Former cop David Batt makes first speech as Hinkler’s new MP

Hinkler’s former cop-turned federal MP has given an emotional first speech in parliament, quoting The Castle, talking high-profile crimes and reflecting on his gut-wrenching 2020 state election loss by just nine votes.

Newly elected Federal member for Hinkler David Batt has made his first speech to parliament, speaking about the privilege of having served his community at all levels of government and pledging to deliver for his community.

Newly elected Federal member for Hinkler and former police officer David Batt has made his first speech to parliament, speaking about the privilege of having served his community at all levels of government and pledging to deliver.

“As I received my lapel pin and Electorate Medallion from the Serjant At-Arms just a few weeks ago – I declared: ‘They’re going straight to the pool room’, a quote from the iconic character Darryl Kerrigan in the 1997 classic Australian movie The Castle.

“The Kerrigan family are the epitome of Aussie battlers that you can find in every electorate across our great country.

“The people who we all represent. ‘The Castle’ and its famous one liners have provided plenty of joy and laughter to my two daughters over many years.”

Mr Batt was elected to represent the people of Hinkler following the resignation of former MP Keith Pitt who accepted a post as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See.

“I understand that being here is a privilege, not a right. I will serve the people of Hinkler with honesty, integrity and compassion for as long as they will have me represent them in this House.

“I’ll always fight to ensure Hinkler receives its fair share.”

In his speech, Mr Batt said his two girls with wife Sharyn were his greatest achievement.

“While we have never had the fortune of living on the edge of an airport runway, Sharyn and I started our journey together at a Bundy High school social in 1988 and have been married now for over 32 years,” he said.

“Without the love and support of Sharyn, Taleigha and Maddy I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Mr Batt said his family had originally settled in Bundaberg in the 1800s.

“My parents Rod and Lyn are my heroes. Salt of the earth,” he said.

On June 12, Mr Batt had the honour of writing his first congratulatory message as the Member for Hinkler to his parents for their 60th anniversary.

“The tyranny of age, illness and distance has prevented mum and dad from being here today, but I know they will be watching on that 98 inch TV – as long as one of the family has dropped in to show dad how to log in online,” he said.

“Mum and Dad – I hope you can see the pride on my face and hear the love in my voice for you both today and always.”

Mr Batt spoke of his time as a detective, serving on the force for almost 20 years, investigating the Childers backpacker hostel fire and the murder of British backpacker Caroline Stuttle.

“Through policing I witnessed the best and the worst of society and it took a toll on me and my colleagues defending the thin blue line,” he said.

Newly elected Federal member for Hinkler David Batt has made his first speech to parliament, speaking about the privilege of having served his community at all levels of government and pledging to deliver for his community.

Mr Batt become a police union representative and a peer support officer for almost 15 years.

“I thought I would be a copper until I retired, but out of the study tour I developed a strong desire to see my community thrive.

“I stepped out of my comfort zone and nominated for the 2008 local government elections.” Mr Batt said.

“That’s where political life, for me, began. I served three terms as a councillor and Deputy Mayor for the Bundaberg Regional Council between 2008 and 2017.”

From 2017 to 2020, Mr Batt served as the member for Bundaberg, and he described it as a “special time”.

“I was only the second member of a conservative political party to have held the state seat since it was created in 1888,” he said.

“In 2017 I was the first to call for and fight for a new hospital – and it is on the way.

“I called for an inquiry into the problems facing Paradise Dam – and now it is being rebuilt to secure water for our farmers.

“The state stint only lasted the one term.

“My bid for re-election came down to the finest of margins.

“After the recount, just nine votes. The year was 2020.

“The loss in this state election absolutely gutted me – both personally and for my staff.

“We had committed so much to build a better community.

“The lesson learnt – every vote really does count.”

Mr Batt said he was committed to working tirelessly for Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

“My vision is simple. People who live in the greatest country on earth should have the same opportunities whether they live in the city or country.

“I’m sure everybody in this chamber is here for a similar reason – to make the improvements required and leave behind a

better place to the one we entered.

“We must set an example in this house and debate policies, not personalities.

I will ensure that this Bundy boy will also serve my community of Hervey Bay with passion and commitment.

“I am pleased to have secured an electorate office in Hervey Bay.

“It has a population of almost 70,000 and it will be a priority of mine to ensure this important region of Hinkler is not forgotten.”

Originally published as Former cop David Batt makes first speech as Hinkler’s new MP