Meet Leon Rebello

Meet Leon Rebello, a proud Gold Coast local with a passion for community, a tireless work ethic, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Leon has immersed himself in every corner of the southern Gold Coast — from local business chambers to grassroots organisations. As the Liberal National Party (LNP) candidate for McPherson, he’s been hitting the pavement, talking directly to residents and listening to their concerns, whether it’s the cost of living, infrastructure needs, or access to healthcare. With a background in law and public service, Leon brings both experience and energy to the table — and he’s ready to be a strong voice for the Gold Coast in Canberra.

Why did you want to be a Gold Coast local?
Like so many Gold Coast residents, I moved here for a better lifestyle as well as the opportunities that a growing economy presented. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in our incredible community, from the Burleigh Heads Rotary, to the Mudgeeraba and Southern Gold Coast chambers of commerce, to various community organisations, school alliances and business groups. I’ve been warmly welcomed by the local community and am proud to call the Gold Coast home.

What do you love about the Gold Coast?
I love that we’re an aspirational city with so much to offer. We have among the best natural environments in the world and a close-knit community that bands together and looks after each other in times of need, something that we all saw recently during the tropical cyclone.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a son of migrants – my dad’s a tradie and mum works for the public service. They ran a small business on the side and taught me the value of hard work, personal responsibility and reward for effort. Throughout my career I’ve worked in a number of different roles, including as a pharmacist assistant, a tutor, and as an adviser to the Australian Foreign Minister. Most recently I worked as a practising solicitor specialising in foreign investment law, and before that acted for the Commonwealth during the Bushfire Royal Commission.

In April last year, I was humbled to be selected by hundreds of grassroots LNP members to stand for McPherson. Since then, I’ve been a full-time candidate, engaging with our community. I’ve held well over 100 listening posts, attended more than 500 community engagements, and have spoken to thousands of residents on the phones and at their doors.

You are running to be the McPherson Federal MP, what made you decide to be a candidate?
Over the last three years I’ve watched our community suffer from Labor’s cost-of-living crisis, thanks to soaring inflation on top of rising energy bills and housing constraints. Since been selected by the LNP as the candidate for McPherson last year, I’ve held over 100 listening posts, attended more than 500 community engagements, and spoken to thousands of residents on the phones and at their doors, and the message is clear – people are hurting, and I want to change this. As a growing city, it’s critical that our local member can deliver real results. Our retiring LNP Member Karen Andrews was successful at this, securing around $2 billion of funding for the electorate in her tie as Member. It’s an admirable legacy, and I’m confident that my experience, passion and commitment will enable me to continue to be a strong voice the Gold Coast in Canberra.

What does a typical day for you look like at the moment?
Each day is different, but I’m always meeting so many different people which I love. I typically wake up at 4:50am and scroll through the news so I’m up to speed on matters for the day. I will then head to a different location in the electorate each day for one or more listening posts, where I talk with local residents on issues that matter to them most. The rest of the day generally involves a combination of doorknocking, sign waving (you may have seen my dedicated team across the electorate), phone canvassing, attending community events, visiting small businesses and hosting visiting shadow ministers. On a personal front, I try to fit in a gym session a few times a week, and make sure I do some reading before bed.

What are some key issues that you are passionate about and hope to address if you win the seat?
The number one issue that people and businesses on the southern Gold Coast raise with me is how much they’re struggling due to Labor’s cost of living crisis. That’s why a Liberal National Government will focus on lowering inflation by removing wasteful government spending and getting our economy back on track. This is on top of the immediate relief we’ll provide by slashing the fuel excise tax, meaning residents will save 25c every litre when they fill up the tank.

We will also bring down energy bills for residents and industry through a balanced energy approach, which includes unlocking domestic gas. We’re also focused on making housing more affordable and unlocking supply by reducing migration, which is at record levels under Labor, tackling union corruption in the building sector, and funding essential infrastructure (like water, power and sewerage) at housing development sites to encourage supply.

Boosting our healthcare system is another key priority, which is why we’ll fund more GPs to address current shortages and increase bulk billing which has also fallen under Labor.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your electorate, and how do you plan to tackle them?
We are experiencing unprecedented population growth here on the Gold Coast. This, coupled with the 2032 Olympics, will mean that moving around the electorate will only get harder unless the government delivers adequate infrastructure needed to cater for this growth. As most people would agree, residents are already spending too much time in traffic, which means less time spent with family and friends.

As your Federal Member, I will continue to fight for critical infrastructure projects like upgrades to Exit 82 (intersection of Robina Parkway and the M1) and the roundabouts approaching Robina Town Centre. I will also fight for rail connectivity from Varsity Lakes Train Station to the Gold Coast Airport, and will be an important voice in Canberra when it comes to the investment decisions that will be made regarding the 2032 Olympics.

What should McPherson residents expect from a possible Leon Rebello MP?
If given the privilege to serve as the Member for McPherson, residents should expect an MP that is accessible, and someone who listens and fights for their interests on the southern Gold Coast. My record shows that my work ethic and commitment to service drives me everyday.

What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Cafe: Blackboard, Varsity Lakes
Restaurant: Thai on The Hill, Robina
Bar: Rosella’s, Burleigh Heads
Beach: Rainbow Bay Beach

How do you choose to spend your days off?
When I have a ‘day off’, I’ll let you know! Although when I do get some time to myself, I enjoy taking my labradoodle Theo to the Palm Beach Dog Beach.