2025 Federal Election: Profiling the Candidates From The Electorate of Wentworth
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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 Wentworth.
Wentworth is a community where coastal living, city culture, and rich history meet. As election day approaches, voters are focused on issues close to home like housing affordability, access to education, and better health care.
As the political landscape shifts, Wentworth’s next representative will need to deliver real solutions that protect the community’s character and meet the demands of a changing future.
This year’s six candidates include: Ro Knox (Liberal), Nick Ward (Greens), Michael Richmond (Independent), Savanna Peake (Labor), Allegra Spender (Independent) and James Sternell (One Nation.
Ro Knox – Liberal for Wentworth
For Ro Knox, Wentworth isn’t just where she raises her family but a community she’s fighting to protect. “Wentworth is home to a vibrant, passionate community,” she says. “I’m passionate about tackling the cost of living, supporting small businesses, and ensuring our community stays safe, liveable, and connected.”
Running under the Liberal banner, Knox leans on her background as a small business owner and global executive, promising “real, practical solutions — not slogans.”
She’s quick to point out the $20 million in local funding she’s secured for Wentworth: from major upgrades at Bondi and Bronte Surf Life Saving Clubs to the Bondi to Bronte Accessible Walk.
Knox is pushing to boost grassroots sports including a new youth recreation zone, upgrade public spaces like Lyne Park, and expand cultural institutions such as the Sydney Jewish Museum. Her broader vision? A thriving creative economy, safer streets, and better housing opportunities.
Housing affordability is a core issue. Knox supports letting first-home buyers access super savings and proposes tax deductions like HECS-HELP on mortgage interest to ease the burden, if elected. “The Teals have delivered nothing,” she argues, taking direct aim at independents.
On education, she backs a new public high school in Wentworth and better access to mental health care, including doubling Medicare-subsidised sessions. Transport and infrastructure upgrades providing better connectivity across Wentworth are also high on her agenda.
“Wentworth deserves a seat at the table and that is what I will provide” Knox says. “Stronger local businesses, safety and increasing opportunities — I’ll never stop fighting for our community.”
Nick Ward — Greens for Wentworth
Nick Ward knows Wentworth — from its beaches to its city pulse. “It’s where I’ve worked, played, and volunteered as a surf lifesaver,” he says, describing a home that has shaped his identity for over 15 years.
A scientist by training, Ward doesn’t mince words on climate. “We must start turning this ship around,” he warns. Climate action sits at the heart of his campaign, alongside bold policies on housing, health, education, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Ward envisions Wentworth as a model for community-driven change. On nightlife, he’s championing a revival— proposing venue-friendly licensing, repurposing poker machine spaces for live music, and tax offsets for the performing arts.
“The creative economy should be the centre of our community,” he says.
His housing pitch includes a Public Developer to deliver affordable homes, rent controls, and cutting tax concessions for property investors.
Ward’s vision for education is equally ambitious. “When I did my degree, it was free,” Ward recalls. He wants to return to that principle, offering free, high-quality public education at all levels — “an investment in Australia as a whole.”
As for transport fares, Ward would drop it to 50 cents nationally, backed by expanded investment to handle increased demand. “This will free up space on existing roads,” he says, pointing to walking, cycling, and car-share programs as key to reducing congestion.
When it comes to healthcare, Ward says “Mental health is chronically underfunded, and we can see the consequences of this all around us”.
He supports fully integrating mental health into Medicare and increasing funding to train and retain top-tier practitioners— no barriers, no gaps.
“This election matters,” Ward says. “If you think politicians are all the same and change isn’t possible — give me the chance to prove you wrong.”
Michael Richmond — Independent
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Michael Richmond may be just 20 years old, but he’s determined to show that Wentworth’s future belongs to bold, forward-thinking leadership. “People assume youth equals inexperience,” he says. “I argue the opposite. Curiosity and openness are exactly what politics needs right now.”
A lifelong local, Richmond grew up alongside the beaches and vibrant communities. “The people are friendly, the views are incredible — and you can’t forget the beaches,” he says. “It’s a beautiful area, and I want to see it continue to thrive.”
His top priority: housing affordability. “Like most young Aussies, I want to own a home someday — preferably right here,” he says.
Richmond proposes overhauling negative gearing, easing TAFE costs for construction trades, and cutting red tape around building approvals to boost supply.
Richmond’s passion for innovation extends beyond housing. “Technology is advancing too quickly for most politicians to keep up,” he says. To him, Wentworth’s future depends on embracing new industries, investing in education, and supporting local creatives.
On nightlife, he sees untapped potential — backing better safety initiatives and tax reforms to help small venues thrive. For the creative economy, Richmond pledges funding boosts and innovation policies that recognise creativity as a driver of innovation and social progress.
His transport plan includes expanding electric bus fleets, upgrading road surfaces, and investing in future rail and motorway projects to keep pace with Sydney’s growth.
Richmond also sees TAFE reform as key to rebuilding critical industries, proposing to cut TAFE costs and expanding awareness around trade careers.
When it comes to mental health, Richmond wants big change: expanding Medicare to fully cover therapy, psychology, and nutrition services. “Proactive care shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be accessible to everyone,” he says.
His message is loud and clear: “We need a future focused Wentworth and if you want the same, stick with me—it’s going to be a long ride, but worth it.
Savanna Peake – Labor
Savanna Peake brings a strong, progressive voice to Wentworth, grounded in lived experience and community advocacy.
A proud lesbian woman and former public school teacher, Savanna is passionate about taking action on affordable housing, better mental health support, fighting for cost-of-living relief, and investing in public education.
With a track record as Co-Convenor for Rainbow Labor NSW, fighting for women’s health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and workers’ rights, Savanna promises action, not slogans, to build a fairer, more inclusive community.
Allegra Spender – Independent
“I grew up in Wentworth, I’ve lived here most of my life, and now I’m raising my family here,” says Allegra Spender, the Independent MP for Wentworth.
“This community is vibrant, thoughtful, inclusive, and passionate. It deserves a representative who listens, acts with integrity, and truly puts the community first.”
While her campaign spans climate action, economic reform and inclusion, she’s especially focused on the challenges younger Australians face.
“Right now I’m worried that young people don’t have the same opportunity to build a life that their parents did,” she says. “That’s why I’m so focused on areas like reforming the tax system and taking action on the housing crisis.”
“This housing affordability crisis has developed over 20 years of bad policy by the major parties,” Spender says. “The core problem is that Australia just doesn’t have enough housing.”
Her plan includes growing supply through smarter planning, build-to-rent incentives, stronger renter protections, and major investment in social and affordable housing.
In education, Spender highlights her push for HECS reform. “I’m really proud to have successfully pushed for HECS reform to wipe $3 billion in student debt,” she says, and now wants to scrap interest on debt already repaid.
She also supports ending the Job Ready Graduate Scheme, which she argues unfairly penalises Arts students.
“I want Wentworth to be a place where everyone can thrive and everyone is welcome,” Spender says. “That is the future I am fighting for”—one where innovation, care, and community go hand in hand.
Her pitch to voters is simple: local, independent, and focused on fixing what’s locking people out—whether that’s housing, higher ed, or a system that no longer works for everyone.
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.
Savanna Peake (Labor) and James Sternell (One Nation) did not respond by the time of publication.
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