By James Pheils – Independent for Shortland
What I Stand For: My Priorities
What I Stand For: My Priorities
What I Stand For: My Priorities
I’m not here to play party politics. I’m running to be a voice for the people of Shortland – real people with real concerns.
I use a simple three-part test when deciding where I stand on any issue:
- Is it good for Australia?
- Is it a genuine deal?
- Is it good for our community?
- Is it good for Australia?
- Is it a genuine deal?
- Is it good for our community?
If it passes those three filters, I’ll back it. If not, I’ll fight it. I don’t answer to a party – I won’t be bought, I answer to you, the people..
The cost of living crisis is real, and it’s being driven by unchecked monopolies. Our food, energy, and banking sectors are dominated by a handful of corporations squeezing Australians dry. ASIC must be given the power to break up monopolies or make it more profitable for small players to compete. Competition brings down prices. Right now, we’re paying more than we should – and it’s hurting families.
We are on track to have the first generation in Australian history go backwards in wealth. Our kids can’t afford homes in the communities they grew up in. It’s disgraceful. The median house price in Shortland might hover just over $700,000 – but ask any family house-hunting locally and you’ll hear the same thing: $850,000+ is the new normal. We need serious reform to reduce property speculation, stabilise prices, and get wages growing again. Housing should be for living in, not just for investing.
Bulk billing isn’t just a checkbox – it should be the foundation of our healthcare system. Instead, we’ve created a two-tiered system that rewards private health while starving Medicare. Emergency departments are seeing 6–8 hour wait times. We must re-invest directly into Medicare, streamline its delivery, and stop hiding healthcare failures behind tax breaks for private insurers.
I’ve run a small business for over a decade. I’ve seen firsthand how broken the system is. Small businesses make up 60% of the jobs in this country and contribute around one-third of Australia’s entire GDP – yet we pay more tax, face more red tape, and are treated like a cash cow. The GST system needs an overhaul, loopholes must be closed, and we need a proper small business tax rate. Right now, the taxman has made more off my business than I have – and that’s just not right.
I support clean energy – if it’s smart, if it works, and if Australians benefit from it. For too long, we’ve built billion-dollar industries only to see profits shipped offshore. We mine the raw materials, yet we pay premium prices for our own power. It’s madness. Green energy is a great goal, but it has to be paired with national ownership and long-term thinking. We must stop the short-sighted sell-offs and start building energy security that we own.
We should be building a world where one parent can stay home if they choose. That’s no longer reality when the median house price in Shortland is hovering around $850,000+ in practice. Young families are under pressure like never before. We need to raise wages over time, cool the housing market, and make the family unit central to policy – not an afterthought.
NACC was a start, but right now it’s a toothless tiger. If everyday Australians have to pay their own legal bills, why don’t politicians? We need public prosecutions, not just public statements. Politicians and senior bureaucrats should be held to the same standards as the rest of us. ASIC and the ATO need real teeth – more funding, stronger mandates, and political cover to take on the big end of town. We all know the truth: multinational corporations are ripping Australians off. But we’ve left our watchdogs muzzled and underfunded. That changes with me.
The cost of living crisis is real, and it’s being driven by unchecked monopolies. Our food, energy, and banking sectors are dominated by a handful of corporations squeezing Australians dry. ASIC must be given the power to break up monopolies or make it more profitable for small players to compete. Competition brings down prices. Right now, we’re paying more than we should – and it’s hurting families.
We are on track to have the first generation in Australian history go backwards in wealth. Our kids can’t afford homes in the communities they grew up in. It’s disgraceful. The median house price in Shortland might hover just over $700,000 – but ask any family house-hunting locally and you’ll hear the same thing: $850,000+ is the new normal. We need serious reform to reduce property speculation, stabilise prices, and get wages growing again. Housing should be for living in, not just for investing.
Bulk billing isn’t just a checkbox – it should be the foundation of our healthcare system. Instead, we’ve created a two-tiered system that rewards private health while starving Medicare. Emergency departments are seeing 6–8 hour wait times. We must re-invest directly into Medicare, streamline its delivery, and stop hiding healthcare failures behind tax breaks for private insurers.
I’ve run a small business for over a decade. I’ve seen firsthand how broken the system is. Small businesses make up 60% of the jobs in this country and contribute around one-third of Australia’s entire GDP – yet we pay more tax, face more red tape, and are treated like a cash cow. The GST system needs an overhaul, loopholes must be closed, and we need a proper small business tax rate. Right now, the taxman has made more off my business than I have – and that’s just not right.
I support clean energy – if it’s smart, if it works, and if Australians benefit from it. For too long, we’ve built billion-dollar industries only to see profits shipped offshore. We mine the raw materials, yet we pay premium prices for our own power. It’s madness. Green energy is a great goal, but it has to be paired with national ownership and long-term thinking. We must stop the short-sighted sell-offs and start building energy security that we own.
We should be building a world where one parent can stay home if they choose. That’s no longer reality when the median house price in Shortland is hovering around $850,000+ in practice. Young families are under pressure like never before. We need to raise wages over time, cool the housing market, and make the family unit central to policy – not an afterthought.
NACC was a start, but right now it’s a toothless tiger. If everyday Australians have to pay their own legal bills, why don’t politicians? We need public prosecutions, not just public statements. Politicians and senior bureaucrats should be held to the same standards as the rest of us. ASIC and the ATO need real teeth – more funding, stronger mandates, and political cover to take on the big end of town. We all know the truth: multinational corporations are ripping Australians off. But we’ve left our watchdogs muzzled and underfunded. That changes with me.
The cost of living crisis is real, and it’s being driven by unchecked monopolies. Our food, energy, and banking sectors are dominated by a handful of corporations squeezing Australians dry. ASIC must be given the power to break up monopolies or make it more profitable for small players to compete. Competition brings down prices. Right now, we’re paying more than we should – and it’s hurting families.
We are on track to have the first generation in Australian history go backwards in wealth. Our kids can’t afford homes in the communities they grew up in. It’s disgraceful. The median house price in Shortland might hover just over $700,000 – but ask any family house-hunting locally and you’ll hear the same thing: $850,000+ is the new normal. We need serious reform to reduce property speculation, stabilise prices, and get wages growing again. Housing should be for living in, not just for investing.
Bulk billing isn’t just a checkbox – it should be the foundation of our healthcare system. Instead, we’ve created a two-tiered system that rewards private health while starving Medicare. Emergency departments are seeing 6–8 hour wait times. We must re-invest directly into Medicare, streamline its delivery, and stop hiding healthcare failures behind tax breaks for private insurers.
I’ve run a small business for over a decade. I’ve seen firsthand how broken the system is. Small businesses make up 60% of the jobs in this country and contribute around one-third of Australia’s entire GDP – yet we pay more tax, face more red tape, and are treated like a cash cow. The GST system needs an overhaul, loopholes must be closed, and we need a proper small business tax rate. Right now, the taxman has made more off my business than I have – and that’s just not right.
I support clean energy – if it’s smart, if it works, and if Australians benefit from it. For too long, we’ve built billion-dollar industries only to see profits shipped offshore. We mine the raw materials, yet we pay premium prices for our own power. It’s madness. Green energy is a great goal, but it has to be paired with national ownership and long-term thinking. We must stop the short-sighted sell-offs and start building energy security that we own.
We should be building a world where one parent can stay home if they choose. That’s no longer reality when the median house price in Shortland is hovering around $850,000+ in practice. Young families are under pressure like never before. We need to raise wages over time, cool the housing market, and make the family unit central to policy – not an afterthought.
NACC was a start, but right now it’s a toothless tiger. If everyday Australians have to pay their own legal bills, why don’t politicians? We need public prosecutions, not just public statements. Politicians and senior bureaucrats should be held to the same standards as the rest of us. ASIC and the ATO need real teeth – more funding, stronger mandates, and political cover to take on the big end of town. We all know the truth: multinational corporations are ripping Australians off. But we’ve left our watchdogs muzzled and underfunded. That changes with me.
Meet James Pheils
I’m not a politician – I’m a business owner, a family man, and someone who believes Australia deserves better.
I’m not a politician – I’m a business owner, a family man, and someone who believes Australia deserves better.
I’m not a politician – I’m a business owner, a family man, and someone who believes Australia deserves better.
For the past eleven years, I’ve run my business Mama-P Wholefoods, a local award-winning café and store in Charlestown. I live around the corner from my shop and have raised my kids in this backyard. Every day, I’ve spoken with people in our community-small business owners, workers, families-and I’ve heard the same frustration over and over:
For the past eleven years, I’ve run my business Mama-P Wholefoods, a local award-winning café and store in Charlestown. I live around the corner from my shop and have raised my kids in this backyard. Every day, I’ve spoken with people in our community-small business owners, workers, families-and I’ve heard the same frustration over and over:
For the past eleven years, I’ve run my business Mama-P Wholefoods, a local award-winning café and store in Charlestown. I live around the corner from my shop and have raised my kids in this backyard. Every day, I’ve spoken with people in our community-small business owners, workers, families-and I’ve heard the same frustration over and over:
No one is really listening to us.
On all levels, people feel misrepresented and uninspired by the major parties. We feel unheard, disconnected and ignored – it’s time for a leader who will listen and act on what we need.
Shortland is a “safe” Labor seat, and we’re taken for granted.
For years, Shortland has been treated as a “safe” Labor seat, but what has that really delivered for us? I have uncovered a strong desire from the people for better representation and better outcomes.
We need a change-a true independent voice in parliament.
It’s time for a fresh perspective – someone who isn’t tied to the party agenda and who will stand up and be voice for the people in our community.
about james
Before running my current small business, I built my career from the ground up:
Before running my current small business, I built my career from the ground up:
Before running my current small business, I built my career from the ground up:
- Graduated with a business degree at Newcastle University – Learning how real businesses grow.
- Army Reserve Officer – Military Trained at Duntroon College, leading and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.
Business consultant – Supporting small businesses and working on major projects to scale and grow.
- Setup Telstra licensee & business centres – Running multiple businesses, creating jobs.
- Hospitality and retail – Day to day operations, people focused, sustainability and growth.
Our Mission
“I’ve lived the same challenges you have-navigating rising costs, dealing with red tape, and watching our community’s voice get drowned out by party politics. That’s why I’m stepping up.”
People. Integrity. Leadership.
A Leader Who Works for You
Not a Party.
Not a Party.
People. Integrity. Leadership.
A Leader Who Works for You Not a Party.
People. Integrity. Leadership.
A Leader Who Works for You, Not a Party.
“Shortland has had the same kind of representation for
decades-MPs who put their party first and the community second.
It’s time for that to change.”
“Shortland has had the same kind of representation for decades-MPs who put their party first and the community second. It’s time for that to change.”
“Shortland has had the same kind of representation for decades-MPs who put their party first and the community second. It’s time for that to change.”
I’ve built businesses, not just talked about them.
I’ve faced challenges, solved problems, and delivered results. My experience in the real world has shown me what it takes to make things happen.
I’ve created jobs, not just made promises about them.
I know what it takes to build opportunities, not just talk about them. I’m committed to creating real jobs that will help families thrive and community grow.
I’m not controlled by a party, a union, or a corporation.
I stand as an independent individual, free from political parties, unions, or corporate influence. My beliefs and actions are driven solely by my own values and goals.
Putting Shortland First!
Unlike career politicians, I won’t be told how to vote. Every decision I make will be based on what’s best for Shortland-not what’s best for a political party.
- Commit to Integrity and Accountability.
Focus on Long-Term Benefits for Shortland.
- Remain Transparent in Voting Decisions.
Why does this matter?
The current MP has voted with his party 100% of the time. He has never crossed the floor, never pushed back, and never taken a stand for Shortland over his party.
“How can you negotiate a better deal for your community if you always vote the way your party tells you to?”
People. Integrity. Leadership.
Why Small Business Matters to Everyone.
Why Small Business Matters to Everyone.
Why Small Business Matters to Everyone.
“60% of Australia’s economy is powered by small business.
If we want to create good jobs and strengthen the middle class, we need to support small businesses first.”
As a long-time business owner, I know what’s holding small businesses back:
As a long-time business owner, I know what’s holding small businesses back:
“Strong small businesses mean more jobs, higher wages, and a thriving local economy. If we want real economic growth, we need to stop over-regulating and start supporting small business owners.”
- Too much red tape – Government bureaucracy is crushing local businesses.
- Rising costs – Small business owners are being squeezed, and it’s hurting everyone.
- Lack of real support – Policies are written for big corporations, not for local business owners.
Help Build a Stronger Community.
Sign up to stay informed, share your ideas, and help create a stronger, more connected community – together.
People. Integrity. Leadership.
The Biggest Problem in Shortland,
No Real Voice.
Shortland is one of the safest Labor seats in the country-and that’s a problem.
- The major parties don’t have to fight for your vote.
- Our MP has no real leverage—he votes with the party, not for us.
- Shortland gets ignored because it’s not a swing seat.
“If we want real representation, we need to make Shortland a seat that can’t be ignored. A vote for an independent means a stronger voice in negotiations, real political capital, and better outcomes for our community.”
I will negotiate for Shortland-not just follow orders.
I’ll be an independent voice fighting for real outcomes, working with anyone who’s ready to deliver results for us.
I will fight for better deals for our region.
Our community deserves its fair share – better funding, better services, and real investment in our future.
I will put the people of Shortland before any party.
Every decision I make will be based on what’s best for the people of Shortland, not political agendas.
People. Integrity. Leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No party money. No spin doctors. Just real conversations and hard work. Every step of this campaign relies on community support – from donations to volunteers. That’s also what makes it powerful. I’m running to give Shortland the honest, independent representation it deserves.
Follow me on social media, subscribe to my newsletter, or check this site regularly. I’ll also be out and about across the electorate — at markets, events, and meetups – so come say hi. Transparency is non-negotiable.
If elected, yes – all MPs get an office, staff, and resources to support their communities. But I won’t be using those resources to push a party line. I’ll use them to work for Shortland.
Just like anyone else. I’ve put my hand up to run – not as a career politician, but as someone who lives, works, and raises a family in Shortland. I rely on your vote and your support, not party machinery.
In a close Parliament, independents can hold the balance of power — and that’s when we can really push for better outcomes. Even outside of that, we can shine a light on issues the major parties ignore, introduce common-sense bills, and negotiate improvements to legislation. I’ll use every tool available to make sure Shortland has a strong voice in Canberra.
As an independent MP, my job is simple – to represent the people of Shortland without being tied to party politics. I listen to the community, vote on laws that impact our lives, and push for policies that put Shortland families and small businesses first. I sit on the crossbench and work with all sides of Parliament – but only if it’s good for Australia, Shortland, and families.
I don’t have an office yet – I’ll set that up if elected. But in the meantime, you can contact me directly
- Email: contact@jamespheils.com.au
- Via this website’s contact page
I’m approachable, responsive, and genuinely want to hear what’s on your mind. If it matters to you — it matters to me.
I use a simple three-step filter:
- Is it good for Australia?
- Is it a genuine deal?
- Is it good for our community?
If the answer is yes, I’ll back it. If not, I’ll fight it. No party line. No backroom deals. Just honest, common-sense decision-making.
Technically yes, but realistically, that’s not the goal. My mission isn’t to become PM – it’s to be the most effective, connected, and authentic local representative Shortland has ever had. Power isn’t the point – representation is.
Because I’m not in anyone’s pocket. No party tells me what to say, vote for, or stand for. Every decision I make will be focused on improving life here in Shortland – especially for families, workers, and small business owners. If you’re tired of politics as usual, I’m your alternative.
No party money. No spin doctors. Just real conversations and hard work. Every step of this campaign relies on community support – from donations to volunteers. That’s also what makes it powerful. I’m running to give Shortland the honest, independent representation it deserves.
Follow me on social media, subscribe to my newsletter, or check this site regularly. I’ll also be out and about across the electorate — at markets, events, and meetups – so come say hi. Transparency is non-negotiable.
If elected, yes – all MPs get an office, staff, and resources to support their communities. But I won’t be using those resources to push a party line. I’ll use them to work for Shortland.
Just like anyone else. I’ve put my hand up to run – not as a career politician, but as someone who lives, works, and raises a family in Shortland. I rely on your vote and your support, not party machinery.
In a close Parliament, independents can hold the balance of power — and that’s when we can really push for better outcomes. Even outside of that, we can shine a light on issues the major parties ignore, introduce common-sense bills, and negotiate improvements to legislation. I’ll use every tool available to make sure Shortland has a strong voice in Canberra.
As an independent MP, my job is simple – to represent the people of Shortland without being tied to party politics. I listen to the community, vote on laws that impact our lives, and push for policies that put Shortland families and small businesses first. I sit on the crossbench and work with all sides of Parliament – but only if it’s good for Australia, Shortland, and families.
I don’t have an office yet – I’ll set that up if elected. But in the meantime, you can contact me directly
- Email: contact@jamespheils.com.au
- Via this website’s contact page
I’m approachable, responsive, and genuinely want to hear what’s on your mind. If it matters to you — it matters to me.
I use a simple three-step filter:
- Is it good for Australia?
- Is it a genuine deal?
- Is it good for our community?
If the answer is yes, I’ll back it. If not, I’ll fight it. No party line. No backroom deals. Just honest, common-sense decision-making.
Technically yes, but realistically, that’s not the goal. My mission isn’t to become PM – it’s to be the most effective, connected, and authentic local representative Shortland has ever had. Power isn’t the point – representation is.
Because I’m not in anyone’s pocket. No party tells me what to say, vote for, or stand for. Every decision I make will be focused on improving life here in Shortland – especially for families, workers, and small business owners. If you’re tired of politics as usual, I’m your alternative.
