by grassroots campaigns, volunteers, and local voices who want to see politics done differently with transparency, collaboration, and real action on the issues that matter locally.

At the 2022 federal election, 10 independents were elected to the House of Representatives.

In 2025, Community Independents stood in 37 of 150 electorates across every Australian State and Territory, and a Community Independent Senator in the ACT. 7 independent candidates were elected. 
(Source: Australian Electoral Commission)

 In the 2025 election, 34 per cent of Australians gave their first-preference vote to independents and minor parties, the largest share in Australian history.

These community-backed Members of Parliament represent the following electorates:

  • Wentworth (NSW): Allegra Spender
  • Warringah (NSW): Zali Steggall
  • Curtin (WA): Kate Chaney
  • Mackellar (NSW): Sophie Scamps
  • Kooyong (VIC): Monique RyanIndi (VIC): Helen Haines
  • Bradfield (NSW): Nicolette Boele

The community feedback in 2024 was compiled into a document available here. 

Community Feedback

The census in October will change some of the demographics of the Fairfax Electorate. Compared with Queensland (the red line), Fairfax has

  • More residents over 65
  • Fewer residents between the ages of 18 and 50 years.

Compared with an inner city electorate such as Kooyong Fairfax is old, and Kooyong young.

Break down of age demographics of Fairfalx.

The federal electorate of Fairfax stretches from Peregian Springs in the north to Maroochydore, Buderim and the Sunshine Motorway in the south; and west to the Hinterland and rural towns of Eumundi, Yandina, Nambour, Woombye, Mapleton and Kenilworth.

It’s an area known for its natural beauty, three unique biospheres and lifestyle that’s second to none. Its ancient history goes back to the time of the Bunya feasts, with the first inhabitants being the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi and Jinibara People.

Each pocket of Fairfax has its own character and priorities. What we share in common is an appreciation for this incredible area, and a determination to protect and enhance the gifts and opportunities of living here, now and into the future.

Fairfax is named for Ruth Fairfax, founder of the Country Women’s Association. However Fairfax has never been represented by a woman.

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