MEET THE CANDIDATES Karen Andrews, McPherson (incumbent), LNP

Candidate: Karen Andrews Electorate: McPherson (incumbent)

Party: LNP

Where do you live?

The north part of the McPherson electorate.

Why are you running?

My motivation from day one has been to be a voice in Canberra for those in our community who don’t have a voice. Also, particularly in these uncertain times, I know how important it is to have stable, responsible government.

What political experience do you have?

I’ve represented the people of McPherson since 2010. I was honoured to become the first female federal cabinet minister from Queensland in 2018, as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. In that role, I worked with Australian industry as the pandemic began to secure our supply chains and produce vital PPE. Just over a year ago, I became the first female Minister for Home Affairs. And in that role,

I’m working to keep communities around Australia safe, protect our national interest and oversee the safe reopening of Australia’s international borders.

Outside politics, what life and work experience do you have?

After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, I worked at power stations in Queensland and petrochemical plants in Victoria. Then I launched my own human resources and industrial relations consultancy, which gave me first-hand experience of the pressures of owning and running a small business. And, of course, I only finished the school runs in 2020. I’ve raised three young women I’m very proud of.

What, in your opinion, is the No.1 issue facing voters in your electorate?

Household budgets are often stretched and cost-of-living is one of the biggest issues, particularly for those on fixed or low incomes. That’s why we’ve been determined to deliver tax cuts and ease cost-of-living pressures.

I also think that drug use and drug-related crime is something that really concerns people across the board. Whether it’s families worried about their children getting caught up in it or our seniors scared to go out at night. It’s something I’ve been determined to tackle as Home Affairs Minister – and we’ve boosted funding for the AFP and made record seizures of drugs at the border.

If elected, what will be your priority when you enter the new parliament?

My first priority is always fighting for what we need on the Coast – helping small businesses grow and create jobs, improving our local roads, making our community safer, delivering better health services, protecting our environment, supporting our seniors and veterans.

Of course, under a re-elected Morrison government, I’d also be focused on protecting Australia’s national interest in an increasingly complex threat environment.