Elida Faith announced as ALP candidate for Leichhardt

A working mum with an ear for local concerns is the ALP’s best bet to win Leichhardt at the next federal election.

ELIDA Faith is the ALP’s hope to wrest Leichhardt from the incumbent Warren Entsch at the next federal election.

In announcing her candidacy on Monday, the former Centrelink staffer and Queensland Council of Unions Cairns president pushed her energy and close experience with struggle street as credentials that may tip the ballot in her favour.

“I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I think it’s time Warren retired. We need new energy in this seat, a local who knows what locals want,” Ms Faith said.

“Queenslanders do deserve better.

“I am a working mum, a wife and I’m passionate about our community.”

Her entry into the race was announced by ALP leader Anthony Albanese during his visit to Cairns on Monday.

Labor candidate for Leichhardt Elida Faith.

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Ms Faith first ran for the seat of Leichhardt, also against Warren Entsch, in 2019.

She said her preselection was unopposed.

Ms Faith’s credited her Centrelink career as the fire behind her second tilt at the federal seat.

“Working with some of Australia’s most vulnerable people everyday, listening to stories of struggle is one of the reasons I am here today," she said.

“I was a single mum, I have felt that struggle and it’s not a nice experience.

“We need to start rebuilding our community; we need affordable housing, affordable child care for every Far North Queenslander.

“We need secure jobs, we need someone who can step up and fight. Someone with energy.

“I am ready to hit the ground running.

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Originally published as Elida Faith announced as ALP candidate for Leichhardt