A total of 34 candidates have been locked in to contest the seats of Hunter, Paterson, Newcastle and Shortland next month.

In an unusual move, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) finalised the order on the ballot papers using a blindfold and numbered balls on Friday 11 April.

The randomised system was designed to keep the process fair for all aspirants.

But, on 3 May, residents will head to the polls, with Hunter boasting nine contenders, Newcastle eight, Paterson 10 and Shortland seven.

Here’s a rundown of your region:

Hunter

Current MP: Dan Repacholi (Labor) since 2022

Area: 7,253 sq km

The Division of Hunter consists of the Singleton LGA, as well as parts of the Cessnock City, Lake Macquarie City and Maitland City LGAs.

Labor has held the electorate since 1910 and its past members include two former party leaders, Matthew Charlton 1910-1928 (leader 1922-1928) and H.V. (Bert or Doc) Evatt, 1958-1960. The Fitzgibbon family reigned supreme for 38 years, too, first by Eric Fitzgibbon from 1984 to 1996 and then his son Joel Fitzgibbon from 1996 to 2022.

2025 candidates in ballot paper order

• Stuart Bonds (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
• Sue Gilroy (The Nationals)
• Andrew David Fenwick (Legalise Cannabis Party)
• Victoria Davies (Animal Justice Party)
• Paul Farrelly (Family First)
• Kyle Boddan (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party)
• Suellen Wrightson (Trumpet of Patriots)
• Dan Repacholi (Labor)
• Louise Stokes (The Greens)

Newcastle

Current MP: Sharon Claydon (Labor) since 2013

Area: 159 sq km

The Division of Newcastle consists of parts of the Lake Macquarie City and City of Newcastle LGAs, including the suburbs of Merewether, Adamstown, Hamilton, Lambton, Wallsend, Waratah, Stockton and industrial Kooragang Island.

It has had only six MPs in the 121 years since Federation, all representing Labor: David Watkins (1901-35), his son David O. Watkins (1935-58), Charlie Jones (1958-83), Allan Morris (1983-2001), Sharon Grierson 2001-13 and Sharon Claydon since 2013.

2025 candidates in ballot paper order

• Jennifer Stefanac (Trumpet of Patriots)
• Steve O’Brien (Socialist Alliance)
• Charlotte McCabe (The Greens)
• Asarri McPhee (Liberal)
• Sharon Claydon (Labor)
• Jason Briggs (Family First)
• Robert Creech
• Phillip Heyne (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)

Paterson

Current MP: Meryl Swanson (Labor) since 2016

Area: 948 sq km

The Division of Paterson consists of parts of the Cessnock City, Lake Macquarie City, Maitland City, City of Newcastle and Port Stephens LGAs, including the towns of Kurri Kurri, Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay.

Since 1993, Labor has held the seat five times (1993, 1998, 2016, 2019, 2022) while the Liberals boast six occasions (1996, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013). Meryl Swanson’s triumphed at the past three elections.

2025 candidates in ballot paper order

• Rod Holding (Independent)
• Meryl Swanson (Labor)
• Arnon Wither (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
• Philip Penfold (Independent)
• Paul Johns (The Greens)
• Laurence Antcliff (Liberal)
• Sandra Lyn Briggs (Family First)
• April Maree Scott (Independent)
• Peter N Arena (Trumpet of Patriots)
• Daniel Dryden (Legalise Cannabis Party)

Shortland

Current MP: Pat Conroy since 2016

Area: 204 sq km

The Division of Shortland consists of parts of Central Coast, Lake Macquarie City and City of Newcastle LGAs. The main population centres include Charlestown, Cardiff, Belmont, Swansea and Budgewoi.

Shortland has had only four members since its creation, all representing Labor: Charlie Griffiths 1949-1971, Peter Morris 1972-1998, Jill Hall 1998-2016 and Pat Conroy since 2016. He’s aiming for his fourth term.

2025 candidates in ballot paper order

• Geoffrey Mark Robertson (Libertarian)
• James Pheils (Independent)
• Pat Conroy (Labor)
• Barry Reed (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)
• Pietro Di Girolamo (Family First)
• Emma King (Liberal)
• Therese Doyle (The Greens)

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