Australia needs representatives who believe in fair, open, and accountable government. We need policies that go through proper scrutiny—not just headline-grabbing captain’s calls or tax breaks for the well-connected.
It’s not about ideology—it’s about integrity. If decisions don’t follow fair process, they will fail.
That’s why I’m running as an independent. Because in Wide Bay, we deserve a representative who answers to the people—not to party bosses or political donors. I don’t take orders from a party room. I take guidance from you.
Unlike the major parties, I’m not here to spin a message or deliver a pre-approved line.
I’m not here to pork-barrel or play favourites. I’m here to restore the principle that decisions should be made with the community—not imposed on it. That’s the promise of true democracy, and that’s what I’m fighting for.
The big parties have power—but in safe seats like Wide Bay, they rarely use it to make life better here. An independent brings accountability. An independent brings focus. An independent brings the freedom to say no when Canberra gets it wrong—and the courage to stand up when Wide Bay is being left behind.
We need something bigger than party politics. We need honest representation. We need a voice that puts Wide Bay first.
LNP and Labor: The Need for Better Governance
Good governance requires that political representatives listen to the public, respect their own cabinet’s internal debates, and operate through fair, open processes. In Australia’s Westminster system, the Prime Minister is first among equals, not a president issuing unilateral decrees. Yet, we are seeing a worrying trend where decision-making is shifting away from parliamentary debate and toward top-down imposition—whether it’s Dutton’s nuclear plan or Albanese’s union crackdowns.
Nuclear Power: The Wrong Choice for Wide Bay
As proud regional Australians, we believe in protecting what makes Wide Bay special—our clean, green reputation, our natural resources, and our children’s future. Dutton’s push for nuclear power jeopardizes all of this. Worse, the LNP have noted that even if locals oppose their nuclear plans, the federal government will push ahead regardless. This is a direct violation of democratic principles—government should be accountable to the people, not impose top-down mandates.
Beyond the lack of consultation, nuclear power remains the most expensive energy option, requiring vast public subsidies that could instead fund essential services like health, education, and infrastructure. It also demands enormous amounts of water at a time of increasing droughts and water scarcity, putting local farms and communities at risk. Finally, it threatens Wide Bay’s clean, green reputation, which supports industries like tourism and agriculture—both vital to the region’s economy.
While some argue nuclear power provides energy reliability and low emissions, these benefits do not outweigh the economic and environmental costs.
This isn’t about left or right. It’s about keeping power in the hands of the people and ensuring government decisions respect the principles of limited government, local control, and economic prudence.
Corporate Luncheon Write-Offs: A Step Away from Fairness
In the 1980s, Australia introduced Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) to close loopholes that allowed businesses to dodge tax through extravagant perks. It was about fairness—ensuring high-income earners and corporations paid their share rather than shifting costs onto the public.
Dutton’s plan to let businesses write off corporate lunches reverses that progress. Rather than prioritizing tax relief for small businesses and workers, this handout benefits only the well-connected. Good governance means tax policy should be debated properly—not snuck through as a gift to those at the top.
Fair Process Matters
This isn’t just a Dutton problem. Anthony Albanese has also taken shortcuts on due process—most recently with his crackdown on unions.
Labor’s move against the CFMEU might sound like tough governance, but it sets a dangerous precedent. While it does not shut down the entire CFMEU, it unfairly targets one of its wings rather than holding individuals accountable.
If individuals in the CFMEU broke the law, prosecute them as individuals. The rule of law means applying justice fairly—not punishing an entire sector because of a few bad actors.
Past cases show that governments can use similar tactics to weaken organizations they disagree with. Today, it’s the CFMEU. Tomorrow, it could be a small business group, a church, or a farmers’ association. Western liberal principles demand that governments avoid arbitrary actions and respect due process in every case.
This Isn’t About Left or Right—It’s About Standing for Something Bigger
Australia needs representatives who believe in fair, open, and accountable government. We need policies that go through proper scrutiny—not just headline-grabbing captain’s calls or tax breaks for the well-connected.
It’s not about ideology—it’s about integrity. If decisions don’t follow fair process, they will fail.
As an independent, I’m not here to serve a party line. I’m here to serve you.
Casey for Wide Bay 