Mornington independent candidate Adrian Maher says his project experience and political independence are what set him apart as he campaigns for the seat of Mornington.
Speaking with STPL News at Commonfolk in Mornington, Maher discussed housing, homelessness, roads, policing and why he believes local representatives need to look beyond traditional government funding to get projects delivered.
By the end of the conversation, his pitch was clear.
“I’m unbossed. I’m unbought. I’m a true independent.”
Why Adrian Maher Is Running
Maher grew up on the Mornington Peninsula, played soccer locally and worked around Mornington and Moorooduc before moving to Melbourne.
He later returned to the Peninsula to raise his family.
“I felt like this was always my home.”
Maher said much of his professional career had involved delivering projects across health, education, technology and the environment.
Returning home prompted him to question why many long-running Peninsula issues were still unresolved.
“Why am I out there helping federal government? Why am I out there helping South Australian government, Tasmanian government?”
“I feel like I should probably be looking after my own backyard.”
Looking Beyond Government Funding
Maher argued Victoria’s financial position meant representatives could not simply rely on governments writing large cheques for every local project.
The 2026-27 Victorian Budget forecasts net debt of $175.6 billion in 2026-27, increasing to $199.3 billion by 2029-30.
Maher said communities should explore partnerships with businesses and outside investors.
“The skill set is going to be about being able to work collaboratively with the community and with outside investment as well to be able to create those solutions.”
Maher said he supported public-private partnerships where they could help deliver infrastructure while maintaining appropriate public oversight.
‘I’m Not A Teal’
Asked whether he considered himself a teal independent, Maher rejected the label.
“No, I definitely am not.”
He said there was a distinction between candidates receiving significant organisational or financial backing and those operating independently.
Maher told STPL News his campaign had not accepted donations at the time of the interview.
He said he was uncomfortable with large amounts being spent on political campaigns during a cost-of-living and housing crisis.
“We don’t want it to be where, if you’ve got the most amount of money, you can pay for the most advertising and win.”
Housing And Homelessness
Maher said helping people experiencing homelessness required more active outreach rather than expecting people in crisis to navigate support services themselves.
STPL News has previously reported that rough sleeping across the Mornington Peninsula had risen sharply.
“We need a team of people out there actually going out and reaching these people and saying, ‘We will literally stand with you, walk you to the help that you need.’”
On housing supply, Maher proposed exploring smaller prefabricated homes on suitable residential blocks.
Victoria’s planning rules already allow small second dwellings of up to 60 square metres on many residential and rural properties without a planning permit, although a building permit and other requirements still apply.
Maher’s concept would involve partnerships between government, suppliers and property owners, with participating households potentially receiving a share of rental income.
He said the proposal required further development but believed existing residential land could provide additional affordable housing relatively quickly.
A Different Approach To Potholes
Road conditions were another major part of the conversation.
Maher said his campaign had investigated the JCB Pothole Pro, specialised machinery designed to cut, crop and clean damaged sections of road in preparation for repair.
He stressed the idea was still being investigated.
“It hasn’t become a firm policy announcement exactly which way we’re going to go.”
Maher said the proposal reflected the type of practical problem-solving he wanted to bring to Parliament.
“That’s all we think we can bring, these sort of innovative, collaborative solutions.”
Police Retention And Administration
On crime and policing, Maher said discussions with police and emergency service workers had highlighted concerns around workload, stress and administration.
“They’re feeling as if they’re overworked and they’re tired and they’re stressed.”
He argued recruiting additional officers would achieve little if experienced members continued leaving the force.
STPL News has previously examined Victoria Police recruitment and competing election commitments.
Maher supported examining ways to reduce administrative work for police so officers could spend more time on frontline duties.
Maher’s Pitch To Mornington Voters
Asked why voters should choose him over a party candidate or another independent, Maher returned to two themes.
“I think there’s two main reasons. The first one is my experience in big projects. The second one is my actual independence.”
Maher argued being outside a political party would allow him to focus on priorities identified by the Mornington electorate.
His final message was the same one displayed on his campaign vehicle.
“I’m unbossed. I’m unbought. I’m a true independent.”
Mornington is currently held by Liberal MP Chris Crewther, who won the seat in 2022 with a two-candidate-preferred margin of 0.7 per cent over independent Kate Lardner. STPL News has also interviewed One Nation candidate Ashli Beards as part of its 2026 Mornington coverage.
