Newsroom

July 26, 2024

The North Queensland based Katter's Australian Party (KAP) proudly launched their 2024 State Election Campaign in Townsville on Friday.

Packing out The Spirited Goat on the Townsville Strand, the party faithful, new KAP supporters, civic leaders and business owners joined current elected MPs and candidates to draw the battle lines for the upcoming state election, the occasion was used to rally their supporters and deliver the party’s goals and aspirations for Regional Queensland.

The KAP’s 2024 State Campaign doubled as an opportunity to announce the party’s newest candidate, Mr Reuben Richardson for the seat of Thuringowa. Mr Richardson joins KAP candidates Michael Pugh for Mundingburra, Margie Ryder for Townsville, and Duane Amos for Cook, to bring KAP’s new candidate tally to four.

With KAP now fielding strong candidates in all three Townsville seats, Party Leader and Member for Traeger said that this combined with the current political climate, this year’s election campaign was shaping up to be one of the strongest for KAP yet.

“KAP is the real North Queensland Opposition and whilst we’ve had one of the most successful State Parliament terms to date, it’s exciting to think about what we’ll be capable of if we get each of these candidates across the line. More seats in Parliament mean we can deliver even more for the North,” Mr Katter said.

"Our current new candidates—Michael Pugh, Margie Ryder, Duane Amos, and Reuben Richardson—represent the best of what KAP stands for: dedication, passion, and a deep connection to the diverse and unique needs of North Queenslanders.

"Despite swimming against the strong Brisbane based government tide, this last term our three MPs fought tirelessly for the industries that feed and generate the wealth for this state, while sticking to our core values and principles.

“We’ve listened and know too well what every day North Queenslanders are looking for in their elected representatives. Pushing our solutions for youth crime, cost of living, housing, health care, development and primary industry will sit at the top of KAP’s key priorities during this campaign.

“My message to North Queenslanders is clear, if you’re voting for change in October, vote for the right change, the change that will unashamedly deliver for regional Queensland.”

KAP Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said that this campaign’s focus would be less about politics and more about focusing on good policy zeroing in on the North’s needs.

“We all know that the current Government has failed this State, but we don’t believe that this election should be purely won on ‘their bad, we’re good’ without offering details on policy positions. We want voters to know what we stand for, and we intend to demonstrate very clearly why KAP is a safe place to park your vote,” Mr Dametto said.

“While crime continues to dominate the State, we will continue to fight for the rights of victims. Castle Law along with a suite of youth crime policies like ‘Send Em’ Bush’ Relocation Sentencing will remain a centre piece during the race to the October election.

“There is a growing disparity between Regional Queensland and the South-East, and we believe Queensland is too big for one set of rules. Although the reality of a separate state for North Queensland may be a fair way off, getting a better deal for all of us starts with electing candidates who are tied to the regions, who don’t need to bow to their Brisbane overlords.

“This October voters will have the power in their hands to chose who they want to represent them, I encourage them to get to know the KAP candidates and back someone who backs them.”