LABOR PARTY

Jason O’Brien

Resides: Port Douglas.

Background: Elected to Parliament in 2004, a former Cairns City Councillor and previously a research officer to the former member, Steve Bredhauer. Has worked as an electrician, taxi driver, administrator and bar manager. Educated at Saint Augustine’s College in Cairns and James Cook University.

Main policies: Keep improving services and infrastructure like the Port Douglas waterfront and the Mossman Economic Plan; keep improving the Captain Cook Highway; increase funding to attract visitors to the area; protect the environment which our visitors come to see; keep improving health services.

Why we should vote for him: “I am passionate, honest and hardworking and have a proven track record of delivering for the electorate in which I live.”

LIBERAL NATIONAL PARTY

David Kempton

Resides: Cairns, formerly Cooktown.

Background: Born in central NSW, worked as a lawyer in Cape York and rural Queensland for 25 years specialising in property and pastoral law.

Policies: Supporting small business, Port Douglas waterfront development and infrastructure for a state-assisted conference centre as part of the Sheraton redevelopment; improved primary health services and aged care, investigation into de-amalgamation from Cairns Regional Council, improved education opportunities, support for farmers and businesses by getting rid of government interference, allowing councils to again govern locally.

Why we should vote for him: “I have lived and worked in the Cook electorate for over 25 years and am keenly interested in the future of Douglas. I have been consistent in my philosophy of community consultation and to ensure we achieve a balance between economy community and environmental considerations. If elected, I will be working hard to revive the prosperity and diversity Douglas was renowned for.”

THE AUSTRALIAN PARTY

Lachlan Bensted

Resides: Mareeba.

Background: Grew up in the Mareeba area, formerly a transport manager, rural fire brigade volunteer and local rodeo announcer. Previously worked with senior politicians and as the youth member for Tablelands.

Policies: Not sell state assets; reduce red tape by 30% in first term; fight & implement funding for a new boiler to generate power for Mossman Mill so they can generate power back into the local grid; reducing costs & securing power for the Port Douglas and Mossman area; referendum within 90 days to gauge community support for old Douglas shire without a boundary commission; lift payroll tax threshold to 2 million for small business.

Why we should vote for him: “I live in Cook, and wish to continue to do so. I believe that Cook deserves local representation that is determined to develop and create industry, farms and jobs to turn around the demise of rural Queensland and small business. As a prior youth member for Queensland Parliament, I am not afraid to be the Far North’s voice in Brisbane, not Brisbane’s voice in the Far North.”

THE GREENS

George Riley

Resides: Cairns and Mona Mona, Kuranda

Background: Born in Cairns, has five children; studied visual arts and natural resource management (at Deakin University), as well as social welfare and biblical studies; involved in community development projects ie. Permaculture-Cairns, TransitionTowns-Cairns, and Recharge Kuranda projects, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC). Also an artist.

Policy beliefs: Reconciliation in action; concern over rising sea levels in Torres Strait; mining destroying natural environment; wants to rule out genetically-modified foods, supports a sustainable environment through alternative housing, health and education; wants an end to dugong and turtle hunting; supports views on Wild Rivers in Cape York, but believes there is room for improvement with joint management.

Why we should vote for him: “I am out there listening to the community and want to take people’s stories to the forefront of every level of government.”

ONE NATION

Jim Evans

Resides: Chillagoe

Background: Grew up on a Victorian dairy farm, has worked for Shell and Nestle, various jobs in mining and farming, worked for National Parks in Chillagoe as a National Park Ranger and Guide in tourism at the Chillagoe Caves, ran Chillagoe Museum and the Chillagoe Post Office combining with the Tourist Information Centre at the Chillagoe Hub about 10 years ago.

Policies: supports the de-amalgamation of both the Mareeba and Douglas shires; equitable outcome for land, property and water rights; further sealing and maintenance of state roads; police to return to protecting the community rather than revenue-raise;

Why we should vote for him: “We must bring back democracy by having a representative who listens to the people.  I feel it is time for a change of direction in government, instead of every decision being made to advantage big business or overseas financiers. I want to see decisions made for the good of ordinary people especially the people of Cook…we need to bring this state and this nation back to the wonderful country it once was.”

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