General News
9 September, 2024
Race for key electorate
THE race for the Labor held seat of Mulgrave has stepped up with former Cairns mayor Terry James contesting the seat for the LNP, while Katter’s Australian Party has announced popular school teacher and sportsman Steve Lesina as their candidate.
Mulgrave is currently held by Labor’s Curtis Pitt who is retiring. He has backed television actor Aaron Fa’aoso but the ALP have yet to confirm who will be their candidate.
Mr James was a councillor in Cairns for 22 years and became mayor after Bob Manning’s retirement late last year. He was unsuccessful during the March elections.
“I’m unashamedly parochial about Cairns and our beautiful region,” he said.
“We live in a location that is the envy of the world, with a lifestyle to match.
“I also know we have so much more to offer Australia and the world, but to do that we need to get the basics right for locals after a decade of neglect under Labor.
“I’ve proudly built a life here in the Cairns region over 40 years and there is so much more to do.
“Our communities are hurting from power prices and insurance premiums that are spiralling out of reach.
“Locals are being exposed to crime like never before, while the ability for locals to access health services and housing is extremely difficult.
“These issues have come about because the Palaszczuk/Miles Labor government has stopped listening to locals and is focused purely on its own survival.”
LNP leader David Crisafulli said he was proud to have Mr James on board as the final member of the Far North Queensland team.
“Terry knows how to get things done and brings a wealth of experience in business and local government to the team,” he said.
Mr Lesina teaches at Bentley Park College and has taken on leadership roles such as a year level and sports coordinator.
“I never thought about becoming a politician – all I have worked hard to do in my career is help better the lives of those around me. So, I needed some convincing, but after a few quick considerations, I was in,” he said.
“I just can’t help but take any opportunity I can to contribute to creating a better life, and opening up opportunities for my community. I am so passionate about my local people, our communities, and defending our Far North Queensland way of life.
“As I grew up, I had many challenges and barriers to navigate, but now that I’m able to give back, I’m ready to offer a real Far North Queensland voice for my community – not one that is beholden to a Brisbane HQ trying to win woke Brisbane votes.”
KAP Leader Robbie Katter said he was in awe of the respect that Mr Lesina held within the peri-urban electorate.
“I’ve always grown up with football as the lifeblood of the community,” he said.
“From my schoolboy days through to representing my hometown and the wider region, I know the social fabric that football, and all those who make it happen week by week, are to our communities.
“Steven is a real voice for real Far North Queenslanders, supported by a party who is based in North Queensland – not Brisbane.”
