Joshua Berrigan, McPherson, UAP

What suburb do you live in? Why are you running?

Elanora

I’ve always been interested in politics and followed it closely as I know how much it impacts our everyday lives. I have spent the last 15 years working in the community helping people who are doing it tough.

What political experience do you have?

While this is my first professional foray into politics, I’ve done my fair share of managing political landscapes. I spent the last decade working as a pastor for a church with a multinational presence. In my role, I had oversight and managed hundreds of volunteers and looked after thousands of congregants from all walks of life and political viewpoints.

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

I hold two Bachelor qualifications in Law and International Business, as well as a post grad diploma in Education. My wife and I run a small business in the personal health space and have been able to build business networks in Australia and internationally. I have worked with a Christian Church organisation for the past decade.

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

The number one issue we hear about in McPherson and in the Gold Coast is the affordability of housing. People are leaving the area as the price of property continues to rise to a level that’s genuinely unaffordable. Adding to this issue is the rising cost of living.

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

I would work to support the community, with my aim to tackle core issues impacting Australians including the rising costs of living, inflation, interest and housing rate hikes. Simply put, if elected my priority is to genuinely respond to the needs of our community.