Early Life and Adversity
Stuart Howe’s journey began far from the sun-scorched plains of Ndola, in Zambia, where he was born to British parents. In 1969, as a young child, his family fled civil war, bringing him to Australia—a land that would become his home and the heart of his fight. This early upheaval shaped Stuart’s resilience, a trait that defines him today. He’s shared that he lost contact with his parents and that his only brother has passed away, marking his life with significant personal challenges. These experiences, detailed in his 2022 campaign materials, suggest a man who’s no stranger to adversity, forging a deep sense of independence and determination that would later fuel his political ambitions.
A Diverse Career and Connection to Parkes
Settling in Australia, Stuart built a varied career that reflects his hands-on, can-do spirit. He worked as a banker and a poultry farmer, gaining practical experience in finance and agriculture—sectors vital to the rural Parkes electorate, which spans 406,755 square kilometers in western NSW, including towns like Dubbo, Broken Hill, and Moree. His 2025 website expands on this, listing industries like corporate retail, intensive farming (free-range eggs), wholesale horticulture, transport/logistics, building, property development, and landscaping. Coming from a long line of military family members, Stuart carries a sense of duty and discipline into everything he does. This breadth of experience—spanning decades—gives him a unique perspective on the struggles of Parkes’ farmers, small business owners, and workers, grounding his campaign in the realities of the region.
Watch Stu’s Campaign Video
Acts of Bravery and Community Spirit
Stuart’s character shines through in his acts of courage, which he’s highlighted in his 2022 campaign. He saved a woman from a house fire in Springwood and was involved in a road accident rescue at Bligh Park, earning a Governor-General’s bravery award for his actions. These moments reveal a man who doesn’t hesitate to step up for others, even at personal risk. Psychologically, this points to a protective, almost paternal instinct toward his community—a trait that carries into his political vision, where he pledges to “lead people out of harm’s way” (from our conversations). His readiness to “put his own assets on the line” for the electorate, as stated in his 2022 materials, signals a bold, self-sacrificing attitude, though it also raises questions about practicality that he might need to address with voters.
Entering Politics: The 2022 Parkes Campaign
Stuart Howe first entered the political arena as an Independent candidate for the Parkes electorate in the 2022 Australian Federal Election. Running as a “True Independent,” he positioned himself as free from party affiliations, emphasizing his commitment to representing the people of Parkes directly, without influence from political parties, lobbyists, or vested interests. His campaign website and media coverage, like the Daily Liberal’s report on his door-knocking efforts in Condobolin, show a grassroots approach, with a 10-point plan that included innovative ideas like enabling constituents to vote digitally on legislation—a unique proposal for direct democracy. His policies blended regional concerns with forward-thinking solutions: increased federal investment in Central West NSW (e.g., a state-of-the-art teaching hospital for civilian and military use), sustainable energy initiatives (e.g., a “Tesla-type mega factory” for electric vehicles, subsidies for electric cars and trucks, solar-powered buses), opposition to mandatory vaccination, stronger privacy laws, and a federal body to tackle wage theft with significant fines. Despite his efforts, the Nationals have held Parkes since 1984, and it’s unclear if Stuart’s outsider status resonated enough to win—but his campaign laid the groundwork for his 2025 run.
A Leader Rooted in the People
Fast forward to 2025, and Stuart Howe is again the Independent candidate for Parkes, doubling down on his commitment to the Australian people. His websites—spanning his 2022 Parkes campaign, 2025 Parkes campaign, and Barwon NSW State 2023 campaign—reinforce his outsider status. He’s never been a member of a political party, a fact he proudly states across all platforms, and his promise to work with all parties “as long as it moves our country forward” (from All Aussies Matter) reflects a pragmatic yet principled approach. His 2025 campaign focuses on issues that hit hard for everyday Aussies: cost of living, housing, health truth, foreign investment (e.g., “Block Chinese Investment – Fight Now!”), and uniting minor parties to challenge the majors. His “Unite Minor Parties” page and “Cartoon Crusaders for Parkes 2025!” imagery show a man determined to rally diverse groups under a shared banner of change.
Visit Stu’s Cartoon Crusaders
A Man of Vast Experience and Resilience
Stuart’s real-life experience remains a cornerstone of his identity. His diverse career gives him a deep understanding of Parkes’ needs, from the financial pressures on small businesses to the environmental challenges facing farmers (e.g., the Darling River crisis). Psychologically, this suggests a man who thrives on challenges, adapts quickly, and learns from every setback. His resilience is evident in his own words: “I’ve had ups and downs, made mistakes, felt the sting of failure—but I’ve never crossed the line” We Fight Back). Drawing parallels with historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, and Walt Disney—who rose from humble beginnings—Stuart sees himself as a grounded leader shaped by adversity. His ability to rise above personal and professional challenges makes him a leader who can weather the storms of politics and fight for his electorate.
A Passionate Visionary with a Fiery Spirit
Stuart’s passion for Australia is palpable. His 2025 campaign slogan, “Aussies We Fight Back!”, and his focus on issues like China’s growing influence ($158 billion in investments, 9.2 million hectares of farmland) show a man who’s deeply protective of the Aussie way of life. On X, he’s posted calls like “Leadership changes are greatly needed for our nation, be the change you wish to see,” revealing a visionary streak—he sees a better future and won’t settle for less. In our conversations, Stuart’s frustration with Australian apathy (“I can’t comprehend or understand, nor do I wish to hear what you have to say, because in the end it’s all too hard”) highlights his intensity. He’s a man who feels deeply, often getting emotional about the struggles of Aussies, as he’s shared: “I do get emotional… I do feel people’s pain” (from the 2022 campaign content). This emotional depth is a strength—it makes him empathetic and relatable—but it can also be a double-edged sword, as we’ll explore later.
A Curious Mind Seeking Connection
One of Stuart’s most striking traits, revealed through our multiple chats, is his curiosity. He asks big, out-of-left-field questions, like why Australians resist visionary leaders (“Why do Australians in general attack that leader, belittle them?”) and how to find “100,000 integral strong style people” globally who share his integrity and drive. This inquisitiveness points to a reflective, self-aware individual who’s always seeking to understand the world and his place in it. Psychologically, this aligns with a growth-oriented mindset—Stuart isn’t content with the status quo; he wants to learn, connect, and build a movement. His desire to find like-minded people globally suggests a deep need for belonging and validation, a trait common in leaders who feel misunderstood by their immediate surroundings (e.g., his frustration with Australians’ tall poppy syndrome).
Spread The Word About Stu
A Direct and Intense Communicator
Stuart’s communication style is direct and unapologetic—his websites are filled with bold calls like “Draw a bloody line in the sand!” and “Enough of this rubbish!” (from We Fight Back). He doesn’t mince words, whether he’s railing against government sellouts or rallying Aussies to fight back. This intensity is a strength—it makes him a powerful advocate who can rally a crowd, as seen in his “Cartoon Crusaders for Parkes 2025!” imagery. However, it can also be a challenge. In our chats, Stuart noted that some Australians mock his intensity, saying he’s “too full-on” or “talks too much.” From a psychological perspective, this suggests that Stuart’s passion can sometimes overwhelm those who prefer a more reserved approach. To grow, Stuart might consider balancing his fiery rhetoric with moments of calm, showing voters he can listen as fiercely as he fights.
A Man of Integrity with a Line He Won’t Cross
Integrity is at Stuart’s core. He’s his own harshest critic, as he’s shared: “I am my harshest critic… there has always been a line I won’t cross” (from the 2022 campaign content). This self-accountability is rare in politics, where many prioritize re-election over principles. Stuart’s commitment to being a true independent—not beholden to party lines—reinforces this. His Barwon site echoes this: “I have never been a member of a political party.” Psychologically, this points to a man with a strong moral compass, driven by a sense of justice and duty to his people. However, his rigid adherence to principles can make him inflexible at times, potentially alienating those who don’t share his exact vision. Learning to find common ground without compromising his values could help Stuart broaden his appeal.
Empathy Balanced with a No-Nonsense Stance
Stuart’s empathy is a defining trait. He feels the pain of Aussies—whether it’s farmers losing land to foreign investors or families struggling with cost of living. His 2025 site states, “I commit to focus on the people’s welfare,” and in our chats, he’s expressed a desire to lead people “out of harm’s way.” His statement, “I am you… I am us,” reflects a populist streak, aiming to connect with voters on a personal level. This compassion makes him a leader who genuinely cares, a trait that resonates with voters tired of polished politicians. But Stuart doesn’t suffer fools—he’s quick to call out “minor party sharks”, who he believes steal ideas and lack vision. This no-nonsense attitude is a strength in a leader who needs to stand firm, but it can also make him seem confrontational. Stuart might benefit from channelling his frustration into more collaborative solutions, showing voters he can unite as well as fight.
Stu Says No To Donations
A Forward-Thinking Vision for Parkes
Stuart’s policies reflect a blend of idealism and pragmatism. His 2022 campaign introduced innovative ideas like digital voting for constituents, a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, and environmental initiatives (e.g., shutting down fracking, supporting electric vehicles). In 2025, he’s doubled down on protecting the Aussie way, with a focus on blocking foreign investment (e.g., China’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Bellamy’s dairy) and uniting minor parties. His willingness to work with all parties for “good legislation” while blocking “bad” policies shows a collaborative yet principled approach. Stuart draws inspiration from historical leaders like Lincoln and Churchill, questioning whether great leaders are born into times of need—a belief that he’s ready for this critical moment, honed by life’s experiences.
Areas for Growth: Managing Intensity and Building Bridges
While Stuart’s intensity and directness are strengths, they can also be polarizing. His frustration with Australian apathy and resistance to change sometimes borders on disdain, as seen in his comment, “Australians in general will attack that leader, belittle them, almost intentionally to get in their way.” This suggests a deep hurt from feeling misunderstood, a common trait in visionary leaders who are ahead of their time. To move forward, Stuart could work on patience—understanding that change takes time and not all Aussies are ready for his level of passion. Additionally, his distrust of minor party players, while valid, might limit his ability to build coalitions. His “Unite Minor Parties” page is a great start, but fostering more trust and collaboration could amplify his impact, while minor parties still have to earn Stuart’s trust by their actions, and rightly so.
Why Stuart Howe Is the Leader Parkes Needs
Stuart Howe is a rare breed—a leader who combines real-world experience, unshakeable integrity, and a fiery passion for Australia. He’s a man who’s felt the struggles of Parkes’ people, from farmers to small business owners, and he’s ready to fight for them with every ounce of his being. His intensity, while sometimes polarizing, is what makes him a force for change in a political landscape desperate for authenticity. Stuart’s not perfect—he can be too direct, too impatient at times—but his heart is with the people, and his vision for a better Australia is unwavering. For Parkes in 2025, Stuart Howe is the Independent leader who’ll stand tall, boots on, and never back down.