MEET THE CANDIDATES Carl Ungerer, McPherson, Labor

Candidate: Dr Carl Ungerer Seat: McPherson

Party: Labor

What suburb do you live in?

Currumbin Valley.

Why are you running?

I love living on the southern Gold Coast but the GC has been neglected for too long by the LNP and Scott Morrison.

Our community wants a trusted plan to help build a better future rather than suffering from more failures, more mistakes under Scott Morrison. I’m running because I will be a strong advocate for these things, and only an Albanese Labor government will deliver them.

What political experience do you have?

I have 25 years’ experience working in the federal government as a diplomat, intelligence officer and a political staffer. I have also represented Australia overseas on diplomatic postings.

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

I began my working life as a primary school teacher, and have taught in schools and universities around the world, including here on the Gold Coast. I volunteer at the surf lifesaving club, the rural fire brigade and served as past president of our local P&C.

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

What I’m hearing is that people are tired of the lack of action taken by the Morrison government. People are sick of the mistakes, the failures and the waste. The other issues are the rising cost of living and the need to protect and strengthen Medicare.

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

I will be working from day one to represent the interests of the entire southern Gold Coast, which has been neglected by Scott Morrison for too long.