Hinchinbrook voters are heading 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 by the resignation of former Katter's Australian Party MP Nick Dametto, who successfully ran for Townsville mayor last month.
LNP candidate Wayde Chiesa has made crime a central issue in his campaign, promising to push for stronger bail laws for young offenders. 'If you breach bail, you should go to jail,' Chiesa said. He also highlighted traffic congestion on the Northern Beaches as a key concern, vowing to listen to residents and deliver real outcomes.
Independent candidate Steven Clare, who has contested multiple elections in the region, said his priorities include tackling political and police corruption and addressing the root cause of youth crime. 'It is a drug problem,' Clare said, calling for police to target drug suppliers.
Labor candidate Maurie Soars, a former Townsville city councillor, identified cost of living as the number one issue, noting that wages have not kept up with rising costs. He said he would negotiate with the LNP government on infrastructure investment if elected.
Greens candidate Aiden Creagh, a former baker, said his struggle to find affordable housing prompted him to run. He criticized major parties for offering 'band-aid fixes' to youth crime and advocated for lifting people out of poverty and expanding public housing.
Premier David Crisafulli's government has committed $10 million to planning congestion relief for Townsville's northern suburbs but has not specified changes to bail laws beyond supporting Chiesa's intent.
