Stuart Robert, LNP, Fadden
THE Bulletin has asked federal election candidates on the Gold Coast a series of questions. We will be rolling out their responses across the campaign.
Candidate:
Stuart Robert Electorate: Fadden (incumbent) Party: LNP What suburb do you live in? Nerang
Why are you running?
To be a passionate advocate for the Northern Gold Coast in Canberra, working hard to influence the decisions affecting local residents in the community, with a particular focus on increasing workforce participation for women, ensuring there is an environment for small and family business to thrive, and building a care workforce to support our veterans, our childcare centres, provide services for people with a disability and our aged-care sector.
What political experience do you have?
I have been the Northern GC’s (Fadden) representative in Canberra since 2007. Since then, I have served our community and all Australians as a minister, including right now as Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, where I am working to continue Australia’s economic recovery through protecting jobs, connecting Australians with work and building a workforce with the right skill set to secure our future prosperity.
Outside politics, what life and work experience do you have?
Before running for parliament, I served in the army for 12 years in infantry and intelligence corps units, including deploying operationally to Bougainville in 1998 as part of the Peace Monitoring Force. While serving in the army, I completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Masters degrees in both business administration and information technology. In 2000, I left the army and, together with a colleague, founded an IT services firm that rapidly expanded to become a nationwide business. This business was twice named one of Australia’s fastest-growing businesses in the Business Review Weekly Fast 100 list.
What, in your opinion, is the No.1 issue facing voters in your electorate?
Reducing the cost of living for everyone across the Gold Coast – families, pensioners, small business – not just petrol, but everything along the supply chain that relies on transport, such as groceries. A close second is infrastructure – getting Gold Coast residents to and from home safely and quickly as they go about their lives.
If elected, what will be your priority when you enter the new parliament?
Building a strong economy through jobs, particularly through small business, so we can afford to pay for the things we rely on, such as healthcare, pensions and infrastructure.