Liberals turn up the heat on Healy over Cairns crime at Wednesday’s state parliament sitting

The LNP used Wednesday’s parliament sitting to grill Michael Healy, including accusations he was going to “run” for mayor, to which the Cairns MP has now responded.

Cairns MP Michael Healy has rejected claims he will run for Cairns mayoral job in 2024.

Burdekin MP Dale Last accused him of chasing the mayoral chains during Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting.

“We know that he is heading out. We know at the next election that he is running for the hills. He is cutting it and he is heading for the mayor’s job in Cairns. That is where he is heading,” Mr Last said.

Cairns MP Michael Healy called Burdekin MP Dale Last’s mayoral accusation “absolute garbage”. Picture: Brendan Radke

He added, referring to the LNP’s recent selection of Yolonde Entsch to run for the Cairns seat in 2024: “That is why we have selected (an) outstanding (candidate) for Cairns … they have impeccable credentials and they are local community champions.”

Mr Healy called Mr Last’s accusation “absolute garbage”.

“I have never had any intentions on running for mayor of (Cairns),” Mr Healy said.

“This is a ploy by the LNP.”

Responding in parliament to the attacks levelled at him relating to crime in the Cairns community, Mr Healy said the opposition’s previous statements on crime has been “spurious and disingenuous”.

Burdekin MP and shadow minister for police Dale Last told Qld parliament Michael Healy was planning a run for mayor of Cairns. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“When you scratch below the surface, there is no genuine concern or meaningful solution with any of their banter. We’re still waiting for (their) plan,” he said.

“The opposition’s dubious attacks are based on fear and scare mongering, cuts and chaos … those that serve and protect us on the front line really don’t appreciate these allegations.”

Mayor Bob Manning maintains it his intention to see out his term which ends in March next year.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning again rejected claims he was resigning early. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I’ve made statements on that, and my position hasn’t altered,” Cr Manning said.

Local government elections in 2024 are expected to be held no later than March 28 due to the Easter break, which begins on March 29.

An early resignation from Cr Manning, one within 12 months of the election, would trigger an mayoral appointment by council vote, according to the Local Government Act.

If that eventuates, deputy mayor Terry James is expected to be the natural successor.

Originally published as Liberals turn up the heat on Healy over Cairns crime at Wednesday’s state parliament sitting