Newsroom

July 26, 2024

THE Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) has announced Reuben Richardson, a successful engineering businessman and employer, passionate advocate for youth crime reform, and father of two as its candidate for the electorate of Thuringowa in the October 2024 State election.

On announcing the candidate for Thuringowa, KAP Leader Robbie Katter said Reuben’s second to none passion for North Queensland, small business experience, and his dedication to working to make a difference to Townsville’s youth crime epidemic has put him in perfect stead to be the next representative for the people of Thuringowa to Brisbane.

“Married with two children, Reuben is the Principal Engineer and Director of North Queensland Engineering, employing local Townsville professionals, and supporting many businesses in Townsville and North Queensland,” he said.

Having international experience including four years in Canada, Reuben chose to join and build a small business with his business partner in Townsville, recognising the unique opportunities that North Queensland holds.

A challenger to the status quo, Reuben told those gathered at the KAP campaign launch that he was a strong believer in independence and transparency in government, promoting local innovation, and small business.

“The best solutions to what North Queensland needs comes from North Queensland.  I’m honoured to be endorsed by the KAP to stand for my local community and promote what my community tells me are their issues, but more importantly what I hear are their solutions,” Mr Richardson said.

“Castle Law, parental accountability, a rethink to discipline and a holistic ‘send em bush’ program – would make a real difference,” he said.

KAP Deputy leader, Nick Dametto, said that Reuben was a recognised successful small businessman, and a strong advocate for change in the youth crime space.

“Reuben is much more than your usual fly-by-night Brisbane controlled politician when it comes to the issues that matter,” Mr Dametto said.

“Putting his actions where his words are, Reuben is a volunteer at the community group Townsville Pathfinder Club and served as a national representative for the Leading Australian Resilient Communities (LARC) Program and developed a comprehensive bid with a number of other local leaders to the government’s attempt to adopt KAP’s ‘send em bush’ program.

“Passion for North Queensland, aspirations for a fairer share, and a fierce defender of his community – he’s the perfect voice to Brisbane for his community,” the KAP Deputy Leader said.

Mr Richardson, being an employer and enabler of North Queenslanders, knows the impact of the cost of living on all North Queenslanders, not just those in the electorate of Thuringowa.

“I hear small businesses and households screaming out about the cost of power.  I know full well that the Brisbane bribes won’t fool North Queensland.  The goal should be globally competitive, cheap, reliable power. Power bills are being driven up by emissions targets voted on by both the major parties to sure up Brisbane votes,” Mr Richardson said.

“The KAP are North Queensland’s strong voice to oppose the Brisbane focussed policy coming from the major parties.

“I’m proud to be standing with such fearless advocates for the North Queensland that I love,” Mr Richardson said.

The KAP leader, Robbie Katter, said that Mr Richardson shared the KAP vision for a North Queensland driven by North Queensland, and not from 2000km away.

“Reuben gets it when we talk about puppets from Brisbane driving the narrative in politics up here.  Who knows North Queensland?  We do.  And with Reuben as our Thuringowa candidate, North Queenslanders in the Thuringowa electorate have a real option for a real voice,” Mr Katter said.