Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, the Illawarra Flame is giving all local candidates a chance to share their vision for Australia.
Sharon Cousins is the One Nation candidate for Whitlam, the Commonwealth Electoral Division covering Shellharbour City Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, and part of the Wollongong City Council LGA.
The election will be held on Saturday, May 3. For more information, visit the Australian Electoral Commission's website.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been married for almost 35 years; have two adult children and a granddaughter, aged 19 months. When I was in high school, I had always wanted to be a primary school teacher, but was forced out of home at the age of 18. With no job, no home or no money, I thankfully got a job in Sydney and made a career in insurance broking, later becoming an executive in the UK.
After having children and relocating back to Australia, I started my own resume-business and worked part-time providing private child-care for working parents. Since 2003, I have voluntarily assisted in Federal, State and Local Council Elections and ran in 2011 at a local council election. I am currently a Board Director of the Illawarra Master Builders Alpine Club and I am also an independent Researcher and Elections Analyst, with my own website called Vote Wisely.
I enjoy watching movies and most sports, sewing and spending time with family and friends.
What inspired you to enter politics?
I have been involved in various elections and community work for over 20 years. Since 2023, I have voluntarily helped an Australian Senator with researched information for Senate Estimates.
I decided after seeing bad legislation being rushed without debate and passed in parliament and the deterioration in our economy and way of life, it was time for me to step up for my community; for Australian values and to help bring growth and prosperity back to this country.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. For proper representation and community engagement, establish a new Whitlam electorate office that is in better proximity to the people from the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra region.
2. Foster long-term economic stability, through the 'Cost of Living Measures' policy – ensuring electricity bill reductions, fuel price relief, tax relief for households and retirees, removal of excise on beer and spirits in venues (to help the hospitality and entertainment industries) and a reduction in healthcare costs.
3. With funding from cutting of government waste, undertake many road upgrades.
If you could deliver one key local project in your term, what would it be?
Fund and implement a Regional Health Workforce Incentive Program with subsidised housing or relocation grants for GPs, nurses and allied health professionals and having dedicated training hubs in collaboration with the University of Wollongong and TAFEs.
Why are you the best person for the job?
If elected, I will not be a ‘career politician’, because my motto is “passion not position”. I have significant experience in serving the community and previously operated a small business. As a current volunteer Board Director, I liaise with committee members, improve documentation and procedures and participate in working bees with teams. I have demonstrated skills in advocacy, public speaking (local council meetings, community halls and at Parliament House in Canberra), strategic planning, organisation, research and writing (reports/articles/speeches). I offer a supportive style of leadership and the ability to instil a positive influence across all levels of contacts, with purpose and vision.
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The Illawarra Flame puts the same questions to all candidates, giving everyone a chance to share their vision for Australia.
- Q&A with Amanda Ivaneza, Liberal candidate for Cunningham
- Q&A with Jess Whittaker, Greens candidate for Cunningham
- Q&A with Alison Byrnes, the current Labor MP for Cunningham
- Q&A with Tim Lavers, the Animal Justice Party's candidate for Cunningham
- Q&A with Carol Berry, Labor candidate for Whitlam
- Q&A with Nathaniel Smith, Liberal candidate for Whitlam
- Q&A with Jamie Dixon, Greens candidate for Whitlam
- Q&A with Sharon Cousins, One Nation candidate for Whitlam
List updated April 29, 2025