Bert van Manen, Forde (incumbent), LNP

Candidate: Bert van Manen Electorate: Forde (incumbent) Party: LNP.

Why are you running?

I am running for re-election because I want the best for my community. I have lived in this area for almost my entire life, more than half a century, and I am proud to call it my home. My friends and family also live in Logan and the northern Gold Coast. Since being elected as the member for Forde in 2010, I have worked tirelessly to bring improvements to our roads, rail services, community and sports facilities, and so much more. But I still have many projects that I am working on and wish to see through to completion.

What political experience do you have?

I have held the seat of Forde since 2010, being re-elected in 2013, 2016 and 2019.

I currently hold the position of Chief Government Whip.

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

Before entering politics, I had a 30-year career in banking and finance, including running my own financial planning service.

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

There are many issues that have been raised with me during the election campaign, but the No.1 concern is the rising cost of living. Obviously, many of the factors causing prices to rise are out of our control, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supplychain issues. To try to ease price pain the federal government slashed the fuel excise in half to 22 cents a litre in the recent budget, as well as introducing one-off payments and additional tax relief for some social security recipients and low to middleincome earners. All of this comes on top of our assistance for first homebuyers and single parents, tax relief initiatives and childcare support.

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

If re-elected, my No.1 priority will be delivering on the promises I have made to the local community and ensuring the projects that I have for Logan and the northern Gold Coast become a reality.