The fight to win the vote of Far North Queensland residents has begun, with candidates in Leichhardt preparing for a six-week battle ahead of a May 21 election.
There are nine confirmed contenders, although that number could rise, with nominations closing on April 19.
Incumbent MP Warren Entsch is putting his hand up again, despite the fact he told voters last time that it would be his last campaign.
The LNP veteran is the $1.60 favourite with bookmakers to hold onto his seat, ahead of Labor’s Elida Faith, who is $2.25.
Ms Faith ran for Leichhardt at the 2019 election but failed to make a dent in Mr Entsch’s grasp on the seat.
Leichhardt was a Labor stronghold between 1983 and 1996 until Mr Entsch claimed victory.
He stood down for the 2007 and Labor regained it with the country behind Kevin Rudd.
However when Mr Entsch returned to politics in 2010, he was a big winner and hasn’t looked like losing an election since.
However, with a swing against the LNP expected nationwide, the seat is considered a marginal one.
“It’s going to be a tough one but we’re ready,” Mr Entsch said.
Speaking in Cairns yesterday, Elida Faith said she could win Leichhardt and help return Labor to running the country.
“If we win Leichhardt we will win the election,” she said.
You can just about write your own ticket for any of the other candidates, with Katter’s Australian Party candidate Rod Jensen third in the line of betting at $21.
But Mr Jensen, a former North Queensland Cowboys player, is going to give it a shake. He said the cost of living was going to be a major election issue.
“This election is for the people of Leichhardt to send the message to Canberra that they are tired of being ignored,” he said.
Mr Jensen said he had seen first hand the hurt that Far North families, businesses and small communities had suffered during COVID and natural disasters.
“I feel there’s no conversation between Far North Queensland and Canberra,” he said.
“I find our people aren’t being heard.”
Mr Jensen said voting for the LNP would be rewarding failure.
“The LNP government has failed on health, crime, housing and jobs. They have spent 10 years failing to address the GP shortage.
“The LNP has not closed the gap on First Nations’ health, economic security or mental health.”
Confirmed candidates
Warren Entsch – LNP
Elida Faith – ALP
Rod Jensen – KAP
Daniel Hannagan – UAP
Geena Court – PHON
Pat O’Shane – Socialist Alliance
Phillip Musumeci – The Greens
Susanne Bayly – Animal Justice
Silvia Mogorovich – Informed Medical Options
This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 12 April 2022.
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