Nicolette Boele's Historic Victory in Bradfield: A Teal Independent's Campaign Finances

Nicolette Boele claimed a narrow victory in the 2025 federal election for the Sydney seat of Bradfield, winning by just 26 votes against Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian. Boele's campaign was notable for its financial scale, costing $2.26 million, making it the most expensive campaign among teal independents. This expenditure surpassed that of prominent teal candidates like Allegra Spender and Monique Ryan, who each spent $2.1 million in their successful campaigns during the 2022 election.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) reported that Boele received substantial financial backing, including over $696,000 from Climate 200, a political campaign group founded by businessman Simon Holmes à Court. Additionally, Boele's campaign benefited from $265,057 classified as “other receipts,” which can include various forms of financial support. Other significant contributions included $92,000 from Robert Keldoulis’ investment company and $170,000 from Keldoulis personally.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

The recent changes to political donation laws, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, have raised concerns among independent candidates like Boele. The new regulations will lower the disclosure threshold for donations from $16,900 to $5,000 and limit individual contributions to $50,000 per candidate. Boele expressed that these changes would hinder the ability of independents to compete effectively against major parties, which she claims benefit from significant funding sources, including the fossil fuel industry.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

Boele stated, “Our spending will be capped, while the major parties can access significant additional funding through the notorious ‘nominated entity’ loophole.” This loophole allows certain organizations to donate to political parties without those transfers being classified as donations, further entrenching the financial advantage of major parties.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

Despite the financial challenges posed by the new donation laws, Boele emphasized the importance of community support in her campaign. She remarked, “Community donors help level the playing field. Their generosity made it possible for community-backed independents like me to stand up and genuinely challenge the major parties.”

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

A spokesperson for Climate 200 noted that the group received donations from 33,000 individuals, supporting 35 community independent campaigns. They highlighted that despite being outspent by major parties more than tenfold, the performance of independent candidates in the 2025 election indicated a growing momentum for future elections.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

The election outcome was contentious, with Kapterian initially leading by eight votes before Boele's victory was confirmed after a recount. Kapterian challenged the result in court but withdrew her case after 145 days. The tight nature of the contest underscores the competitive landscape for independents in Australian politics.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

As the political environment evolves with new donation regulations, the future of independent candidates like Boele remains uncertain. The upcoming 2028 election will be a critical test for the viability of community-backed independents in a system increasingly perceived as favoring established major parties.

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

• “Community donors help level the playing field. Their generosity made it possible for community-backed independents like me to stand up and genuinely challenge the major parties,” — Nicolette Boele, MP

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent

• “Rather than winning voters with better policies, the major parties have colluded to tilt the rules in their favour,” Boele said.” — Nicolette Boele, MP

Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele spent more than $2.2m on election campaign – the most of any teal independent