‘I had to put my hand up’: Victims of crime advocate to run for LNP in Qld election
Victims of crime advocate Russell Field has been chosen by the LNP to run for the seat of Capalaba in next month’s election.
Field has been an outspoken advocate for crime victims since his son, Matthew, was struck and killed alongside his pregnant fiancee, Kate Leadbetter, by a teenager in a stolen car in Alexandra Hills, east of Brisbane, on Australia Day in 2021.
Russell Field – pictured with wife Ann – will take on Labor MP Don Brown in next month’s election. Credit: Nine News
The former builder and project manager will take on Labor MP Don Brown, who labelled Queensland’s youth crime crisis a “media beat-up”.
“My family’s loss has opened our eyes to the youth crime crisis and injustice for victims in Queensland,” Field said.
“I want stronger laws so no other family has to endure what we have been through.”
Brown, a senior government MP, landed himself in hot water in August last year after dismissing youth crime as just a “media beat-up” in a Facebook post.
Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter were killed in 2021 along with their unborn son, Miles.Credit: Facebook
“To have my local Labor MP label the youth crime crisis a media beat-up was an insult to me, my family and every Queenslander,” Field said.
“When I heard that comment, I knew I had to put my hand up for my community.
“When I saw the premier laugh at the youth crime crisis, I knew Queensland needed change.”
Field said that if elected, the LNP would pass “making Queensland safer” laws by Christmas.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said he was proud to have Field join his team.
“Russell is a father, a husband and a grandfather who is driven by the most unimaginable circumstances,” he said.
“He has turned this tragedy into a powerful fight for change.”
The 17-year-old behind the wheel of the car that struck Field’s son was jailed for 10 years, but was only ordered to serve 60 per cent of the sentence and is due to be released in 2027.