Berowra heads into the 2025 federal election with quiet uncertainty. Long considered a safe Liberal seat, it is now being watched more closely, as demographic changes and a strong independent campaign have shifted local dynamics. As the May 3 polling date approaches, the contest remains open-ended—less about tradition, more about turnout, preferences and the strength of new voices.
Sitting on Sydney’s northern edge, Berowra runs from Epping and Pennant Hills through Cherrybrook, Hornsby, Mount Colah and Thornleigh, stretching into the semi-rural pockets of Dural, Glenorie and Wisemans Ferry. It’s a mix of leafy suburbs and country fringes, home to just over 163,000 people. The median age sits at 41, and the area boasts a strong professional class, high rates of home ownership and a growing multicultural edge. While English remains dominant, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi and Korean are spoken widely. Long a conservative stronghold, Berowra is quietly shifting, shaped by cultural change and a new generation of voters.
Julian Leeser of the Liberal Party has held the seat since 2016. A prominent figure in the party’s moderate wing, Leeser served in senior roles during his tenure and stepped down from the frontbench in 2023 to publicly support the Voice referendum. His stance drew national attention and was particularly noted in a seat where middle-class, educated voters have become increasingly attuned to broader social debates. In 2022, Leeser retained Berowra with 55.1% of the two-party preferred vote, down from 60.7% in 2019, marking a swing of 5.6% against the Liberal Party.
This election, the field has widened. Tina Brown, a local publisher and long-time editor of the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai Post, is running as a Climate 200-backed independent. She has stepped away from her editorial role to campaign full-time. Her platform focuses on climate policy, housing access for first home buyers, and transport infrastructure. Brown’s campaign has adopted the ‘teal’ independent model seen in neighbouring electorates: heavy on face-to-face engagement, backed by targeted social media, and bolstered by professional fundraising. Her team has maintained a steady presence at railway stations, weekend markets and parent networks. Early digital monitoring suggests Brown has built notable engagement among younger and middle-aged voters, particularly in Cherrybrook, Hornsby and Pennant Hills.
Labor’s candidate, Benson Koschinski, is running again after contesting the seat in 2022. His previous campaign yielded a 20.1% primary vote—a relatively stable result given Berowra’s Liberal lean. Labor’s campaign has remained active but low-key, and while the party does not expect to win, preferences from Labor voters could be critical in narrowing the margin between the leading two candidates. If Brown can maintain primary momentum, Koschinski’s second preferences may play a kingmaker role.
Other candidates include Brendan Clarke (Fusion Party), Gerald Mattinson (One Nation), and Stephen Bastian ( Trumpet of Patriots ). Clarke is representing the Fusion alliance, formed through the merger of several micro parties including the Science and Pirate parties. Their presence is minimal, with campaign efforts largely digital and aimed at niche policy reform. Mattinson’s One Nation candidacy is more visible on the outskirts of the electorate, particularly in Wisemans Ferry and Maroota, where anti-government messaging has found modest support. Bastian’s campaign for The Other Party remains largely symbolic, with no significant campaign infrastructure.
Key local issues are shaping the public mood, as reported by the Hornsby Advocate and echoed on community forums and local Facebook groups. Residents cite transport delays on the T1 line, increasing congestion through Pennant Hills and Thornleigh, and the steady loss of tree cover in areas undergoing medium-density rezoning. Climate resilience has emerged as another concern, with heatwaves and fire risks front of mind in bushland-adjacent suburbs. Brown’s messaging on these fronts has resonated, while Leeser has focused on the Coalition’s infrastructure plans and broader economic credentials.
Voting behaviour in Berowra has remained stable in turnout, with the 2022 election recording a participation rate of 93.4%. However, the informal vote rate rose to 5.6%, suggesting some level of confusion or dissatisfaction, possibly tied to the growing number of minor party candidates. While the seat was comfortably held by the Liberals, the margin narrowed, and the two-party swing against the incumbent aligned with a broader metropolitan trend across Sydney’s north.
Postal vote numbers and prepoll activity have steadily increased in the past two elections, and 2025 is expected to follow suit. This could delay final counting if the contest is close, especially in a seat where preference flows might determine the winner. Independent analysts have noted that if the Liberal primary vote drops below 45%, and Brown continues to outperform in suburban booths, the seat could become marginal.
While Leeser retains the advantages of incumbency, name recognition and a loyal Liberal base, the independent challenge has been more coordinated and better funded than in previous years. Brown has drawn attention to local issues with precision, aiming to convert community frustration into electoral action.
Berowra’s 2025 outcome could reveal more than a local contest. It may serve as a case study in how traditionally conservative suburban electorates are responding to climate-focused independents and a more fragmented political field. A clear result may not come on election night, but the dynamics are already signalling a shift from business-as-usual politics in Sydney’s outer north.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
