Darren Hercus is a structural engineer and small business owner of a specialist engineered floor and roof truss system that delivers practical structural solutions for building projects. With a degree in civil/structural engineering (RMIT) and years of industry experience, Darren has built his career around delivering designs that are efficient, compliant, and grounded in real-world construction practices.

In recent years running a small business in Victoria has brought significant challenges, particularly in relation to government-imposed levies, taxes, rates and compliance costs that disproportionately affect small operators. Darren has first-hand experience of this and will be advocating for fairer conditions that allow small businesses to remain viable and competitive.

Darren, who lives in Safety Beach with his wife Annette and their two adult sons, is concerned about the cost of living and housing affordability. He feels that rising rents, due to poor state government policies, make it likely that "the boys will be living at home until they're 40."

Darren believes that owning a home in Australia is becoming "nearly impossible" and expects intergenerational households to become more common, as a direct result of poor government policies. He is concerned that approximately 140 people experience rough sleeping each night within the Nepean electorate alone.

Darren believes a lack of funding for emergency services places communities at risk, increasing response times, staff burnout, and service shortages. Increasing crime rates and a lack of resources are undermining public safety. Insufficient government investment in infrastructure upkeep has led to the road network's decline, resulting in some of the poorest roads nationally. He believes everyone should be treated fairly and as equals and is not afraid to stand up for what he, the electorate and One Nation support.