By Sheree Hoddinett
It may not be everybody’s favourite topic, but politics is definitely on the agenda right now as we count down to the 2024 Queensland state election. The electorates of Pumicestone and Morayfield have quite a list of candidates ready to fight for the seat. You’ll either know exactly which candidate you want running the show or have absolutely no idea who’s who.
So let’s break it down.
PUMICESTONE The Pumicestone electorate is set for a closely watched battle, as it is one of the most marginal seats in Queensland.
Australian Labor Party - Ali King Ali King has been the Member for Pumicestone since the 2020 election. Prior to holding the seat, Ms King worked in health policy focusing on aged care, palliative care and women’s health. Beforehand, she was a small business owner, helping long-term unemployed members of the community get back to work. Ms King is also behind the creation of the Pumicestone Small Business Awards. Her campaign has focused on local infrastructure projects and healthcare improvements.
Liberal National Party – Ariana Doolan
At just 22, Ariana Doolan represents a younger generation of politicians and has been involved in local community work, including serving on the Pumicestone Youth Advisory Board and participating in environmental protection efforts with the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association. Her campaign has had a big focus on working to make our community safer following the impact of the youth crime crisis, providing easier access to health services and helping to ease the burden from the cost of living.
The Greens - Richard Ogden
Richard Ogden has worked as a communication professional in small business, government and community organisations. He has experience in public relations, event management, media production and teaching. Mr Ogden is also very much ingrained in the environment sector and is the president of the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association. Items on the agenda include working on funding for schools, free childcare, hospitals and essential services, plus cheaper groceries and power bill cuts.
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation - Samuel Beaton
Samuel Beaton, who originally hails from South Africa, came to Australia in 1997 and became a citizen two years later. With extensive experience as a FIFO worker across Australia, he understands the value of hard work and has a strong grasp of the renewables, mining, oil and gas sectors. Mr Beaton is particularly concerned about youth crime, both in Pumicestone and Queensland. Overall, he plans to advocate for transparency, open government and infrastructure planning that benefits the community.
Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party - Rosie Doolan
A Caboolture local, Rosie Doolan has held many voluntary positions including school P&Cs, visitor information centres and Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism. She has also worked in the hydroponic industry. Rosie cares for her husband who has an inoperable condition being treated with medical cannabis. She has used cannabis most of her adult life due to menstrual pain and discomfort, Rosie also uses cannabis recreationally and believes all adults should be able to make a personal choice regarding the way they relax and enjoy their own free time.
MORAYFIELD Morayfield is considered one of the state's newer electorates and was first contested at the 2009 election. Since it came into the fold, it has been a mostly Labor held seat, only going to the LNP in 2012, before swinging back to Labor in 2015.
Australian Labor Party – Mark Ryan Mark Ryan was elected as the Member for Morayfield at the 2015 election (having previously served as the MP from 2009-2012) and was re-elected at the 2017 and 2020 elections. He also currently serves as Minister for Police and Community Safety. His long-standing commitment to public safety, crime prevention and community development has been the cornerstone of his campaign. Mr Ryan’s focus includes improving local infrastructure, bolstering community services and addressing youth crime, which remains a key issue in Queensland.
Liberal National Party – Sarah Ross
Sarah Ross has grown up in the local area, going to school, TAFE and working here for most of her life. She is also raising her own family here and if elected, promises to work hard to make a difference for everyone, particularly with families struggling under the cost-of-living crisis, youth crime spiralling and locals wondering if they’ll ever be able to buy their own home. Ms Ross is about facing difficult circumstances and overcoming them, along with being an all-round believer in serving the community and implementing programs that see real results and change lives.
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation – Rodney Hansen Rodney Hansen has a strong standing within the community, with a nearly 40-year career in small business, as well as being actively involved in various community organisations, including the Ratepayer Group, Moreton Bay Safe Communities, The Circle of Men and The Men’s Shed. With a long-standing interest in politics, Rodney is an advocate who promises to fight for his community's voice. He is determined to address pressing issues such as crime, drug use and youth unemployment.
The Greens – Mark Jessup
Mark Jessup originally hails from Townsville and set out to find ‘home’ in 2016 after his beloved Cowboys won their maiden premiership and settled in the local region after seeing vast potential. Throughout his working career Mr Jessup has gravitated toward leadership roles with a great understanding of the value of relationships and caring about the future. The Greens have plans for public and affordable housing and services that the community need, such as free childcare and properly funded schools and hospitals.
Family First Queensland – Suniti Hewett Suniti believes strong families, freedom for faith and protecting the most vulnerable are critical for the future of the community and the state. Protecting children from inappropriate sexual and gender indoctrination and shielding families from rising power bills due to renewables are the top campaign priorities for the Family First Party.
Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party – Frank Jordan
Frank has been active in a wide range of community groups all his adult life and knows how important community is and that it needs to be actively nurtured. He was treasurer of the Lifelong Learning Council Queensland for several years, secretary of the Humanist Society of Queensland, president of the Butterfly and Other Invertebrates Club, co-ordinator of a community garden and leader of a Bushcare group. Cannabis is being legalised all over the world because it is less harmful than aspirin, less habit-forming than coffee and has exceptional value as a medicine. Frank is standing as a candidate to give you a choice.
State government elections will be held on Saturday October 26. Voting is compulsory for anyone aged 18 and over. To find your nearest polling booth, enrol to vote or for further information, visit www.ecq.qld.gov.au.
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