David Batt pledges action on cost of living and housing in Hinkler

David Batt has continued more than 30 years of LNP dominance in Hinkler, and he already has ambitious goals for the region.

David Batt casting his vote in the 2025 election.

David Batt will continue almost 35 years of LNP dominance in the division of Hinkler after beating Labor’s Trish Mears in a close contest.

Mr Batt expressed gratitude to voters and laid out his intentions if confirmed as the winner.

“I am grateful to the people of Hinkler who have put their faith in me and given me the opportunity to now serve them as their Federal Member for Hinkler,” he said.

He also acknowledged his opponent, saying she had called him to congratulate him.
“Trish ran a good campaign with honesty and integrity.”

Mr Batt said residents were overwhelmingly concerned about the rising cost of living, pointing to pressure from expenses such as groceries, fuel, rent and electricity.

“In the last two years, Australia has had the biggest fall in living standards in the developed world. That can’t continue.”

If elected, Mr Batt said his top priorities would include tackling cost-of-living pressures, improving housing affordability, and holding the Labor government to its promises on infrastructure and housing.

“I want to see work on the Bruce Highway fast tracked,” he said.
“Labor has made promises that now need to be made real and done now.”

He also said the Hinkler electorate was particularly vulnerable to economic pressures.

“Hinkler has a much greater population of seniors, pensioners and people on lower wages than the Qld average so all the cost-of-living pressures that affect everyone are even more for these groups.”

Hinkler LNP candidate David Batt.

As he prepares to follow in the footsteps of outgoing MP Keith Pitt, Mr Batt said he would bring his own approach to the role.

“Hinkler has been well represented for the past 11 years by Keith Pitt and 20 years before that by Paul Neville.
“Two genuine men who I knew well.
“I am my own person and will bring my own abilities and authentic nature to the role.”

On the question of leadership in the Liberal Party following Peter Dutton’s loss, Mr Batt was measured.

“I will be in the Nationals Party room.
“The Liberal leadership is a decision for their members when they next meet.”

Mr Batt said community connection would be a core part of his work, with plans to regularly visit different parts of the electorate.

“When I’m not in Canberra for sitting weeks, I will be spending equal time across the electorate — Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and the Childers/Burrum areas.

“I will be doing regular community meetings to listen to the people of Hinkler and provide services and advice on Federal issues.

“I want to attend community events.”

To those who didn’t vote for him, Mr Batt had this message:

“Regardless of whether people voted for me or not, I am there to serve all the people of Hinkler.
“I am passionate about this electorate. I will fight for our share of federal funding. My job starts now.”