Annette Swaine revealed as LNP’s Kennedy candidate in 2025 federal election

A former police officer and tourism operator will take on Father of the House Bob Katter in the looming federal election, vowing to “fix the Bruce Highway”.

Annette Swaine as the LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook with the now Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli during a street walk in Ingham. Picture: Liam Kidston.

A former police officer and tourism operator will take on Father of the House Bob Katter in the looming federal election, vowing to “fix the Bruce Highway”.

Failed LNP state candidate for Hinchinbrook Annette Swain has been revealed as the Liberal National Party’s pick for the regional seat of Kennedy.

Ms Swaine, who said Kennedy was “under-represented” and “overlooked by government”, is in for an uphill battle against Mr Katter, who has held the seat since 1993.

The only other party to have announced a candidate for Kennedy is Family First with Douglas Lush.

Kennedy, which is often referred to as ‘Katter Country’, was also held by Bob Katter Senior from 1996 to 1982.

Annette Swaine. Picture: Liam Kidston

While Mr Katter has held onto the seat for more than a decade now, he did suffer a slight blow against him in 2022 with a two-candidate-preferred swing towards LNP candidate Bryce McDonald.

However, there were also swings towards the Greens, and independent Jen Sackley in first-preference votes.

Before it became Katter Country, the seat was primarily held by Labor.

“As I engage and listen to residents and businesses across the electorate the message is clear – local families are hurting under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis and, like many regional areas, we are feeling it more than those in the cities,” Ms Swaine said.

Bob Katter MP, Federal Member for Kennedy. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“The Ingham to Innisfail section of the Bruce Highway is one of the most dangerous in the state and we need improvements on the Kennedy Highway.

“Our community will not see positive change unless it has stronger government representation in a Liberal National government,” she said.

“We need a government that is focused on getting Australia back on track by reigning in inflationary spending, combating crime, addressing the housing affordability crisis, and ensuring households have affordable and reliable power.”

26 February 1975 --- Father and son parliamentary representatives, the Federal Party member for Kennedy Bob Katter Snr (left) and the State National Party member for Flinders Robert (Bob) Katter Jnr at the opening of state parliament.

Ms Swaine said she knows what it takes to serve her community.

“If elected, I will be a strong voice for the people of Kennedy and fight for what matters most to families across the region,” she said.

Annette Swaine when she was Cardwell Chamber of Commerce president. Picture: Cameron Bates

Nationals leader David Littleproud said an LNP government would fix the Bruce Highway.

“The LNP has pledged $7.2bn to the Bruce Highway and we remain committed to the 80/20 funding model with the Queensland State Government,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Kennedy families have missed out on crucial road upgrades, while also having to pay the price for Labor’s reckless race to an all-renewables approach.”

Ms Swaine has lived in Mount Isa, Innisfail and Cardwell, working with the Queensland Police Service in the child protection and investigation unit.

More recently, she owned and operated tourism businesses in the Cassowary Coast region.

Originally published as Annette Swaine revealed as LNP’s Kennedy candidate in 2025 federal election