Enough of major parties, time for an independent

I AM standing to be elected to Queensland Parliament because like many of you I am sick of lying and gutless politicians who don’t represent the people or tackle the tough issues.

I am 33, born and raised on the Gold Coast. After graduating from school at All Saints, I went to university at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and became a professional violinist.

I started my own entertainment business when I was 22 and have been lucky enough to travel the world with music.

Being a small-business owner I couldn’t afford to pay someone to do my marketing, so I learnt how to do it myself.

I ended up providing freelance social media for other businesses and in 2013, I received a call from Pauline Hanson who wanted to use Facebook for her NSW Senate campaign. This is where my journey into politics began.

For three years, I travelled the country with Pauline, learned about the issues and met amazing people who have inspired me.

I also ran the One Nation Party as the state and national secretary. Now you might not be a One Nation supporter, but this achievement shows I have accomplished a lot and am capable.

After resigning from my One Nation executive positions in October 2016, I worked for Senator Rod Culleton. I admired his fighting spirit and his call for a Royal Commission into the banks. He was just one farmer out of thousands who had his property stolen. This is happening around the country including in Queensland.

Now Mermaid Beach may not be a farming electorate, but we all eat and I am certain we would all prefer to eat fresh Australian produce instead of imported goods.

We must look after our farmers because “no farms, no food.”

If elected, I will give this seat in Parliament back to the Mermaid Beach community; as an independent MP, this seat will belong to you, not a political party.

Growing up in a family whose livelihood depended on the Gold Coast tourism industry, I will always support tourism initiatives that will boost our local economy. I understand investment on the Gold Coast is important, however, I will not sell us out to overseas investors and will only support investment beneficial to Queenslanders. I can guarantee I will not go on any “junket holidays” to China.

I have commonsense, integrity, empathy and have no ego which I have seen stop many politicians from seeking the right advice or working with people more capable than them.

This election we must not vote for the major parties.

I will be grateful if you put your trust and faith in me. SARAYA BERIC, MERMAID BEACH