Dametto backs economist’s separate state study

A LOCAL economist’s analysis that suggests a North Queensland state is viable strengthens the case to break away, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said Colin Dwyer’s analysis had reinforced the merits of going it alone by examining the key factors of population, economic activity, ownership of and need for social assets, common interest […] READ MORE

Dialysis funding confirmed for Ingham Hospital

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has confirmed funding is committed to delivering four dialysis chairs at Ingham Hospital, in a major win for patients in the area. The State funding, which came after a sustained lobbying effort by the community and Mr Dametto, will remove the need for dialysis patients to make an arduous trip to […] READ MORE

Lacklustre budget fails regions

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has accused the State Labor Government of lacking vision after handing down yesterday’s state budget. Despite some wins for his electorate, Mr Dametto said Labor had missed a “golden opportunity” to accelerate the region’s future. “This budget has us heading towards a $130 billion deficit and in my opinion, doesn’t amount […] READ MORE

Dametto seeks matched funding for sewage plant

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has called on the Federal Government for assistance as Katter’s Australian Party continues to fight for funding necessary to build a new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Port Hinchinbrook. Mr Dametto said the key to turning around the Port Hinchinbrook development would be an affordable, council-run STP and he is more […] READ MORE

Minister disappoints police families in petition response

STATE Police Minister Mark Ryan’s refusal to recognise police officers who have died by suicide has only prolonged the pain and suffering felt by families of the fallen, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said he was “extremely disappointed” with the Minister’s response to a recent parliamentary e-petition he sponsored, which called on the […] READ MORE

Budget should promote housing affordability

EXPANDING the First Home Owners’ Grant criteria and extending the commencement period for HomeBuilder grant applications should be key considerations in the upcoming State budget, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said Katter’s Australian Party had long argued for an expansion of the State’s First Home Owners’ Grant to existing homes under $300,000 in […] READ MORE

Dametto fired up to take on Labor

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has declared Katter’s Australian Party as the North’s “true opposition” to the State Labor Government as parliament resumes this week. Mr Dametto said it was obvious the KAP’s policies on mining, agriculture and infrastructure had resonated with voters as the KAP solidified their position in the North. “The KAP is without […] READ MORE

Detention Centre needs ministerial intervention

NEWLY-appointed Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard must intervene directly in operations at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre before a riot breaks out, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said it was clear the centre had become a “basket case” after media reports today that  fed up staff were scared to come to work and fears […] READ MORE

Labor fails to keep residents safe amid crime scourge

A NEWLY re-elected State Labor Government is failing in their duty of care to keep people safe as crime continues to run rampant in Townsville, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said tensions in the community were at “boiling point” after another major incidents over the weekend that saw a man allegedly pursue a […] READ MORE

Local businesses suffer under JobSeeker

BUSINESSSES across North Queensland are struggling to find staff and face potential closure while the Federal Government’s JobSeeker payment exists in its current form, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said his office had been inundated with calls from business owners who could not find staff and were facing “tough financial decisions” as a […] READ MORE