In the following profiles, each candidate was asked what they personally thought was the most important issue this election and how their policies specifically addressed Queanbeyan.

Then each candidate answered a question on the specific topics important to Queanbeyan residents.

These were cross-border relations with the ACT, affordable housing and rental properties, and small business.

Early voting is now open in Queanbeyan at 7-9 Morisset Street, on the ground floor of Morisset House.

Peter Hendy, Liberals

Most important: Better local roads are of critical importance to rural and regional electorates like Eden-Monaro. Better local roads deliver better access to homes, jobs, and local schools; and that’s why I’m delivering a $39 million locals roads package for the Queanbeyan region. Mobile phone black spots in the surrounding region are also important – that’s why we have committed to a new mobile phone tower in Carwoola.

Queanbeyan focus: A re-elected Turnbull Government will make fixing roads in the Queanbeyan region a key priority with $9 million committed to upgrade the intersection of Lanyon Drive and Tompsitt Drive, design the widening of the Monaro Highway, and design the duplication of Pialligo Avenue. This builds on the existing $50 million Barton Highway duplication package and $25 million I’ve delivered for the construction of the EDE.

Cross-border relations: These roads connect NSW to the ACT and facilitate the growth of Tuggeranong and Hume in the ACT while protecting major roads in the Canberra region from increasing congestion. They also benefit residents in Jerrabomberra, Googong, and new development at South Jerrabomberra

Mike Kelly, Labor

Most important: I am motivated by traditional values of the Australian Labor Party. A society in which every child has the same opportunity to excel with full funding of the Gonski education program; that it’s your Medicare card, not your credit card, that determines access to healthcare; and that the government aims to facilitate a sustainable economy with jobs for all who can work.

Queanbeyan focus: Queanbeyan needs a strategic transport plan to make sure our growing region has the transport infrastructure it deserves. I have announced a comprehensive transport solution package addressing existing and future growth pressures in the region.

Cross-border relations: As part of a Shorten Labor Government, I would work with ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, on a broader regional economic strategy including eliminating the impediments created by the ACT-NSW border.

Tamara Ryan, Greens

Most important: Narrowing society’s divide between rich and poor. We’ll reform taxation by ending negative gearing, corporate tax avoidance, and regulating taxable deductions of high incomes. Revenue will be used to fully fund Gonksi, save TAFE and fight uni deregulation. Medicare will include dental, we’ll reverse cuts to aged care, and legalise abortion. Protecting penalty rates, investing in NBN, creating renewable energy jobs, are how we plan to bridge that divide.

Queanbeyan focus: Public transport to Canberra, investment in road infrastructure, fighting council amalgamations and unfreezing public servants’ pay are Queanbeyan’s biggest issues. We’ll extend Canberra light rail, have a regular bus service, and better report on the EDE.

Cross-border relations: I have been nourishing regional cooperation with ACT politicians, particularly Greens candidate Patricia Cahill who has a background in urban planning.

Frankie Seymour, Animal Justice Party

Most important: Of all issues that affect animals in Australia, the most important right now would have to be the export of live animals.

Queanbeyan focus: In the Queanbeyan area, wild animal issues are my main concern: habitat loss, road deaths, animals killed as ‘pests’. By standing for parliament, I am informing people they have options to vote against cruelty to animals, while still ensuring their vote flows on to the larger party of their choice.

Cross-border relations: New roads and suburbs in ACT and Queanbeyan kill thousands of animals. Meanwhile, the ACT is eradicating kangaroos from its nature reserves by annual mass shooting, which also impacts on the kangaroo population in surrounding NSW. In parliament, I would work for changes to the EPBC Act to prevent governments recklessly wiping out native animals.

Don Friend, Veteran’s Party

Most important: National importance is Defence Veterans and Emergency Services Veterans suicide, homelessness and mental health. Locally, mobile phone coverage and protection of prime agricultural land.

Queanbeyan focus: As a candidate I am limited what I can do. As a Member of Parliament I will be a strong voice as a cross bencher exerting a positive influence on Government. Lobby the incoming Government to upgrade roads as promised before election and lobby for tax breaks for small business.

Cross-border relations: Happy to work with whoever forms Government but stand up for Eden Monaro.

Ursula Bennett, Christian Democratic Party

Most important: The preservation of traditional hetero-sexual marriage as the blue print for  both the expression of human sexuality and the successful nurture of children into responsible, stable and contributing adults. I am also concerned about the accompanying suppression of dissenting voices in this matter.

Queanbeyan focus: I have already acted as conduit in various matters concerning the needs of local people reaching the ear of our politicians and would continue in my endeavours to connect local people and their concerns with those who legislate, and/or those who administer laws and translate them into the local context.

Housing: Affordability and availability of housing is a complex issue with many contributing factors. I would research methods employed elsewhere with proven success and translate  these methods where possible with necessary adaptations to our own local requirements and conditions.

Cross-border relations: I would be committed to continue the strong tradition established by our parliamentary leader Fred Nile of wherever possible supporting and not unnecessarily  obstructing government with the best outcome for ordinary citizens in view.

Ray Buckley, Independent

Most important: CO2 emissions and protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The CO2 emissions can be reduced if we change our hazard reduction management, if we change some of our agricultural practices and if we stop land clearing.

Queanbeyan focus: I presently work in the ACT for a low income homes program. These homes are entitled to free energy advice. In 2011 I worked in a program with the Queanbeyan Council where I was employed to give free permaculture designs to home owners and businesses. I enjoy talking with people and I am always willing to give free advice on energy saving and permaculture designs.

Cross-border relations: I would work hard to grow that healthy relationship, so areas such as the light rail, bike paths, sporting arenas and roads can be worked on in an efficient and effective manner.

Daniel Grosmaire, Independent

Most important: People are disempowered regarding democracy and current economic approach. I will implement a bottom to top process supported by IT to enable genuine constituent engagement and decision making.  I will also work to reform our tax system (Automated Payment Transaction Tax -APTT). The tax base is greatly increased allowing a very small fee on all transactions. This will establish fairness and greater disposable income.

Queanbeyan focus: I will hold both major parties to account regarding financial 'promises'. I will discuss the best use of any funding allocated to Queanbeyan with local residents. I will fight against economically unbalanced Council amalgamations and restore democracy at the local government level.

Cross-border relations: Currently many important decisions are taken without regard for cross-border planning. I will promote a close relationship regarding planning and infrastructure to create a common approach that focusses on the best outcome.

Andrew Thaler, Independent

Most important: to return the job of elected representative to the people. The bulk of the electorate does not see our elected representatives. Most events attended by the member are pre-planned, scripted, shielded by minders. I will ensure the script is thrown out and I will circulate freely with everyone.

Queanbeyan focus: I support Renewable Energy and Electricity. I have developed Australia’s first Virtual Nett Metering (VNM) system for solar farms, and I see the addition of smaller scale distributed solar farm and renewable energy generation system as integral to assisting with on-farm incomes into the future.

Small business: I stood up against the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) which put owner-drivers out of work. I develop Renewable Energy systems, at mid-scale to open up business opportunities across the region. Our region is perfectly located to supply into this demand.