Maurice Blackburn lawyer Emily Mawson new ALP Capricornia candidate
It was someone overshadowed by the latest deadly disaster on the Bruce Hwy but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Central Queensland on Saturday had another purpose as a new female face entered the political scene.
Rockhampton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rockhampton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The daughter of a Central Queensland coal miner who now spends her days fighting for the rights of workers as an asbestos, dust and occupational diseases lawyer has put her hat into the ring to represent the region at a federal level.
Emily Mawson was on Saturday morning announced as the Australian Labor Party’s candidate for the seat of Capricornia, currently held by Liberal MP Michelle Landry, ahead of next year’s federal election.
The announcement was made during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s flying visit to Rockhampton where he was grilled on the state of the Bruce Hwy, which remains closed south of Gladstone after a deadly truck explosion.
Ms Mawson grew up in Moranbah and spent many holidays visiting family in Rockhampton and Yeppoon and now works for Maurice Blackburn in Rockhampton.
The Prime Minister made the announcement at an ALP gathering at the Archer Park Rail Museum in Rockhampton.
“It’s fantastic to be back in Rockhampton again today, this time to announce our candidate for the electorate of Capricornia,” Mr Albanese said.
“Emily is someone who grew up in the coalfields near here.
“Finished high school at Moranbah, now lives at Yeppoon … she’s someone who knows all parts of this electorate.
“Emily’s experience as an asbestos and occupational disease lawyer standing with working people to get fairer outcomes, shows Emily is not afraid to fight for what she believes is right.”
Describing herself as a “proud Central Queenslander”, Ms Mawson said she knew what people in the community cared about.
“I know that people want secure jobs, a health system they can rely on and support to help ease the pressure of cost of living,” she said.
“I have spent my working life fighting for workers affected by diseases and health problems picked up at work, which means I know how to fight hard for people and advocate for our community in parliament.
“I want to represent the community that I grew up in and that I love, and I want to be part of a Government that will deliver a secure and thriving future for Queensland.”
She said she has been out and about talking with locals to find out what the main issues were and the key response was the cost of living.
“They are doing it tough,” she said.
“I know the Federal Government has made a lot of strides to try and make things more helpful for people up here … to take that toll off people here in Capricornia and I’m really excited to be part of a government focused on cost of living relief.
Another issue people raised was that they were concerned for the future of the region’s jobs.
More Coverage
Woman jailed for torching car allegedly used in shooting murder
A car, allegedly used by two men accused of killing a Queensland man whose body was dumped on the side of the road, was torched by a woman.
Fare evader threatens to ‘smash’ taxi driver’s head into steering wheel
A fare evader threatened to “smash” a taxi driver’s head into the steering wheel before doing a runner - but that wasn’t his only crime.