Eight contenders have put up their hands to usurp sitting member Dan Repacholi in this weekend’s federal election.

The MP, who prevailed in 2022, will face the likes of 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) and Louise Stokes (The Greens) for the seat of Hunter on 3 May.

Hunter

Current MP: Dan Repacholi (Labor) since 2022
Held by: Marginal Labor 4.8%
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)

Stuart Bonds was the One Nation candidate in 2019 and polled a remarkable 21.6% of the vote, only 2% short of The Nationals. He’s a proud farmer, coal miner and tradesman who has called the Hunter Valley home for the past 15 years. Living in the region with his wife and daughter, Stuart understands the challenges facing hardworking Australians and is determined to take the fight to the major parties that have failed to deliver for the Hunter. He strongly supports One Nation’s push for increased apprenticeships, backing subsidies that will help businesses take on more apprentices and build a skilled workforce for the future.

Sue Gilroy (The Nationals)

Sue Gilroy was the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party candidate for the Upper Hunter state by-election in 2021. She’s an experienced leader with a background in health, where she worked as a registered nurse, as well as business development and the resources industry. Sue served as president of the Singleton Business Chamber for six years, working closely with the local business community across the Hunter Valley. “This region is much more than just where I live – it’s where my heart is. My deep connections to the Hunter have shaped who I am and fuelled my dedication to its people,” she said.

Andrew David Fenwick (Legalise Cannabis Party)

Andrew Fenwick is no stranger to local elections. He ran for the state seat of Cessnock with the Legalise Cannabis Party and is a major advocate for the Train To Cessnock project. But, he isn’t just a single-issue candidate, he’s a true representative for the Hunter, with deep roots in the region. Having lived and worked throughout the region most of his life – now back driving coal trains, Andrew understands the real challenges locals face. He’s running to break the cycle of political division and focus on practical solutions that deliver better outcomes. No empty promises, no party politics – just genuine advocacy for the people of Hunter.

Victoria Davies (Animal Justice Party)

Victoria Davies is determined to be the voice for the animals, the people and the environment. She’s lived and raised her family in the Hunter for 45 years and is familiar with the needs and concerns of the community. She has dedicated her working life to caring for people as a Registered Emergency Nurse, supporting individuals on what is sometimes the worst day of their lives. Victoria is committed to creating a fair and compassionate society, which extends to her volunteer work in dog rescue. If elected, she’ll work to promote responsible pet ownership, protect wildlife and the environment, and advocate for sustainable urban development.

Paul Farrelly (Family First)

As a husband, father and small business partner, Paul Farrelly understands that your family needs a strong voice in parliament. With a background in the Hunter energy sector and now in small business, he believes the government needs to reduce its overreach and refocus to allow families and businesses the freedom to thrive. Paul’s interest in running as a Family First candidate follows from his concern about the current undermining of fundamental principles in our nation. There has been a dramatic shift from traditional values concerning marriage and family, the right to life, the dignity of the human person and biological facts.

Kyle Boddan (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party)

Kyle Boddan is a veteran of the Royal Australian Air Force with a background in IT and customer service. He previously ran a small business focused on data backup and understands the real-world challenges faced by small operators in Australia. Based in the Hunter, he’s a strong believer in the importance of regional Australia, calling it the last bastion of hope for the nation. A recreational hunter who enjoys camping, he also supports full public access to bushland and waterways. Kyle stands with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party because it’s unafraid to challenge bureaucracy, defend civil liberties, and put regional Australians first.

Suellen Wrightson (Trumpet of Patriots)

This is Suellen Wrightson’s fifth federal election as a candidate for a party associated with Clive Palmer. A former Cessnock City councillor, she’s been put forward as Leader of Trumpet of Patriots and the party’s nominee for Prime Minister. A seasoned campaigner at state and federal level, and respected chronic disease management coordinator, Suellen brings real-world experience to the stage. “I’m proud to lead the party at this election as we endeavour to bring real change to our system. The simple reason the cost of living is so high is because Australians are being ripped off by the political system.”

Dan Repacholi (Labor)

A five-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in pistol shooting, Dan Repacholi was first elected as the member for Hunter at the 2022 election, stepping into the big shoes of retiring MP Joel Fitzgibbon. At 15, he finished school and got his trade as a fitter and turner. He’s worked as a coal miner and was the manager for a medium-sized machinery sales business that services the mining and agricultural sectors. He has worked hard his whole life to build a better future for himself, and his family. He continues to advocate for the community while remaining a strong voice for the Hunter.

Louise Stokes (The Greens)

Louise Stokes has taught in secondary schools throughout Australia for more than 30 years. She’s passionate about equitable funding for public education, and access to theatre and the arts, especially in regional communities. “This election is a critical time for the electorate that has a very diverse economy and geographic spread from Lake Macquarie to the Wollemi National Park, with productive farmland, famous Hunter vineyards, small and very large industry, including power stations and coal mines. Solving the cost-of-living and housing crisis, creating new jobs in the transition for climate protection and access to good health care and quality free education are key goals,” she said.

For more news stories:

• New funding to support terminally-ill children in Hunter
• Most voters can’t name a life-improving election policy
• Hunter left out of emergency music festival funding

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