THE Federal Election is only eight days away, early voting began on May 9, and many voters are still unsure who would be the best fit for the Leichhardt Division.
As the race gets closer to the end, there is so much noise, bickering from party to party, and so many plans and policies that it becomes almost impossible to make rational and informed decisions.
The Leichhardt division covers an area of approximately 148,988 square kms, and some of the main towns it includes are Cairns, Kuranda, Mossman, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Thursday Island and more. Currently, LNP candidate Warren Entsch holds the seat for the electorate.
At Cairns Local News, we reached out to all the Leichhardt candidates and asked them what they think the electorate needs more urgently, how they plan to address these issues and how they will make a difference for you, the voters. So grab a cuppa and get to know a little more about this election’s contenders.
ADAM CROPP, FUSION PARTY
ABOUT
I grew up in Port Douglas surrounded by the things I love most: the marine creatures inhabiting the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests of the Daintree National Park.
I have worked on the Great Barrier Reef for most of my life and as an Expedition Leader for National Geographic, from the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea to the frosty frontiers of Antarctica and everywhere in between.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
I am appalled by the increasing censorship in the media, government, and public discussion.
Australians have a right to know what the government is doing in their name, journalists have a right to do their jobs without fear of prosecution, and whistleblowers have a right to protection under the law.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
My priority, if elected, would be to keep the bastards honest via complete government transparency and an Independent Commission Against Corruption with teeth!
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
I’m not a career politician. But, I value truth, transparency, and open governance.
Australians are demanding a real change in their government. Someone who will advocate for equality, who’s not in the pocket of industry or religious donors, who can balance the environment’s needs with those of the economy and Australia’s future.
DAN HANNAGAN UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY
ABOUT
I am a happily married father of three boys. I am a proud local, and my family has been in the region for generations!
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
The main issue to address in Leichhardt is rental and housing affordability.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Our solution to achieve housing affordability, from a policy standpoint, is based upon three key policies:
First, we must pay down the debt. Over $1 trillion has been spent in the past two years. We must get that paid down as a priority; otherwise, we can forget about having future government funds available to build anything.
Secondly, the UAP has developed a policy to save homeownership and freeze mortgage rates at 3% for owner-occupied homes only for five years.
Finally, the first $30,000 homeowners spend every year paying down their home loan will be tax-deductible.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
From a personal perspective, I will tenaciously fight for what the region’s people deserve.
From a policy perspective, the above three UAP policies, in conjunction with the 20% regional tax deduction for businesses and employees, means we will all have more money in our pockets - and that is a good thing for Leichhardt!
ELIDA FAITH AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
ABOUT
I’m running because I understand just how much locals in our community struggle. After working in community services for 13 years, I have experienced first-hand the challenges faced by the community in Far North Queensland.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
People in Far North Queensland are finding it tough at the moment, everything is going up except their wages, and all they are hearing from Prime Minister Morrison is that it’s not his job.
We need action on the housing crisis and water security, upgrades to our local infrastructure and cost of living, affordable and accessible health services, and investment in our local economy, and a local member who will fight for and deliver for us.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Over five years, an Albanese Labor Government will build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties.
We will cut power prices, invest in renewable power, build a Cairns Urgent Care Clinic, protect Medicare, and invest $150 million in the Cairns Marine Precinct.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
My priority will be delivering on our election commitments and working with the community to find new opportunities and solutions in our region.
I have a plan for jobs and health, and the energy to deliver FNQ.
PAT O’SHANE SOCIALIST ALLIANCE
ABOUT
I am a Kuku Yalanji woman from Mossman who forged a distinguished and trailblazing career in education and law. I have always listened to people’s needs, and the changes they rightly demand.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
Climate action and essential services, including access to affordable housing, healthcare, aged and disability care across Far North Queensland.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
I pledge to Far North Queensland that I will strongly advocate that the Federal Government prioritise people and the planet over donors and lobbyists, and re-build our democracy so we can all live productive lives in security and comfort.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
I have a lifetime of achieving change in the real world. I will support our communities to stand up for what is important.
PHILLIP MUSUMECI AUSTRALIAN GREENS PARTY
ABOUT
I’m a 4th generation local who grew up on a family farm, have worked as a system engineer and university educator, and now live in Cairns with my wife and son.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
I see two equally important issues in Leichhardt: the extreme housing shortage and a lack of climate change action.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
The Greens will invest in social housing at 50,000 houses per year for 20 years with community consultative design and multiple targets of rental, shared ownership, and owner-occupier needs.
Our comprehensive plan to move beyond coal and gas aims to limit temperature rise to the 1.5C necessary to sustain coral reefs and limit weather extremes.
We will create new jobs in the regions where new renewable energy sources and storage are located and support green energy exports and value-adding such as green metal smelting and critical minerals mining.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
To make our public administration and MPs more trustworthy and efficient, I will work hard to get an anti-corruption commission and reformed election funding to stop the influence of dirty money on politicians. As a representative, I would actively listen to residents’ needs and use what I learn to inform the design of national programs.
ROD JENSEN KATTER’S AUSTRALIAN PARTY
ABOUT
I am a qualified teacher and an officer in the Army Reserve. I spend my life these days trying to give young kids the same opportunities I have been given. Growing up in Ravenshoe, I got a scholarship in St Augustine’s School, and I went on to play in the NRL.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
We get nothing up here. Billions of dollars are spent on tunnels and Olympic Games in Brisbane. Townsville got millions for their water projects and stadium. But Cairns gets nothing. We get pre-election promises from politicians, but they forget about us after the election.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
I feel there’s no conversation between Far North Queensland and Canberra. I find our people aren’t being heard on infrastructure, economic development, health and services. One of the major party candidates for the seat of Leichhardt suggested it was a two-horse race between the major parties.
This is exactly the sort of arrogance and complacency which has led to the electorate not being properly represented.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
I’m the guy sitting on the couch saying, ‘What are they doing? Why are they not listening to us?” But I don’t want to be sitting on the couch any longer. I want to be the person stepping forward and taking the voice of the people, the working and aspirational class people, to government.
SUSANNE BAYLY ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY
ABOUT
The Animal Justice Party and I can imagine a world where animals and people live together in harmony with our planet. An inclusive society where we look after each other, our children, the earth, and animals.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
The social-economic gap is increasing rapidly, driven by the climate crisis and the threat of pandemics.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Through our ethical economy policy, which includes: supporting public investment through a ‘New Deal’ approach, tax-reform, jobs guarantee, Universal Basic Income (UBI) and the appointment of a Future Generations Commissioner.
To stand up against all causes of the climate crisis: Fossil fuels, coal, deforestation and animal agriculture.
To prevent future pandemics, at their root cause: the mistreatment and intensive exploitation of animals.
Call for a national register of perpetrators of violence and abuse against both animals and people so they can be prohibited from working with animals, children, and vulnerable people within the community.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
The AJP and I are committed to building an inclusive society approaching everything with our values: kindness, equality, rationality, and non-violence. We work collaboratively with people within the community rather than just unilaterally deciding, so we can work towards a common goal.
WARREN ENTSCH LIBERAL NATIONAL PARTY
ABOUT
I am the long-serving Member for Leichhardt, and I have always fought to get the best outcome for all Far North Queenslanders.
If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I will continue to fight for our region and deliver on my plan for the electorate.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
The two biggest issues by far are cost of living pressures on families and health.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
I have a comprehensive plan to help ease the cost of living pressures for Far North Queenslanders, like reducing petrol excise by half (22 cents a litre) for six months and reducing PBS medicines for general patients by $10 a script.
We are also making a oneoff payment of $250 for 17,314 local pensioners and carers and increasing their regular payments.
Around 72,000 local lowand middle-income earners will receive up to $1500 in further tax relief this year, including a $420 cost of living tax offset.
We have also established the $10 million reinsurance pool to reduce premiums for households and businesses.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
We live in uncertain times. I believe my experience and leadership will be critical as we recover from the global pandemic.
GEENA COURT PAULINE HANSON’S ONE NATION
ABOUT
I am a small business owner and won Business Woman of the year in 2006. I have been a local since the age of 17 and have been involved in the real estate, tourism and construction industries while being a single mum.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
From surveys we sent out, the biggest issue for people is crime, the dropping of the mandates so people can go back to work, Water Security, and the Kuranda Range.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Even though this is not a Federal issue, I will work alongside the State to solve them.
I am not one to say, “this isn’t my job,” Leichhardt is my job, and nothing is getting done about it. People should not be living in fear.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
Listening to them. Everyone says we’re not being heard.
The communities are getting a shopping list but not being asked what they need.
As a leader, you are there for the people no matter what you are going through, and to ignore them is not being a leader.
Canberra has been ignoring us, but my voice is loud, and they will know we are here.
SILVIA MOGOROVICH, INFORMED MEDICAL OPTIONS PARTY (LEICHHARDT)
ABOUT
I am motivated by a sense of fairness, and I’m committed to exposing and eradicating the corruption which permeates our political system.
In addition, I have a broad perspective, as I have worked in various industries and jobs from admin to management, and I’m currently self-employed, so I can relate to the many different sectors in our community.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
Financial security, encompassing the aspects of underemployment, the increasing rental costs and lack of availability, and increasing living costs.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Funding a canning/food processing plant will have flow-on effects and create jobs and new food initiatives in the region. A Hemp processing plant will do the same for other industries - we could make ropes, toilet paper, ‘hempcrete’ and other products.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
I am someone who can be relied on to tell the truth and help whenever I can. I actively promote, support and engage in community-building initiatives and events and prefer to let my actions speak for me.
Election 2022 - Leichhardt
