Meet Sam

Early Life & education

Sam grew up around his family’s electrical retail business R T Edwards and completed degrees in Science (Biomedical Science) and Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland. 

Career before parliament

Prior to entering public life, Sam worked in the hospitality industry at venues like the Labrador AFL Sports Club and in a media and communications role at his local Federal MP’s electorate office in Labrador. He also served in many voluntary roles on the committees of local community organisations like the Labrador Community Garden and at Paradise Point Meals on Wheels.

PARLIAMENTARY service

Sam was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2017 as the first Member for Bonney, then a newly-created electorate on the Gold Coast extending from Harbour Town in the north to Griffith University in the south and sitting between the M1 and the Broadwater. He proudly serves the people he represents in Labrador, Arundel, Parkwood, The Surrounds, Biggera Waters, Coombabah and Southport. 

Advocacy & achievements

As a parliamentarian, Sam has been a strong advocate for a second M1 to ease congestion, protecting Arundel Hills from inappropriate rezoning, safeguarding the critically endangered Eastern Curlew habitat off Labrador, and ensuring housing is built in the right locations to ease pressure. He has also pushed for more police resources at Southport Station, infrastructure upgrades at local state schools, and is a passionate supporter of the Jack Beasley Foundation’s work to reduce knife crime and youth violence by removing weapons from our streets and educating young people.

Current roles & responsibilities

In addition to serving as the local MP, Sam currently serves as the Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth. Previously, he held roles as Shadow Assistant Minister to the Opposition Leader, Shadow Assistant Minister for Youth, and Shadow Minister for Environment, the Great Barrier Reef, Science, Innovation, and Youth.