As Australians prepare to vote on May 3, the seat of Macquarie is again shaping up as a closely watched seat, with a field of candidates offering voters a sharp choice on national and local priorities.

Labor’s Susan Templeman is seeking re-election on the back of her record in disaster recovery, health, and community infrastructure. Templeman, a former radio journalist and small business owner, has made Medicare a centrepiece of her campaign, promising a new local Urgent Care Clinic, expanded access to telehealth services, and cheaper women’s healthcare.

She is also emphasising Labor’s broader economic message of increasing wages, bringing down inflation, and maintaining balanced budgets.

Challenging her is Liberal candidate Mike Creed, a Hawkesbury City Councillor making his first tilt at federal politics. Creed is focusing on cost-of-living pressures, better infrastructure, and flood resilience across the electorate, particularly in the Hawkesbury.

The Greens’ Terry Morgan is campaigning on climate action and affordable housing. Morgan is calling for faster investment in renewable energy, an end to native forest logging, and better public transport powered by clean energy.

One Nation’s Matthew Jacobson is running on a platform of stronger immigration controls, cutting government spending, and building up Australia's defence capabilities.

Joaquim Eduardo De Lima from the Libertarian Party is advocating for smaller government, lower taxes, and more personal freedoms.

Roger Gerard Bowen from Family First is focusing on socially conservative policies, including protecting religious schools, opposing “radical gender ideology,” and promoting what he describes as Judeo-Christian values.

With Labor and the Coalition locked in a tight national contest, Macquarie’s outcome could help determine who forms government.