With the State Election coming up this October it’s time to start seriously considering who to vote for. To keep you informed on candidates and their platforms The Local Island and Surrounds News intends to interview each candidate.
Ali King, Labor’s candidate for Pumicestone
In November of 2019, Ali King was amongst a collection of new candidates to join Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s team to contest in this year’s State Election.
Mother of two and former small business owner Ali King currently works for the State Government in the Office of the Health Minister.
Ms King has said on her platform “I’m passionate about making sure local people have what we need so we don’t fall through the cracks – whether it is road and transport infrastructure to get us home safely or safe and dignified options for people considering aged care”
When she was growing up Ms King’s father suffered a terrible injury and was unable to go back to full-time work. Whilst this created a tough situation for her family Ms King was thankful for the fact good public healthcare and quality education helped her make her way through school and into university, and eventually onto starting her own business.
“Pumicestone is a wonderful community – it’s incredibly beautiful and people here work hard on behalf of others, like our amazing Rural Fire Services.”
“I decided to run because I want to make sure locals have a strong representative who can get things done and make a difference in their lives.”
“Whether you are a mum or dad doing the juggle with young kids at school, an older person concerned about your future or a school leaver needing training to get a job, you deserve good local services and infrastructure to back you up.” Ms King said on her decision to run for the Pumicestone electorate.
Her family, upbringing, and work within employment services as well as the Health Minister’s Office have all contributed to shaping Ms King’s platform and what she stands for.
“I am passionate about aged care! Older Queenslanders built this State, and they deserve to know that if they go into aged care they will be treated with respect and decency.”
“I’m really proud of what the Queensland government has achieved for aged care. The new Health Transparency laws will require private aged care facilities to share their staffing levels on a public website. Queensland Labor has guaranteed safe staffing levels in state-owned aged care, and I’d like to see other aged care facilities do the same.”
“The Newman government sacked over 1400 health workers in our region, but since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier in 2015 we’ve seen more nurses, more doctors and more hospital beds delivered, as well as a massive redevelopment of Caboolture Hospital. I’d be proud to be part of the work to continue to rebuild local health services and ensure our community doesn’t suffer those kinds of LNP cuts and sackings again.”
“My Dad was a carpenter before his accident and my brother has his own business as a builder, so I’m excited that QBuild in Caboolture is employing 80 more tradies and 40 more apprentices over the next twelve months. My goal will be to make sure QBuild only grows more from there.”
“It’s early days yet, but I am working hard to secure the commitments our community needs to flourish in a whole range of areas, including education and health. Stay tuned for some exciting announcements this year!” Ms King said when discussing the initiatives, she intends to push for if elected.
Of course, transport is a major concern for our island community. Ms King has said the following on transport concerns “I commute for work, so I know how frustrating it is to sit in traffic and juggle public transport.”
“The best way to get better connections for local buses is for our community to share their experiences. Translink plans its timetable and connections based on passenger numbers. If enough of us get together locally to demonstrate the need for changes on a particular route, I will take that to Translink as evidence of the need to make changes for local commuters.”
“Bribie Island Road needs to be a major focus too.”
“It’s great to hear that the upgrade at the Old Toorbul Point Road intersection will start later this year.”
“New traffic lights there will reduce the queuing and improve safety, especially for kids attending St Michael’s College.”
“With the recent crashes we’ve seen over the holidays creating delays for locals and visitors, it’s clear we need a long term plan for the whole of Bribie Island Road that prioritises upgrades for the most congested and dangerous sections.”
“I’ve written to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey to convey our community’s concerns about the Bribie Island Road and asked him for an urgent briefing on what TMR is doing about it.”
“I’ve called on the Minister to work with me on a Bribie Island Road Action Plan that we can share with the community as soon as possible.”
Ms King is also aware of the community concerns regarding environmental matters, specifically the pelicans that roost upon Bribie Island Bridge’s lampposts.
“I’m always keen to listen to locals and stand up on the things that matter here - that’s why I worked hard to get five extra pelican roosts installed on the Bribie Island Bridge. Now that we know the pelicans enjoy using the new roosts, I’m asking the Minister to get them installed on the other seven light poles across the Bridge as soon as possible.
“Hopefully we’ll soon see more of our pelican friends than ever before perched proudly to welcome visitors and locals across the bridge.” Ms King said.
Those who use Facebook will be able to keep up with Ms King’s platform on her page.
Once other candidates for this year’s State Election have been announced we here at The Local Island and Surrounds News will be sure to update you on their platforms.