THE Federal Election is tomorrow, early voting began on May 9, and many voters are still unsure who would be the best fit for the Kennedy 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 Kennedy division covers an area of approximately 567,377 square kms, and some of the main councils it includes are Cassowary Coast, Mt Isa, Tablelands, Croydon, Yarrabah, part of Cairns, part of Mareeba, part of Townsville and more. Currently, KAP candidate Bob Katter holds the seat for the electorate and has done so for 29 years.
At Cairns Local News, we reached out to all the Kennedy 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.
BRYCE MACDONALD LIBERAL NATIONAL PARTY
ABOUT
I have a combination of experience in my career to fulfil the role as a federal member of parliament. I was a Heavy and Commercial Vehicle Mechanic by trade, with 30 years of experience in the transport industry at different levels, Deputy Mayor of Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Chairman of a Board of Directors. Certainly not a career politician.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
There is no single main issue across Kennedy.
The common themes have mainly to do with Housing, Roads, Digital Connectivity and Cost of Living being the main issues.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
The best way to address these issues is to engage with the people who know the real problems.
During my campaign, I have been talking to people at the forefront of these issues.
I will be the conduit and representative for the voices in Canberra.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KENNEDY?
By being a member of a team that understands the people on the ground.
I already have an established network of people in Canberra and understand how the process works.
I can only represent the people of Kennedy at the highest level if I am in Canberra fighting for them.
JASON BRANDON AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
ABOUT
I live in Mount Isa with my wife, three-year-old daughter, and 6-month-old son. I’m involved in the community through my soccer club and as Vice President of the Mount Isa Agricultural Show Society.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
Healthcare accessibility and affordability are major issues across regional Queensland.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
My priority will be to get more GPs to work in the region. An Albanese government will change the rules to make it easier for regional communities to recruit more doctors of their choosing – both locals and overseas trained GPs.
We’ll also invest in Telehealth services, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and make it easier for people in regional areas to get their education in places like Cairns. Keeping local people in regional areas.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KENNEDY?
I won’t just talk the talk; I’ll walk the walk. I’ll help deliver a better future for the region. I’ll listen to the community, fight for what’s best for regional Queensland, and be a voice for Kennedy in Parliament.
JEN SACKLEY INDEPENDENT
ABOUT
I have an obligation to help the people and I know that the Kennedy electorate could have been better represented and serviced by a true independent with the ability to achieve outcomes, not just promises.
I have achievements in both my academic life and my work life experiences reflecting Political and Social Sciences. Having worked in a broad bush of fields from private enterprises to government.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
Cost of living for North Queenslanders, driven by supply and demand of everyday living.
This is underpinned by the cost of oil and our over reliance on external trade partners. We need to keep the excise tax in check longer than the six months both major parties are suggesting.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Our democracy rests on integrity, and so as an independent I am confident I can take the many economic and social issues Kennedy is faced with, to every level, while not having to toe a party line.
Having spent years at the table with many politicians it is very unsettling that some politicians are capable of acts that are so close to fraud.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KENNEDY?
The integrity of parliament must be restored and the people’s trust be regained if we are to again operate as a truly democratic society
JENNIFER COX AUSTRALIAN GREENS
ABOUT
I am a local Tabelander that grew up here. After studying and gaining experience in Marketing and Advertising, I returned with my family and now own a local Digital Marketing business. I am running because I want a fairer future for all of us.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
Everywhere I go, people talk about the housing crisis.
The Greens have a plan to build a million affordable houses over 20 years and use a billionaire wealth tax and corporate super profits tax to pay for it.
For too long, there has been no concerted effort to build public housing - in a rich country like Australia, everyone should have a roof over their heads.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
We only need a small increase in the vote to win the balance of power and push the new government to act on climate and the housing crisis.
Our Senate candidate Penny Allman-Payne also has a good chance of getting elected, and as a woman who grew up in Cairns, she will be a strong regional voice for NQ.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KENNEDY?
The Greens do not take corporate donations. That means I will not be beholden to corporate interests and can make legislation that helps the everyday Australian rather than catering to corporate donors.
PETER CAMPION UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY
ABOUT
Two years ago, our State and Federal Governments binned our Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights and went into tyrant mode over a flu variant.
As a patriot, I could not stand by and do nothing, so I’m standing for the party with the most logical and rational economic, scientific, and human rights policies – the United Australia Party (UAP).
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
Australia is headed over an economic cliff, blundering into an energy crisis, and leaving herself wide open for takeover – all because our elected reps take orders from foreign organisations, such as the World Economic Forum, World Health Organisation and United Nations.
We should be the richest, happiest, and best-defended nation on earth, except our legacy political parties sold us out.
We must evict the ALP, LNP, and Greens from our parliament and elect Aussie patriots who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to restore our security and prosperity.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Only a United Australia Party team can fix the mess the UNiparty has created – read how we’ll do that at:www.unitedaustraliaparty.org.au/national_policy/.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KENNEDY?
As part of the UAP team, I will help claw our sovereignty back from the globalists who now control us. This will be our last chance to avoid the disaster which awaits us. Vote wisely
BOB KATTER KATTER’S AUSTRALIAN PARTY
ABOUT
Before entering politics, I mined my own copper leases near Cloncurry; I worked in the Mount Isa lead smelter and ran cattle on a station in the Gulf.
I have been the Member for Kennedy since 1993.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
The cost of living is soaring. Since deregulation, food prices are up 231%, electricity prices up 412%, medical insurance is up 401%, the cost of housing up 486%, and motor vehicles are up 811%.
Average weekly wages have only gone up 135% in the same period.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
The KAP advocates a $100 a week increase to the age pension, a tax on our gas exports and a 5% charge on all imports to pay for this increase to the age pension. We are also pushing for an income-splitting scheme for tax purposes to return more money to families with multiple children and a single income.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KENNEDY?
I won’t talk about what I’m going to do; I’ll tell you what I’ve done.
With the Edmonton Traders (Fran Lindsay and Peter Piccone) and Brett Moller from the Gordonvale Chamber, we secured nearly $2,000m for a divided highway between Cairns and Gordonvale.
On July 1, the reinsurance pool for Nothern Australia will commence, secured with the work of the Hinchinbrook and Townsville Chambers of Commerce, North Qld Insurance Brokers and George Christensen MP.
PAUL ROE AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION PARTY (LEICHHARDT)
ABOUT
I’m married with three kids. I’ve been a small business owner since 2000, working in the Fitness industry.
I have a Sport and Exercise Science degree. My family has a rich history in FNQ.
WHAT IS THE MAIN ISSUE TO ADDRESS IN YOUR ELECTORATE?
First and foremost, irrevocably restore freedom so that all may participate in our society without medical tyranny.
Australian Federation Party COVID Policy supports a genuine public health response, not driven by panic, incomplete evidence, skewed agendas, and totalitarian policy, to any public health emergency/crisis.
HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Legislate State and Federal mismanagement and oppression out of existence. Australian Feds will pursue a COVID Justice Royal commission.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE OF LEICHHARDT?
A vote for me is a vote for Leichhardt, not the Party power brokers or policies of the party.
I aim to build a solid foundation by doing what is right and just for Leichhardt, serving so all may prosper.
Other issues are:
Ensure FNQ gets a fair share of the budget pie: Direct funding towards Gillies / Kuranda range bypass; put pressure on State government and resolve crime in Cairns CBD and remote areas; lower costs of living with affordable housing; crocodile overpopulation problem local and tourism risk; fresh produce kept here.
