The 38-year-old is part of a well-known family from the region and joins the fight for the seat of Nicholls with independent Rob Preistly and Nationals candidate Sam Birrell, as current Member for Nicholls Damien Drum is retiring at the forthcoming election.
“I recognise that this is an enormously diverse electorate, stretching from the Murray to Broadford. We are culturally and economically diverse, a great place to live, but in the last six years our issues have slipped off the radar in Canberra,” Mr Brooks said.
“I will immediately contact all of the communities in Nicholls to introduce myself and to start acting on federal concerns.
“Politics should be a place that resolves the issues that confront us locally, nationally and internationally. I want to restore the electorate’s faith in their local member.
“I want people to know that ‘Brooksy’ has your back on this, he will listen, and then take action.”
Sharman Stone, former Liberal member for Murray, now Nicholls, is hugely supportive of Mr Brooks’ candidature.
“I am so pleased and relieved to see this experienced, keen, energetic young man ready to take up the fight in Canberra,” Dr Stone said.
“This is a tough job and not for the faint-hearted, but I know Steve has got what it takes. He will never stop trying, and will listen and act.
“And as a Liberal Steve will be at the table where and when the decisions are made.
“He will be on the top team, not alone, peering through the window, or having to vote with Labor.”
Mr Brooks is a fourth-generation local born in Cobram and raised on the family farm and went to secondary school in Shepparton.
He worked overseas as a wheat trader and business man before returning home to start his own orchard.
He is also a local secondary teacher.
“Teaching gave me a deep understanding of the pressures on our young people and their families, especially during COVID,” Mr Brooks said.
He lists water security, business development, the environment, employment, childcare, health, aged care, education, training and pathways to jobs as some of the key areas where he will work with people to deliver change for the good.
“I now live in Cobram, but have just rented a flat in Shepparton, so I can better reach all of the 25,000 square km electorate during the campaign,” Mr Brooks said.
“I am determined to meet as many people as soon as possible, and I also want people to connect with me on social media.
“The election could be as early as March so there is no time to lose.”
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