Defeated Thuringowa MP reflects on the future

Defeated Thuringowa Labor MP Aaron Harper has accepted the result gracefully, as he congratulated the LNP’s Natalie Marr on a successful campaign.

Defeated Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper has focused on the positives of his defeat in the state election, which is that he would have time to improve his golf par.

On social media Mr Harper thanked his supporters and the residents who had backed him throughout the years, as he emphasised on his achievements in his three terms of government.

He also congratulated LNP’s Natalie Marr on her successful campaign, as he told constituents that the direction of Thuringowa and any promised election commitments from both sides was up to her.

“We had a good conversation last night and I must acknowledge and congratulate Natalie on her win, she campaigned hard and I am sure will put her own brand on things going forward,” Mr Harper said.

“I can now do some things that I have not done for a very long time, the list is long, most importantly being home, being a dad and husband to my beautiful family and my wife Amanda who is my rock and has been there for all the ups and downs.”

“Looking forward to getting on with the next chapter in my life, whatever that may be, but I need a break first.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper (Labor) casts his vote on October 26, 2024. Picture: Emily Devon

“Well, from paramedic to politician – I should write a book eh – I got to be an MP in the Queensland Parliament, only around 1200 people have had the opportunity to do that since 1860, and for a kid that did not finish school it is a reminder that anything is possible in this country.”

Recently when Mr Harper was asked in an interview with the Bulletin if he was afraid of losing the seat, he compared to stepping away from his last profession working for the Queensland Ambulance Service.

“Everything has a beginning, middle and an end,” he said.

And when asked if he considered himself to be a politician, or a paramedic still, Mr Harper said it was important to always remember his roots and where he came from.

He initially was motivated to run for Labor after he was upset by health policies and aggressive staff cutbacks during the former LNP led Newman government between 2012-15, and after defeating his LNP predecessor Sam Cox he has held the seat ever since.

Mr Harper’s list of achievements includes Riverway Drive road upgrades, the Ring Road upgrades, as well as new school halls, a new ambulance station at Kirwan, and a new police station at Rasmussen.

But he also contributed to issues such as Voluntary Assisted Dying through his role as chair of the parliament’s health committee, and it was a law he hoped would remain in the Crisafulli led government.

Originally published as Defeated Thuringowa MP reflects on the future