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

Prior to entering public life, Sam worked in the hospitality industry and as a media and communications adviser at his local Federal MP’s electorate office in Labrador.

Sam was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2017 as the first MP for the new Gold Coast electorate of Bonney. He proudly serves the residents of Labrador, Arundel, Parkwood, The Surrounds, and parts of Biggera Waters, Coombabah and Southport.

As a local MP Sam has worked alongside his community to deliver legislative change like the landmark knife crime prevention reform, Jack’s Law.

In his previous role as Shadow Minister for the Environment, Sam passionately fought for issues from the protection of Curlew roost sites on the Broadwater all the way through to making sure Queensland is taking serious action on climate change. He has strongly advocated for more rangers to better manage our National Parks, for new ideas to increase the protected estate by making conservation an opportunity for landholders and to improve Queensland’s recycling rates.

Re-elected by his community in 2024 for a third term in Parliament, Sam was honoured to be given the new challenge of serving as Queensland’s Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth. Sam is working hard to give more Queenslanders a place to call home.