Outgoing MP endorses First Nations actor Aaron Fa’Aoso
TV star Aaron Fa’Aoso is poised to step into the political spotlight with a veteran Far North MP endorsing the award-winning actor and producer as his chosen successor.
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TV star Aaron Fa’Aoso is poised to step into the political spotlight with a veteran Far North MP endorsing the award-winning actor and producer as his chosen successor ahead of October’s state election.
Speaker Curtis Pitt announced he would bow out of politics last week, ending a 15-year career and seemingly throwing the Labor Party into chaos just two months before Queenslanders head to the ballot boxes.
But before embarking on his second act, Mr Pitt has sensationally backed the versatile entertainer ahead of the ALP’s preselection process for his seat of Mulgrave.
Standing on the field where they first met playing junior rugby league for Southern Suburbs, the former Queensland treasurer said he was “enormously proud” to give the proud Torres Strait Islander his backing.
“Aaron’s a self-made man who’s come from humble beginnings to make his mark,” Mr Pitt said at Alley Park in Gordonvale.
“He’s shown what hard work can do if you’re committed to reach your goals.
“He’s carved out an impressive career in film and television, owning his own production company too.”
Despite predominantly working as an entertainer across the last two decades, Mr Fa’Aoso said he brought significant experience to the role, with the Logie winner boasting a strong connection to the electorate and politics throughout his life.
“My family moved from Bamaga in the late 50s, early 60s and they bought a five-acre plot of land in Aloomba,” he said.
“They were canecutters, so there’s a strong affiliation with the area for me.
“For our clan, Aloomba became the HQ and I started playing junior rugby league with Southern Suburbs.”
The managing director of Lonestar Productions’ work within government would stand him in good stead, if preselected Mr Pitt said.
“He was the co-chair of the Queensland government’s Truth and Treaty body,” he said.
“He was appointed by the federal government to be a board member of SBS and was also appointed by the Queensland government to the Screen Queensland board.
“So he knows government and how it works. Also, Aaron lives the Labor ethos of speaking up for those who may not be able to speak up for themselves.”
The next step in Mr Fa’Aoso’s audition will be to secure preselection within the ALP in the coming weeks.
“I can be a strong advocate and a strong voice for the Far North in Brisbane for our region and the seat of Mulgrave,” he said.
“This is a massive growth corridor, and when you think about the cost of living, health services and education those services need to grow with the region as well.
“For me, it’s almost like a natural transition into this space.”
Entering state politics felt like a natural progression, Mr Fa’Aoso said.
“I’ve kind of always been involved in politics,” he said.
“Whether it’s been advocating for the film and television industry, or across the social justice space.
“I think it was natural for me, having grown up in the area, when the opportunity presented itself. I’m not one to die wondering.
“I thought ‘let’s have a go’.”
The LNP has yet to name its candidate for Mulgrave.
Grandson motivates move into politics
Political aspirant Aaron Fa’Aoso has revealed life as a grandfather changed his outlook and inspired his surprise decision to become a state Labor Party candidate.
“I’m extremely proud,” the 48-year-old actor and producer said, reflecting on his one-year-old grandson, Giovanni.
“He’s beautiful and turns two in November. But I think it further compelled me to move into this space as well.
“Now, I want to be part of making decisions that will make his world a little bit easier and better.”
As Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt’s pick to replace him, Mr Fa’Aoso must still gain preselection from the ALP to run in the October state election.
The film industry heavyweight is highly regarded within the Far North but acknowledged detractors would likely call out a previous indiscretion that occurred more than a decade ago.
In 2012, the East West 101 star pleaded guilty to wilful damage and disorderly conduct following an incident at the Heritage Hotel in Cairns that led to a six-month good behaviour bond.
After being told to leave the venue by security guards because he was intoxicated, he asked for his $10 cover charge to be refunded.
When he was given his money, the actor slammed it back onto the cash register, causing the till to fall on the ground and break.
The Queensland Speaker said Mr Fa’aoso had long moved on from the event which occurred on the anniversary of a family tragedy.
“Aaron is the first person to admit that he’s had troubles in his past and things he’s not proud of,” Mr Pitt said.
“But what I’ve seen is someone who’s been open and upfront about past transgressions.
“I’m standing here with Aaron today because I have absolute faith that he’ll pick up the work that I’ve been doing.
“I’ve known him almost my whole life. I’m really proud of the man he is today.
“That’s why I’m giving him my full support and hope that he’ll be the Labor candidate for Mulgrave.”
The actor tendered six character references at the time, including one from then Cairns mayor Val Schier, who described him as a role model within the community.
Originally published as Outgoing MP endorses First Nations actor Aaron Fa’Aoso
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