Mulgrave voters wait for Labor to announce its candidate as rivals hit the campaign trail

Member for Cairns Michael Healy has denied Labor is running out of time for a candidate to be announced in a key Far North seat despite the party facing less than seven weeks till election day.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy is bullish about Labor’s chances in Mulgrave despite the party not announcing a candidate yet. Picture: Richard Walker

Member for Cairns Michael Healy has denied Labor is running out of time for a candidate to be announced in a key Far North seat despite the party facing less than seven weeks till election day.

Speaker and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt announced his shock retirement last month forcing the ALP to scour its ranks for a potential replacement for the outgoing veteran MP.

Mr Pitt endorsed award-winning actor Aaron Fa’Aoso but it’s understood that there are multiple contenders for the role with Labor still yet to lock in a contender.

Mr Healy said voters should consider Mr Pitt’s record in the region before contemplating other candidates.

“The Labor candidate for Mulgrave is probably waiting to be announced. As soon as I know, I’ll let you know,” the Sports and Tourism Minister said on Friday.

“When you look at a candidate the important thing is that the candidate is the tip of the sword.

“You’ve got to be able to look and see what has been achieved and what have the outcomes been.”

KAP candidate Steve Lesina has worked with the Northern Pride junior development program in recent years. Picture: Steve Lesina

Having contested two previous state elections, Mr Healy said a late start shouldn’t inhibit whomever is preselected by the party.

“I don’t think that being late will have any impact on the performance,” he said.

“Curtis has been there for nearly 15 years. His contribution has been significant.

“I encourage people to look at what governments have done, where the investment is and how we’re moving forward. They are the questions I would encourage people to look at.”

LNP candidate for Mulgrave Terry James and Deputy Opposition Leader, Jarrod Bleijie in Gordonvale this week.

The LNP named former Cairns mayor Terry James, who hit the campaign trail in Gordonvale, earlier this week.

“This is where the town is growing,” Mr James said of Cairns’ southside. “Housing is needed in this area.

“There are some roadblocks with infrastructure. I’m well aware of those … and I think I’m the man to advocate for this area to get the infrastructure here.”

Independent candidate for Mulgrave in the 2024 Queensland state election Yodie Batzke. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

Katter’s Australian Party announced school teacher Steve Lesina will contest Mulgrave while Yodie Batzke will run as an independent.

Originally published as Mulgrave voters wait for Labor to announce its candidate as rivals hit the campaign trail