Ross the boss: LNP names new Far North chair
Meet the man entrusted with building on the LNP’s big wins in the Far North at last year’s state election.
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Far North LNP members have voted for change, with a key political adviser tasked with leading the charge to win back Leichhardt and guide the party’s strategy ahead of the 2028 state election.
Businessman Ross Contarino was named the party’s regional chair, defeating incumbent Colin Ford and rising star Alana McKenna in a vote for the top job earlier this month.
The Far North branch, which takes in about 10 sub-branches across the region, including Cape York, Innisfail and the Atherton Tablelands, enjoyed success at the state election last year, claiming three of the region’s four seats.
But the party’s joy was soured by a big loss in May’s federal election with Labor’s Matt Smith defeating the Coalition’s candidate Jeremy Neal to claim Leichhardt.
Mr Contarino, who currently works as an electorate officer for the Member for Mulgrave, Terry James, said his primary goal was to boost collaboration between sub-branches and increase membership numbers.
“My job will be to get everybody working in the same direction,” Mr Contarino said.
“Volunteers in politics are always hard to come by but the sell will be if you’ve got a passion and something you’re interested in, this is your opportunity to take a stance.”
It’s been a busy period for the conservatives, with Premier David Crisafulli completing a whirlwind four-day tour of the Far North last week spanning the length of the region.
The trip took in the outer islands of the Torres Strait, including Saibai Island, about 900km north of Cairns on the doorstep of Papua New Guinea.
The party also hosted a private event to thank supporters of Member for Barron River, Bree James, at Yorkeys Knob Boating Club on Saturday morning, with the premier in attendance.
During the event, Ms James declared to dozens of supporters that the party needed to be a “three-term government” in Queensland.
In turn, Mr Crisafulli delivered a rallying cry to the LNP’s Far North members.
“You stood in heat, you stood in the rain, you copped abuse, many of you who have had friendships tested, because that’s what putting your values on the line does,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“It’s never easy, but I promise you it’s really well worth it for you. It is worth it for the person who will get surgery because the hospital system works.
“It is worth it for the person who wakes up and their car is still there and they can go and earn a living.
“It’s worth it for the young person who gave up on owning a home. That’s why we go into this thing.”
Meanwhile, former Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Richie Bates was recently appointed as Labor’s Cairns president.
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