Local pastor, gallery owner and community figure announces candidacy for seat of Leichhardt
A Cairns pastor, gallery owner and community figure has thrown his hat into the ring for this year’s federal election, pitching to transform the region’s tourism industry.
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A Cairns pastor, gallery owner and community figure has thrown his hat into the ring for this year’s federal election, pitching to transform the region’s tourism industry.
For the second time in two decades, Munganbana Norman Miller will contest the federal seat of Leichhardt, running on a platform centred around reducing crime, increasing social cohesion, and transforming Cairns into an Indigenous tourism hub.
Mr Miller is best known for his artwork and his Lake St gallery opened 29 years ago, but the community figure has also been heavily involved across Indigenous issues, written an award-winning book and even made headlines in 2017 when he tried introduce the big boomerang to Cairns.
Mr Miller said he hasn’t given up on Australia’s next big attraction, but he does believe there is immense opportunity being missed across the Cairns tourism industry.
“I see myself as an ambassador for tourism … everywhere I go, I speak of Cairns, I speak of it as one of the best places to live, and I am so proud to say that,” Mr Miller said.
“I think we have the potential to see this whole area of Leichhardt, the city of Cairns, adapt to new things. We could become the fashion and story capital of the world.
“I had these tourists come into my shop, and they wanted to have an understanding of the Indigenous culture... they said they could always go white-water rafting and skydiving, but they just wanted to come and learn.”
Mr Miller last contested the federal seat in 2007 but was unsuccessful, with Labor MP Jim Turnour emerging victorious.
In the coming weeks, Mr Miller will reveal his key election commitments.
Mr Miller believes his community connections would give him a unique ability to lobby state and local governments for change.
The seat of Leichhardt is currently held by Liberal MP Warren Entsch, who has held the seat for 26 of the last 29 years.
After nearly 30 years in office, the long-term incumbent will not contest this election.
Mr Miller believes now is the time for change.
“People change, they change jobs, they change sceneries. I think the seat of Leichhardt is ready for a change,” Mr. Miller said.
“I’m running for this seat because I believe it’s winnable, without a doubt.
“Who knows, maybe I’m the dark horse.”
Originally published as Local pastor, gallery owner and community figure announces candidacy for seat of Leichhardt
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