Matt Bryan stands out among the 26 candidates contesting the four seats covering St George and Sutherland Shire at the federal election because he is the only independent.
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A former dux of Engadine High School, who still lives in the suburb, Mr Bryan is running in Hughes on one issue - Australia's immigration numbers.
Mr Bryan has a geography degree from the University of Wollongong and has worked at SBS, TAFE NSW, and the NSW Department of Education.
"I'm not delusional - I'm not expecting to win the seat," he said.
"But I'm at least giving people a chance to vote for someone who will prioritise our own people before anyone else, pushing for policies that aim to preserve our quality of life whilst maintaining a stable population.
"If people think this makes more sense than aimlessly marching on the path towards a big Australia, then they can vote for me."
His proposals include reducing immigration to 40,000 per year, banning foreign buyers from purchasing real estate in Australia and abolishing negative gearing, interest only home loans and the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount.
Mr Bryan said the impact of the high immigration rate was obvious in many areas, including health, public transport and roads.
"But, it's like the major parties have an unspoken agreement not to make it an election issue because high immigration is wanted by their support bases."
Mr Bryan said he believed his arguments on the issue were "better researched" than Pauline Hanson's One Nation, which also advocates cutting immigration numbers.
"I am arguing on economic, environmental and social grounds, whereas they seem to be focused only on the social aspects," he said.