Federal election 2025: David Batt pre-selected to contest Hinkler for LNP

Former police officer, councillor and state LNP MP David Batt has been pre-selected to contest the federal seat of Hinkler at this year’s federal election.

Hinkler LNP candidate David Batt with David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals, and Federal Member for Maranoa.

Former Bundaberg councillor and state LNP MP David Batt will contest the seat of Hinkler at the upcoming federal election.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud made the announcement in a statement on Monday, saying Mr Batt was “well known in the local area and has already heard from families all across Wide Bay-Burnett, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg, who are struggling with Labor’s cost-of-living crisis”.

“David has served our community for much of his working life; 23 years as a police officer, 10 years as a councillor and deputy mayor, from 2017 to 2020 as the State MP for Bundaberg, and as council’s community resilience and disaster management coordinator,” Mr Littleproud said.

Hinkler LNP candidate David Batt with David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals, and Federal Member for Maranoa.

“David knows the issue that matter and that Hinkler families are really hurting. Last week’s interest rate cut will unfortunately only offset one of 12 rate rises under Labor. Families with a typical mortgage have spent an additional $50,000 of interest since Labor came to government.

Mr Batt said he was proud to be part of a team that would invest $9 billion into Medicare.

“With the retirement of MP Keith Pitt, holding onto Hinkler must not be left to chance.”

According to Mr Littleproud’s statement, Mr Batt and his family have called the Hinkler electorate home for five generations.

Mr Batt served 23 years in the police force, rising to the rank of sergeant before being elected to the Bundaberg Regional Council in 2008.

He holds “a Diploma of Local Government Administration, along with a Diploma in Policing and an Advanced Diploma in Investigative Practices”, Mr Littleproud’s statement read.

“Mr Batt was the manager of the Bundaberg PCYC for several years before his election to council, and was elected “as Member for Bundaberg at the 2017 election, taking the state seat from Labor”.