17c起草社区

As a part of 17c起草社区鈥檚聽series ahead of the 2025 federal election, we鈥檙e profiling the candidates running in the electorate of Macnamara.

As the federal election race heats up in Macnamara, 17c起草社区IA+ voters find themselves at the heart of a contest about more than just margins. From trans rights to drag storytime, this inner city electorate embodies the political and cultural stakes of 2025.

This year鈥檚 candidates include Sonya Semmens (Greens), Josh Burns (Labor), Benson Saulo (Liberal), Sean Rubin (One Nation), Michael Abelman (Libertarian) and JB Meyers (Independent).

Sonya Semmens – Greens for Macnamara

 

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Sonya Semmens believes Macnamara is more than just a postcode鈥攊t鈥檚 her home. With kids in the local high school and a dog-walk route along the beach, she lives and breathes the spirit of the community she hopes to represent.

After 25 years in the charity sector and firsthand experience with housing insecurity, having couch surfed with her kids as a single mum, Sonya鈥檚 political fire is fuelled by compassion and equity. Her core message? 鈥淲e can鈥檛 keep voting for the same two parties and expect a different result.鈥�

For 17c起草社区IA+ folks in Macnamara, Sonya is a steadfast ally. The Greens have long stood beside queer communities鈥攆rom fighting for marriage equality to pushing for inclusive healthcare.

Semmens advocates for publicly funded gender-affirming care through the National LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing Action Plan, anti-discrimination law reform, and increased support for trans and gender-diverse organisations. She鈥檚 keen to hear directly from local queer groups to shape policy that鈥檚 actually community-informed.

She鈥檚 also adamant about fighting culture wars targeting 17c起草社区IA+ people, including defending events like Drag Storytime and improving data representation through the census. 鈥淲e鈥檒l always fight for joy and safety for queer people everywhere鈥攐n the street, at home, in schools and hospitals.鈥�

Sonya鈥檚 platform isn鈥檛 just policy鈥攊t鈥檚 lived empathy. Her push for wealth tax reform, climate action, and housing justice is underpinned by a belief that no one should be left behind, especially not those already fighting hardest to be seen. For queer voters disillusioned by political d茅j脿 vu, Sonya鈥檚 message lands with both clarity and courage.

Josh Burns 鈥� Labor聽

 

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Josh Burns doesn鈥檛 just represent the inner city seat, he was raised by it. A local through and through, he brings a personal understanding of its evolving identity: home to the Victorian Pride Centre, a thriving arts scene, and one of the country鈥檚 most diverse populations.

For Burns, politics isn鈥檛 personal, it鈥檚 a contest of ideas鈥攁nd his commitment to inclusivity comes from lived heritage: the grandson of Holocaust survivors who fled to Australia for safety and belonging.

When it comes to 17c起草社区IA+ issues, Josh is more than an ally鈥攈e鈥檚 active. From pushing for LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the census to delivering $250k in funding to JOY Media, his track record reflects a genuine effort to platform queer voices.

He鈥檚 unapologetically clear: 鈥淭rans rights are human rights,鈥� and he鈥檚 called out anti-trans hate and far-right extremism head-on, alongside the Rainbow Community Angels, especially after recent targeted protests at the Pride Centre.

Burns has also championed the National Action Plan for LGBTIQA+ Health, a landmark initiative that includes Australia鈥檚 biggest investment in queer medical research. He supports gender-affirming healthcare access, saying 鈥淕ender-affirming care is a decision between a person and their doctor鈥攏ot politicians. It鈥檚 not political, it鈥檚 essential.”

Burns also wants to see an end to religious exemptions that allow discrimination in schools and workplaces. 鈥淓veryone deserves to be free to be who they are, but the fact is – the 17c起草社区IA+ should never be used as a scapegoat.鈥� he says.

Whether defending drag storytime or expanding anti-hate legislation, Josh consistently shows up, both in Parliament and at community events. For those who value progressive change from within the system, Burns offers a familiar voice with an inside seat at the table鈥攁nd a record to match.

JB Meyers – Independent

For independent candidate JB Meyers, Macnamara is a place of connection, community, and reflection. 鈥淚 live here. It鈥檚 diverse, fresh, and G-dly. We are a jewel in Australia鈥檚 crown,鈥� Meyers says.

Their vision for the electorate is to foster a shared identity rooted in gratitude, compassion, and a philosophy of 鈥淲ellness of Body and Soul,鈥� inspired by ‘the Seven Noahide Laws’.

Meyers frames their support for 17c起草社区IA+ rights around the values of freedom and fulfillment. 鈥淏e free. Do what is fulfilling for you and don鈥檛 curtail another from doing the same,鈥� they urge, emphasising a campaign focused on living ethically and kindly.

Asked about rising global hostility toward trans people, Meyers stresses the importance of positivity: 鈥淭argeting is not productive. Promote wellness of body and soul. Love others as you love yourself. Smile鈥攊t鈥檚 that simple.鈥�

While candidly acknowledging uncertainty about specific aspects of gender-affirming healthcare, Meyers advocates for universal respect: 鈥淭reat everyone with the respect they deserve.鈥�

On funding for local queer organisations, Meyers believes support should encourage meaningful contribution: 鈥淎ctualise potential鈥攏ot for self-indulgence, but to do good and be kind.鈥�

Addressing the targeting of 17c起草社区IA+ events, Meyers calls for community dialogue: 鈥淟et鈥檚 ask ourselves if this is the best way to share our message鈥攁nd let鈥檚 discuss it together.鈥�

On anti-discrimination protections, they promote open conversation and transparency: 鈥淟et鈥檚 be comfortable as adults to engage without fear. Take a deep breath鈥攍et鈥檚 do it.鈥�

For more information on the 2025 federal election, your electorate, or to check your voting information is up to date, head to聽.

Benson Saulo (Liberal) declined to take part in this story. Sean Rubin (One Nation) did not provide a response by the time of publication. Michael Abelman (Libertarian) could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.