Tell us a bit about yourself —family, background, and why you’re running.
I’m Julian Leeser and I have had the privilege of serving as the Federal Member for Berowra since 2016.
My wife Joanna and I live locally with our two children James and Ruth and enjoy juggling the busyness of work, childcare, school, sport and community.
Before politics I was a lawyer, university administrator and company director. In 2022, I was appointed Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians.
In April 2023, I resigned from the front bench on a point of principle because I wanted to campaign in support of the Voice Referendum. It was the first time in nearly 50 years that any parliamentarian has taken such an action. In January 2025, I was appointed the Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs.
I am running for this election because I hold deep pride for the beautiful country and community we live in, and believe Australia needs a Liberal Government to get back on track.
What’s your plan to help local families with the rising cost of living—especially around groceries, housing and childcare?
We will deliver immediate cost of living relief by halving the petrol tax for 12 months, saving families roughly $14 every time they fill up their car. This is in addition to a one-off Cost of Living Tax Offset of up to $1,200. We will also bring more gas into the energy system to put downward pressure on energy prices.
I am equally committed to restoring the dream of home ownership.
An elected Liberal Government will allow first home buyers to access up to $50 000 of their super towards a deposit to buy their first home and allow first home buyers to claim a tax deduction for the interest payments on their mortgage.
What will you do to improve access to healthcare services in our area, including bulk billing, mental health support, and specialist care for families?
We will guarantee the growing funding of Medicare by investing $9 billion into general practice to restore Medicare bulk billing and ensure all Australians have affordable access to healthcare.
We further aim to grow the GP workforce and combat the serous shortage of GPs through new incentive payments, entitlements and training support.
Mental health support for our community is essential and why the Liberals will restore the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 10 to 20 and make it permanent.
Additionally, we are committed to supporting Australians to access suicide prevention services, restoring funding to suicide prevention research, an issue which I have been championing since my Maiden Speech to Parliament in 2016.
An elected Liberal Government also importantly promises to deliver new investments in best-practice training for health professionals to address women’s health issues and ensure cheaper medicines and targeted healthcare for women through a specific review.
Further, we promise to invest in cancer treatments to support Australians with Ovarian Cancer alongside investing in cutting-edge medical research to ensure treatment breakthroughs and advancements for all Australians.
What are your top 3 priorities for the Berowra electorate if you’re elected?
- Easing pressure on household budgets
The rising cost of living unfairly impacts all Australians and is a key concern of mine.
Families should not have to make the decision between a new pair of school shoes or enrolling their child in weekend sport.
That’s why we will halve the petrol tax, saving you up to $14 every time you’re at the bowser, and provide up to $1,200 in tax relief through our one-off Cost of Living Tax Offset.
- Increasing housing affordability
I believe everyone should be able to achieve the dream of home ownership.
That’s why we have a comprehensive plan to boost supply and ease demand.
This includes allowing first home buyers to access up to $50 000 of their super towards a deposit to buy their first home, allowing first home buyers to claim a tax deduction for the interest payments on their mortgage and lowering the migration rate to free up housing supply for Australians looking to buy their first home.
- Improving community infrastructure
As a father, I understand the importance of improving community facilities and local infrastructure.
That’s why an elected Liberal Government will invest in a significant upgrade of North Epping Oval clubhouse to ensure it is fit for purpose can cater for our growing clubs, and in particular our women’s teams who do not currently have adequate facilities.
An elected Liberal Government will also support our local councils by funding a comprehensive traffic study of Epping and North Epping – the first comprehensive traffic study undertaken since 2018.
What are your top 3 favourite local spots in the Berowra area (e.g. cafes, parks, walks, playgrounds)? Bonus points for a hidden gem!
- Lane Cove National Park walk to Whale Rock.
- Muogamarra Nature Reserve
- Hawkesbury River cruising in a tinnie.
Website: www.julianleeser.com.au