War of words between Hinkler candidates Keith Pitt, Jason Scanes

One has been called a “recycled candidate” and the other has been accused of being AWOL when it comes to fighting for Hinkler. The war of words has already begun ahead of the Federal election.

The war of words has already begun between Hinkler’s incumbent LNP member and the newly selected Labor challenger ahead of this year’s federal election.

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt labelled Labor candidate Jason Scanes a “recycled” candidate, while the former army captain described the Morrison Government as “missing in action”.

In a statement released by Labor Senator Anthony Chisholm, who announced Mr Scanes’ candidacy on Wednesday, Mr Pitt and the government were criticised for being “AWOL” when it came to standing up for Hinkler.

“This government have let the good folk of Hinkler suffer with rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and insecure work,” Mr Chisholm said.

“I know Jason, and I know he will ensure his community get a better future by delivering secure jobs, access to health care and better access to education and skills.”

Mr Scanes said he would put the community’s needs before his own.

“The do-nothing Morrison Government is always missing in action, which has meant the community of Hinkler are always left behind,” he said.

“We’ve seen the Morrison Government consistently abandon Australian’s during a crisis by passing the buck and blaming others for their inaction.

“Hinkler can’t risk another three more years of the Morrison Government.”

But on Thursday, Mr Pitt hit back at those claims.

He also criticised Labor for picking a candidate who did not live in the electorate.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Labor candidate Jason Scanes.

Mr Scanes lives near Aldershot, just outside the Hinkler electorate.

“Labor have just recycled the previous candidate for Wide Bay, they couldn’t even find someone who lives in the electorate to run for the seat of Hinkler,” he said.

“This shows that Labor is not serious about what is happening in this electorate. “

Mr Pitt said Labor was “not serious about water infrastructure” and had been dragged into committing to restore Paradise Dam, “much like their State Government counterparts”.

“In 2019 the Labor candidate said he wanted to put the people of Wide Bay first and now he wants to put Hinkler first? Sounds like he’s been taking lessons from each-way Albo,” he said.

“Not once has Labor said what they plan to do if they get rid of the Cashless Debit Card.

“Labor might be happy to do nothing, but I am for change and the Cashless Debit Card is just one tool in the toolbox to address some complex, longstanding issues in our community.

“Labor‘s repeated claims about aged pensioners being forced onto the Cashless Debit Card have been proven to be incorrect and they’ve had to apologise in the Queensland State Parliament for misleading the Parliament.

“I‘ll be standing on my record of delivery: tax relief for 50,800 taxpayers, support for more than 1000 local apprentices, significant investment in projects right across the region including safety upgrades to the Bruce Highway and local roads, the Hervey Bay Airport upgrade, the joint RFDS and Lifeflight base, the multi-use conveyor at the Port of Bundaberg, the palliative care facility in Hervey Bay, as well as funding to help local volunteer organisations and community groups. This is just a snapshot of what I have fought for and secured for Hinkler.

“The Coalition Government will continue to strengthen the economy, support local manufacturing which will lead to more jobs and apprenticeships, and ensure Australians can access the essential services they rely on.”

Originally published as War of words between Hinkler candidates Keith Pitt, Jason Scanes