Local journalism dealt a blow in newspaper closures

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto fears for the future of regional journalism following News Corp Australia’s decision to down the print editions of several regional newspapers, including the Herbert River Express. Mr Dametto said he was gutted for the thousands of employees at newspapers across the country who were told the heartbreaking news this morning. “Today […] READ MORE

Businesses left in the lurch after grant program closes

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has called for an urgent funding boost to the State Government’s COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program, after thousands of businesses missed out due to funds being exhausted. Mr Dametto said his office had been inundated with calls from small business owners furious they had missed out on applying after the scheme was […] READ MORE

Labor misses mark in crime petition response

THE State Labor Government has failed to reassure North Queenslanders how it will keep them safe after thousands signed two parliamentary petitions demanding tougher penalties for criminals. Started by Take Back Townsville co-ordinator and Katter’s Australian Party’s candidate for Thuringowa Julianne Wood, the parliamentary e-petition and paper petition called on the House to “make significant […] READ MORE

Dametto pressures Minister over Reef regs

  HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has questioned Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch on Labor’s farm-destroying Reef regulations and the validity of the science used to impose them on growers. In a Question Without Notice in parliament this week, Mr Dametto asked whether Ms Enoch would commit to amending her government’s Reef regulations should the outcome of […] READ MORE

Dametto delivers message to parliament: Free the North

THE survival of thousands of North Queensland businesses hangs in the balance unless the State Labor Government acts to lift all COVID-19 restrictions in the region, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. In a passionate speech to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Dametto said the government’s existing support measures available to small businesses would not replace the […] READ MORE

Residents strongly against youth home

ALMOST 500 local residents have thrown their support behind a petition against the establishment of a home for at-risk youth in Bushland Beach, which is set to be tabled in parliament this week. Started by resident Jennifer Jolly and sponsored by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto, the parliamentary e-petition calls on the House to “find a […] READ MORE

Firearm trading restrictions finally lifted

RECREATIONAL and sport shooters will finally be able to purchase firearms and ammunition they need after the State Labor Government fully lifted trading restrictions on licensed dealers and armourers. Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said he while he was thrilled for sport and recreational shooters, there was never any justification for the trading ban to have […] READ MORE

Businesses need a re-start date

BUSINESSES in areas free of COVID-19 need to start being progressively re-opened as a matter of urgency, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto called on the State Labor Government to put a management plan in place so businesses can start firing again. “Small businesses in regional Queensland are on their knees. They are unjustly […] READ MORE

Firearm trading ban needs to be fully lifted

RECREATIONAL and sport shooters are still being prevented from buying firearms and ammunition despite no clear reasoning from the State Labor Government as to why, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto has consistently called for the entire ban to be lifted, even after Katter’s Australian Party worked with the firearms industry to force the […] READ MORE

Gel blaster owners treated with contempt by Labor

STATE police minister Mark Ryan is facing a major backlash from thousands of law-biding gel blaster owners after he dismissed a petition to stop the toys being over-regulated. Started by Silkwood man Craig Bainbridge and sponsored by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto, the parliamentary e-petition attracted more than 11,000 signatures from Queenslanders and called on the […] READ MORE