Trish Mears to run for Hinkler as Labor candidate

The Labor Party has picked a former Bundaberg Citizen of the Year to contest the Queensland seat which has been held by the Nationals for more than 30 years.

Trish Mears could be Bundy’s new member for Hinkler. Photo: Lee-Ann Wilson Photography

The Australian Labor Party has made its selection to contest the seat of Hinkler in the upcoming federal election.

2023 Bundaberg Citizen of the Year, Trish Mears, will contest the seat that has been held by the Nationals for more than 30 years.

Trish is a communications specialist, helping local businesses with marketing and community engagement.
She said families in Hinkler could not afford the cuts to cost of living relief she claims will come under a Peter Dutton LNP Government.

She has experience across a number of local organisations including the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commers, and Partners in Care Together.

Hinkler is held by the LNP with a 10 per cent margin with David Batt preselected to contest Hinkler for LNP.

Trish Mears could be Bundy’s new member for Hinkler. Photo: Lee-Ann Wilson Photography

Ms Mears said she was thrilled to be Labor’s candidate.

“It gives me the chance to continue the Albanese Labor Government’s fight to bring down the cost of living and keep building Australia’s future,” she said.

“Cost of living is the number one issue for families in Hinkler, and Labor is the only party with a real plan to tackle it.

“Under Labor, inflation is down, wages are up, unemployment is low and now interest rates have started to come down too – but we know there’s more work to do.”

She said regional Queenslanders deserved representatives who would stand up for them.
“It is only Labor that will make Free TAFE permanent, keep the doors open in our new Bundy Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and ensure wages continue to grow,” she said.

She said Labor’s plans for cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, and strengthening Medicare are making a real difference, but claims that was at risk under Peter Dutton and the LNP.

“The LNP are taking this community for granted and Hinkler deserves better,” she said.

“Queenslanders will be worse off under Peter Dutton and the LNP.

“I have a reputation for getting things done and I look forward to serving the people of Hinkler to help them, advocate for them and promote our region.”