Labor tries to buy Townsville seats

THE State Labor Government has miraculously found Townsville on the map and opened up their bag of shiny toys in an attempt to save local seats, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

Mr Dametto said a recent Federal Coalition win has seen the city get two financial windfalls – jobs from the Adani Carmichael Mine and the State Labor Government’s spending spree on three Townsville electorates in a bid to buy votes.

Mr Dametto was bemused that Townsville MP Scott Stewart, Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper and Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke needed to justifying their effectiveness as local Members in today’s Townsville Bulletin.

“When people like Mr Harper have to come out and say he’s “not a wallflower”, then obviously the public perception suggests otherwise,” Mr Dametto said.

“Labor’s three Townsville-based MPs have failed to stand up for the coal mining industry at a time when Labor needed to be counted and make their position known on this industry that provides jobs for locals and generates royalties that pay for our schools, hospitals, roads and services.

“It is obvious that they have paid dearly for towing the party line when asked to and now that that approach has backfired at the polls, they are following their leader into a backflip on this issue.

“Youth crime, high power bills and a legislative assault on agriculture across the state is hurting the re-election chances of regional Labor MPs and I doubt if spending money on a stadium and ring road will be enough to turn that around.”

Mr Dametto said Mr Stewart, Mr Harper and Ms O’Rourke needed to do more than just “compare notes” with government ministers.

“It is refreshing to see these MPs realise they need to listen to the people of the North, but the true test will be if they can change the course of their party when it comes to important legislation before the House, including the Environmental Protection Bill,” Mr Dametto said.

Mr Dametto said Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) is the only party to have its headquarters based in Townsville.

“Unlike the “pop-up shops” run by the Coalition and Labor, our party is deeply rooted in the North, standing up for those voters who have been abandoned by the major parties,” he said.

“The KAP will continue to set the policy agenda for the North, pushing for major nation-building infrastructure projects with the intent of changing the course of politics and ensuring North Queensland’s prosperity so we can unleash the true potential of the regions,” he said.