In the lead-up to the upcoming federal election, we sat down with Francine Wiig, independent candidate for the seat of Fairfax, to find out about her vision for the future.
A mother of 11-year-old twins and a passionate community advocate, Francine is stepping into the political arena to fight for a better future for families on the Sunshine Coast. In this candid conversation, she shares what motivated her to run, her vision for the region, and why she believes an independent voice is crucial for change.
A Q&A with independent candidate for Sunshine Coast Francine Wiig
What sparked your decision to run as an independent candidate?
I am completely disillusioned with the current state of politics in Australia. The two party system has stopped working for people. The community independent movement is amazing because it gives the power back to the community.
We have been a safe seat for so long here in Fairfax – we’ve been put in the ‘we don’t worry about it’ basket by both major parties. An independent representative will mean we’ll get the funding and attention we need and deserve.
I was nominated by people in the community for the role and felt a real sense of urgency about creating a more hopeful future. I wanted to model to my kids that it’s important to stand up for what you believe in, lead by example and create positive change.
How does your background bring a fresh option to residents?
I’ve worked in private and public industries, and we’ve been running a small family air conditioning business for nearly 20 years here on the coast. I’m a mum of twins, who turned 11 last week, and I went back and did law when they were little, so I have the academic and professional experience to do the job effectively, but I’m definitely not a career politician.
I know what it’s like to be living in our community right now – juggling work and family, -and I am genuinely interested in hearing what is important for people in the electorate.
I don’t have any desire to be the minister of a big portfolio or run for Prime Minister. I just want to make sure I get on with the job of being an advocate for our community and country, in Canberra.
Francine Wiig, independent candidate for Fairfax, with her family
Why do you believe an independent member is better for our community? And how will that improve life for parents and kids?
We have been a safe seat for too long. Safe political seats get overlooked and forgotten by both major parties, so we have been missing out. We can see that our infrastructure is already struggling.
An independent doesn’t have to vote along party lines or keep party bosses happy. They can really engage and listen to the community, and negotiate with all sides of politics and all levels of government. Without party politics getting in the way, independents can deliver real outcomes for their electorates.
For parents and kids on the coast, that will mean better infrastructure, better childcare, less red tape, more support for small businesses, and more support for our essential workers so they can provide the services we need, as well as strong action on climate change. It means a brighter future for our kids, our region, and our country.
What’s your elevator pitch—why should parents vote for you?
As a parent of young kids myself, I’m really worried about the future they are inheriting. I want them to afford a home, to start their adult lives without being strangled by a HECS debt they’ll never pay off, and to live in a world that isn’t burning and flooding. I’m standing as a community independent to fight for a better future for our kids and for their kids.
What are your biggest concerns for kids growing up on the Sunshine Coast today, and what do you hope to change?
One of my biggest concerns is housing affordability.We must address the housing shortage here, and invest in our University and TAFE so our young people can afford to stay close to their families, networks, and the communities in which they grew up in.
We also need to invest in infrastructure to keep pace with our growing population while protecting the environment that makes the Sunshine Coast special. Through the community listening project, environmental protection was a key concern, and I want to ensure we plan for future generations.
As a strong, independent voice in Canberra, focused only on advocating for this community and not party politics, I will be able to negotiate and work with all sides of politics to ensure we receive the funding and attention we need and deserve to protect our natural environment and strengthen our infrastructure.
Francine Wiig, independent candidate for Fairfax with family on the beach on the Sunshine Coast
Now for the important questions: If you were a sea creature, which one would you be?
This was actually a tricky question! After consulting with my kids, we decided I’d be an axolotl. My son’s school put on a production last year, and he played an axolotl—he had such a great time, and it looked like a fun creature to be!
Do you have a favourite Pokémon?
With some help from my kids, we’ve settled on Growlithe—the fire Pokémon from Generation. It has a friendly nature and is brave and trustworthy, but it is protective of its territory and fiercely stands up to bigger foes through loyalty and voice.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I grew up playing soccer as a fullback and was the only girl on the team for a long time. It was tough to get on the team, but once I did, I loved it. Now, my kids play, and our weekends are spent on the sidelines cheering them on.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the Sunshine Coast in your downtime?
We love heading down to Cotton Tree with friends, having fish and chips or a picnic, and just enjoying the park and beach. We’re also a family of keen bushwalkers, so we’re lucky we’ve got some beautiful places close by in our specular hinterland.
Is there anything else you want parents to know?
I want our kids to be able to stay in the region, close to their families, and continue enjoying this incredible lifestyle. Investing in local infrastructure, protecting the environment, and ensuring affordable housing will allow future generations to thrive here. This community-led independent movement is about giving power back to the people, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Francine Wiig, independent candidate for Fairfax
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