2025 Federal Election: Profiling the Candidates From The Electorate of Kingsford Smith
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As a part of City Hub’s series ahead of the 2025 federal election, we’re profiling the candidates running in the electorate of Kingsford Smith.
From housing to healthcare and transport to education, everyday issues are shaping what matters most in Kingsford Smith. As election day nears, locals aren’t just asking for promises, they’re looking for practical solutions to make life more affordable, more connected, and more secure for the community.
This year’s five candidates include Keiron Brown (Greens), Matt Thistlewaite (Labor), Brad Cole (Liberal), Elsa Parker (Independent) and Mark Jelic (One Nation).
Keiron Brown – Greens for Kingsford Smith
For Keiron Brown, Kingsford Smith is home in every sense. “This is the place where my roots run deep – on Country, with community, chosen family and culture all around me,” he says.
A proud queer Blak man, Brown’s campaign focuses on housing justice, climate action, and uplifting queer and First Nations voices. “I live what I speak,” he says. “My politics come from lived experience, not from boardrooms or party lines.”
On the state of nightlife, Brown believes Sydney’s east deserves vibrancy after dark.
“We need a nightlife that is safe, vibrant and accessible,” he adds. “That means more late-night public transport, support for venues, and making sure LGBTQIA+ spaces are protected and celebrated.”
The creative economy, he says, is the heartbeat of local life. “Art is how we share our stories and build connection,” Brown explains, promising strong investment in marginalised creative communities, with an emphasis on fair pay.
Addressing the housing crisis, Brown is calling to fight for a rent freeze, limits on mortgage rate rises, and a major expansion of public and affordable housing. “No one should be forced to leave their community because they can’t afford to live there,” he says.
On education, Brown champions free higher education, the scrapping of student debt, and increased youth payments, ensuring all students, especially First Nations and queer youth, can “study with dignity.”
Drawing inspiration from Queensland’s 50c fare success, Brown wants affordable, frequent, fully accessible services nationwide, while investing in cycling infrastructure and cutting dependence on toll roads.
In tackling mental health, Brown is firm: “Mental healthcare should be free and available when people need it, not months later.” He supports expanding community-led services and bulk billing to remove cost barriers across Kingsford Smith.
“We deserve better, not just the bare minimum. Together, we can build a future where
no one is left behind. Vote for hope, vote for courage, vote for change.”
Matt Thistlewaite – Labor
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Born and raised in Maroubra, and now raising his own family here, Matt Thistlethwaite has deep ties to Kingsford Smith. “It’s a great honour to represent the people of Kingsford Smith and I want to continue to work every day to get the best outcomes for the community,” he says.
Running for re-election, Thistlethwaite highlights his focus on housing affordability, healthcare access, and supporting local jobs to continue building a community where people can thrive.
Backed by a record of practical wins and a focus on the future, Labor’s $43 billion housing initiative—delivering 1.2 million new homes including 55,000 social and affordable dwellings— is key to helping locals stay near their workplaces and families.
He’s passionate about making education more accessible, backing Free TAFE, and pushing for more affordable university pathways.
“Education is vital for individual opportunity and our economic future,” he says.
On transport, Thistlethwaite advocates ongoing investment in infrastructure to improve public access and affordability, ensuring the eastern suburbs remain connected and liveable.
Mental health is a major concern, particularly for young people. He pledges to keep expanding bulk-billing services, grow headspace mental health centres, and strengthen school-based support programs.
“My vision is a community where people can afford to live near their work, with strong public services, thriving local businesses, and policies that leave no one behind,” he says — underscoring his campaign as one built on stability, inclusivity, and progress.
Brad Cole – Liberal
Brad Cole proudly calls himself Kingsford Smith’s “biggest advocate” and is pledging to champion the Canberra community he says has been “let down by Labor for far too long.”
An insurance and risk professional running his own small business, Cole has worked across government and the private sector and volunteers locally as a surf lifesaver and with Rotary.
“We’ve witnessed a huge drop in living standards under Labor. Inflation is through the roof,” he says.
If elected, Cole promises immediate cost-of-living relief under a Dutton Liberal Government, including a 50% cut to the fuel excise for 12 months.
Determined to boost local infrastructure, Cole has already locked in a commitment from a future Liberal government to upgrade Rockdale’s Ilinden Sports Centre—and says he’s ready to fight for even more.
Healthcare and mental health are front and centre in his campaign. He backs a $10 billion boost to primary care and promises to restore Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 10 to 20.
If elected, Cole vows to tirelessly advocate for funding of the local roads and schools and any other pivotal services that Kingsford Smith needs.
For more information on the 2025 federal election, your electorate, or to check your voting information is up to date, head to aec.gov.au.
Elsa Parker (Independent) and Mark Jelic (One Nation) did not respond by the time of publication.
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