Hinchinbrook voters are returning to the polls to elect a new MP for the north Queensland seat, which includes parts of Townsville and Ingham. The by-election was triggered after former Katter's Australian Party MP Nick Dametto resigned last month and successfully ran to become Townsville's mayor. The seat is considered safe for KAP, but the party faces a tough challenge from the LNP without the familiar face of Dametto.
LNP candidate Wayde Chiesa, an accountant and footy caller who grew up in Ingham alongside Premier David Crisafulli, is focusing on crime. He promises to push for tougher bail laws for young offenders, stating, 'If you breach bail, you should go to jail.' Chiesa also wants to address Northern Beaches traffic congestion, with the Crisafulli government committing $10 million to planning. However, the government has not specified what bail law changes it would implement.
Independent candidate Steven Clare, who has contested several elections in the area, said his priorities include stopping 'political and police corruption' and tackling the source of youth crime. He described it as a drug problem linked to welfare, saying, 'The drug problem has got to be dealt with. I will push for police to get to the source.'
Labor candidate Maurie Soars, a former Townsville city councillor, cited cost of living as the number one issue, noting wages have not kept up with rising costs. He said he would negotiate with the LNP government on infrastructure investment if elected. Last week, the LNP released a video of Soars telling a Liberal staffer he would 'take them out' at a polling booth. Soars said he was ashamed but indicated he was provoked.
Greens candidate Aiden Creagh, a former baker born in Ingham and raised in Hughenden, said his struggle to find housing and pay rent prompted his run. He noted rentals are old houses for around $800 a week, which he called 'absolutely ridiculous.' Creagh believes the Greens can address the root cause of youth crime by pulling people out of poverty and building public housing.
