Qld election 2024: First candidates announced for Toowoomba North, Toowoomba South, Condamine, Lockyer

The 2024 state election campaign is just a few days old but Toowoomba and Darling Downs voters already have more than 15 candidates to choose from across four seats. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW HERE:

The 2024 Queensland election has begun this week, and candidates across four Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley electorates have already started making their pitches to voters in the weeks leading up to October 26.

At least 16 candidates are expected to run across Toowoomba North, Toowoomba South, Condamine and Lockyer, with nominations closing next week.

It comes as residents are able to have their say on the key issues in their seat for this election through The Chronicle’s voter survey.

When and where can I vote?

Early voting began on October 14 at several locations across the Toowoomba, Western Downs, Lockyer Valley and South Burnett regions, which will be open up until October 25.

What forums have been held?

In a turnout described as “embarrassing”, just four of the 16 candidates in Toowoomba North, Toowoomba South and Condamine turned up to the Darling Downs Environment Council’s Energy Done Right forum at the Irish Club Hotel on Tuesday October 8.

Sitting MPs Trevor Watts and Pat Weir and their respective Greens opponents Thom Roker and Ellisa Parker were the only attendees for the event, which was organised by the DDEC, Lock The Gate and Save Our Darling Downs.

The attendance for the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s The Ayes Have It forum at The Oaks the following night (which focused on just Toowoomba North and South) was even worse, with Mr Watts and Mr Roker joined by opposition treasury spokesman David Janetzki to address concerns from the business community.

No candidates from Labor, One Nation, Family First or Legalise Cannabis (which are all running candidates in at least one of the seats) made an appearance at either, with the turnout reflecting the downbeat nature of the election across the state so far.

Read about highlights from each forum here.

Who is running so far?

The LNP (which holds all four seats), Labor, the Greens and One Nation will all run candidates, with Family First and Legal Cannabis being the minor parties that are running in the Darling Downs.

Here is a brief look at every candidate so far:

Toowoomba North

Trevor Watts MP — LNP

Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts.

Mr Watts is seeking a fourth term as the member of Toowoomba North, having first won the seat in 2012.

During his tenure the previously marginal electorate has grown safer for the LNP; he won it in 2020 by over six points.

A former publican and heavily involved in community sport, Mr Watts has served as the opposition whip twice and held shadow portfolios for both police and corrective services between 2017 and 2020.

Youth crime has been a major part of Mr Watts’ platform during the current term and has been a vocal supporter of the LNP’s “adult crime, adult time” pledge to voters.

Speaking to News Corp, the former publican said his party’s pitch was around meeting community expectations and rehabilitating youth offenders.

“If we can get to people who are in difficult circumstances and making poor choices before they’ve done something too serious, we can put them through a training program, we can redirect that energy and we can help them grow into a great citizen,” he said.

“Early intervention is a critical part of it and we will put millions of dollars into that – $100 million will be going into those programmed to divert.

“Then you have people who have committed a crime and they need to be held accountable for what they’ve done, so there will be an appropriate punishment.”

James Green — Labor

Queensland Labor has announced small business owner James Green as the candidate for Toowoomba North in 2024. Photo: Contributed

Toowoomba-educated man James Green, who has worked in trade, farming and education, has put his hand up to try and take down incumbent Mr Watts in the Darling Downs’ most marginal seat.

The Centenary Heights State High graduate said his campaign would focus on cost-of-living and community safety, arguing in favour of measures beyond the energy rebates that the current government delivered in the most recent budget.

“Cost of living (is a key issue and) with the energy rebates it’s shown (to have) dropped inflation but it’s not a long-term fix,” Mr Green told News Corp.

“The cost of maintenance on our power supply network is huge, so we’re looking at more sustainable options but we’re looking at getting the cost of that lowered.”

Mr Green said he believed Toowoomba needed extra policing, but pointed out the source of youth crime needed to be addressed.

“Truthfully, one question that could be asked is why were they out there?” he said.

“(That could include re-enforcing) family values, sitting at the dinner table together, not having iPads parenting our kids.

“We need a sense of community, as much as (Premier) Steven Miles has put an extra funding into policing, the core of why it’s happening needs to be questioned.

“In the short term, I’d say youth maintenance programs (I support), I’d be happy to work with local groups.”

Mr Green also promised to advocate for the Toowoomba Regional Council to secure a funding agreement over the $270m Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades.

When asked why he chose to run, Mr Green said his two daughters played a big role in his decision.

“I’m normally a private person — I’m guided by my heart, and my mind navigates that,” he said.

“We’re going into an election and (up to) 15,000 Labor voters didn’t have a person to vote for, they didn’t have a voice, and it felt right — my only agenda is to the help the community.

“I sat down with my daughter (when I was thinking about it) and she said, ‘I love you and I’m proud of you’, and that’s all I needed to get the courage.”

Thom Roker — Greens

The Greens' candidate for Toowoomba North at the 2024 Queensland election Thom Roker.

Self-employed single dad and refugee advocate Thom Roker is entering his first election campaign for the Greens, with the party reportedly hoping to make big primary vote gains in Toowoomba North.

On his campaign page, Mr Roker said addressing Toowoomba’s housing crisis and continued cost-of-living pressures would be key pillars of his campaign.

“Rent and mortgages are too expensive, houses cost a fortune and families are struggling to put food on the table because groceries cost too much,” he said.

“But there is hope – we can work together to make a real difference and help our community thrive.”

Mr Roker’s platform follows the Greens’ statewide pledges, which aims to increase taxes on large corporations, reduce the cost of children and stop supermarket price-gouging.

Mr Roker has been contacted for a larger interview.

Kerri Hislop — Family First

Kerri Hislop has been named as the candidate for the conservative minor party for Toowoomba North.

According to her profile, Ms Hislop is running on “family, faith, life and freedom”.

“Sadly the major parties have abandoned your values and Family First seeks to provide you the chance to vote for what matters with a clear conscience,” the website said.

“Family First will not compromise. Kerri believes strong families, freedom for faith, and protecting the most vulnerable are critical for the future of our community and our state.”

Sebastian Lund — One Nation

Running on a “straightforward” approach to politics, Sebastian Lund is hoping to make headways with disaffected Labor and LNP voters in Toowoomba North.

On his website profile, Mr Lund said decisions on major issues should be made by experts rather than politicians.

“I believe in Australia’s potential, but we’re heading in the wrong direction,” he said.

“I’m here to stand for the people, not for the perks.”

Mr Lund has been contacted for a full interview.

Toowoomba South

David Janetzki MP – Toowoomba South

Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki, Qld parliament Question Time, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

Seeking a third full term in parliament, former lawyer and banking manager David Janetzki could become Queensland’s next treasurer if the LNP wins government on October 26.

Mr Janetzki’s role for the opposition so far has been on addressing cost-of-living, promising to cut the cost of doctors’ visits by placing GPs into a different payroll tax category.

He was recently critical of Labor’s most recent budget, arguing items like 50c bus fares and major energy rebates were announced purely to win votes.

Closer to home, the shadow treasurer has suggested Toowoomba establish itself as a regional centre rather than a part of southeast Queensland, while stopping short of payroll tax reform for local businesses.

He has also not indicated he would review the current plan for the new Toowoomba Hospital at Baillie Henderson, which has been criticised for its two-campus solution.

Susan Krause – Labor

Susan Krause will stand as Labor's Toowoomba South candidate in the next state election.

With a background in retail, education and private enterprise, Susan Krause is running in her third election against David Janetzki in Toowoomba South.

The mum-of-three’s platform focuses on Labor’s free kindy and TAFE initiatives, as well as pledging further cost-of-living relief.

Ms Krause’s best performance was in 2020 when she secured 30 per cent of first preferences in the fiercely safe conservative seat.

Ms Krause said she didn’t feel “represented” by the LNP and wanted to secure more investment for Toowoomba South.

“I just don’t feel represented by the current representative in Toowoomba South and for those who feel the same way, I want to stand for them,” she told News Corp.

“I want Toowoomba South to get stuff.

“In the last term of the LNP government which was in 2012 to 2015, all Toowoomba South got was we lost 96 nurses and they closed a state school down, so I think we deserve better.

“We need a local representative who is going to stand up and fight for the things our region needs.

Wren Beith — Greens

The Greens' candidate for Toowoomba South at the 2024 Queensland election Wren Beith.

Wren Beith has been announced as the Greens candidate for Toowoomba South.

In her profile, Mr Beith said housing and cost-of-living would be pillars of her campaign.

“I can see that many people are struggling,” her website said.

“Rent and mortgages are through the roof, housing is too expensive and basic groceries cost a fortune.

“But this October, we have a huge opportunity for positive change.”

She has been contacted for comment.

Alex Todd — Family First

Alex Todd.

Alex Todd is the only Toowoomba candidate so far running for conservative party Family First, which has been revived and features noted anti-gay marriage advocate and former Toowoomba councillor Lyle Shelton as a key figurehead.

On her profile, Ms Todd said she was running on “family, faith, life and freedom”, with the party opposing perceived progressive reforms around gender and sexuality.

“Sadly the major parties have abandoned your values and Family First seeks to provide you the chance to vote for what matters with a clear conscience,” the website said.

Eaton Haines — One Nation

One Nation candidate for Toowoomba South Eaton Haines.

Running on a platform of improving manufacturing, stopping renewable investment and reducing foreign ownership, Mr Haines said his goal if elected in Toowoomba South would be to repeal “woke policies”.

“The time for putting Australia first is now — we need to tear up ineffective treaties, scrap wasteful spending on renewables, and bring back coal and nuclear energy to secure our future,” he said on his online profile.

“We need real leadership that puts Australia first.

“It’s time to tear up the bad deals, fix our justice system, and bring back accountability.”

Ingrid Weber — Legalise Cannabis Queensland

Legalise Cannabis Queensland candidate for Toowoomba South Ingrid Weber.

Former small business owner Ingrid Weber is running for Legalise Cannabis in Toowoomba South, with the single-policy party appearing on several ballots at the state election.

Ms Weber, who has been an advocate for legalising medical cannabis for many years, wants to see barriers lifted by governments around its proliferation — including the ability to grow it.

“When medical cannabis became ‘legal’ in 2016, Ingrid rejoiced like so many in the community. But this was short-lived because the barriers put in place by the federal government are insurmountable,” her profile said.

“If Ingrid could legally grow her own cannabis, she and her son would both have a better quality of life and the cost of their medicine would not put pressure on the public purse.

“If elected Ingrid will ensure the government addresses the need for a compassionate access scheme as suggested in the recommendations from the Barriers to Medical Cannabis Inquiry (2020).”

Ms Weber said her other issues included addressing youth homelessness and providing more housing for people with disabilities.

Legalise Cannabis has been contacted for a full interview.

Condamine

Pat Weir MP — LNP

Pat Weir. (News Corp/Attila Csaszar)

Cecil Plains-raised farmer Pat Weir is seeking a third term, having been elected in 2015 to the safe conservative seat.

Mr Weir’s focus during the most recent term has been around issues affecting his electorate’s agricultural base, speaking about fire ants and renewable energy.

His platform shares the LNP’s pledges around youth crime.

Mr Weir was contacted for comment.

Ben Whibley-Faulkner — Labor

Labor candidate for Condamine Ben Whibley-Faulkner.

Tailgate Sports Bar owner Ben Whibley-Faulkner has been announced as Labor’s candidate in Condamine.

The Toowoomba-educated Wyreema resident supports continuing the government’s mining royalties, free kindy pledge and free TAFE offerings.

“My number one thing is making sure voters feel supported by the state government — the biggest thing for us is (making sure) people are putting food on the table,” he said.

“I’m excited we’ve been able to give $1000 off people’s power bills and we can’t risk cuts and privatisation under the LNP.

“It’s really clear we’re doing things that matter, like free kindy, free TAFE and lowering electricity prices.”

Mr Whibley-Faulkner said key issues for Condamine residents included housing, agriculture and the cost-of-living, however believed voters just outside Toowoomba weren’t being ignored by Labor.

“There are absolutely areas (in Oakey and Wyreema) we can redevelop for social and affordable housing, so we could identify those and absolutely work on that,” he said.

“That’s why Labor’s investment in housing is $4bn.

“On a state level, Labor is still doing the things for Condamine, we’re doing all these things for cost-of-living relief and we need to remind people that we’re the ones doing it and they would not happen under the LNP.

“It’s a challenge here, but I’m not going into it thinking I’m going to lose.”

While balancing running a small business and a campaign was a challenge, Mr Whibley-Faulkner said he had a group of volunteers to help him get the word out across the large electorate.

“We’ve got a pretty excited and energetic team here. The Labor community is putting the hand up to knock on doors, put up signs,” he said.

“We’re doing everything we can (with the campaign during) early mornings and when we’re closed, which is not a lot.”

Ellisa Parker — Greens

The Greens candidate for Condamine, Ellisa Parker.

Now in her third political campaign but first for state government, housing advocate, community organiser and academic Ellisa Parker said she believed her increased profile in Oakey and surrounding area would boost the Greens’ message in Condamine.

Ms Parker said healthcare, housing, education and agriculture would be key pillars of her election campaign.

“I’ve lived in that area for 17 years and I have felt first hand the things that are missing in the Condamine electorate,” she said.

“The cost of living needs to be addressed and the Greens plan to do that by breaking up the duopoly of the supermarket chains.

“We want to get more essential services back in the hands of Queenslanders.

“We still have a housing crisis in Condamine, especially for older women — that type of social and affordable development is missing, so we need to have more houses that are affordable.”

Ms Parker, whose electorate includes the expanding New Acland coal mine, said the fossil fuel industry had been “calling the shots” in Condamine for too long.

“Oakey is a town that has continued to be in decline, but if there was somebody different, it would be a lot different. If nothing changes, nothing changes and all the problems we have will continue,” she said.

“We’ll continue to have less developments, we’ll just be stuck living with what we’ve got.

“Condamine is the richest farmland in Australia, if not the world, and we are under threat from coal and gas exploration.”

Ms Parker says her campaign is supported by some money from the party and a handful of dedicated volunteers.

Alan Hughes — Family First

Family First candidate for Condamine Alan Hughes.

Mr Hughes, a third-generation dairy farmer from Yalangur, is running in the safe conservative seat of Condamine for the newly-reformed Family First Party.

The grandfather is running on a pro-life platform, while arguing for the important of “ordinary people in our democracy”.

“Early in their married life Alan and (wife) Lesley were missionaries on Goulbourn Island in the Northern Territory for four years, this experience has given them an understanding of some of the issues relevant to Aboriginal people,” the Family First website said.

“He has a real concern regarding the impact that gender ideology is having on children.”

Lockyer

Jim McDonald MP — LNP

Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald. Picture: Dominic Elsome

Former police officer Jim McDonald is seeking a third term as the member for Lockyer, a seat which he polled at 45 per cent on first preferences four years prior.

Mr McDonald, whose father was legendary rugby league player and coach John McDonald and brother Geoff is Toowoomba’s mayor, is running on water security, improving Lockyer’s road network and addressing domestic and family violence.

“It’s clear that our community are frustrated with a government who doesn’t have the right priorities for Queenslanders, so I’m proud to stand on my record and be part of the solution to get Queensland moving again. In Lockyer, we need a strong, growing, local economy,” his website said.

“That’s the best way to ensure local families have high-quality health care and the schools and TAFE training our children need to prepare for work.”

Euan Tiernan — Labor

Labor candidate for Lockyer at the 2024 Queensland state election, Euan Tiernan.

Mr Tiernan, who is running as a candidate in Lockyer for the first time, has promised to bring a “fresh outlook” to the electorate.

He pointed to the state government’s investments into a number of projects in the area, which has not elected a Labor representative since 1918.

“Euan was raised by his single dad and says good Labor policy ensured that he didn’t fall through the cracks,” the ALP website said.

“He says his community gave him the opportunities to do better and wants to see the same for young Queenslanders in the regions.

“At Lowood State High, the government is delivering a brand-new horticultural precinct, including hot and green houses, water tanks and garden beds.

“This builds on the refurbishment of multipurpose sport courts at Laidley State High School.”

Paul Toner — Greens

The Greens' candidate for Lockyer at the 2024 Queensland election Paul Toner.

Paul Toner, who has lived in the Lockyer region for more than 15 years, said the electorate is on the “frontline of climate change” — something he believed only the Greens could address.

“The challenges of climate change, cost of living, homelessness, and health need to be addressed by real, well-planned policies, not just slogans and distractions,” the website said.

“I’ve lived in Ipswich and the Lockyer region since 2007 and witnessed how changes to our climate and economy have affected us.

“Our plan for Queensland would enable the people of Lockyer to cope with the disruptions of a changing climate and grow a stronger, more sustainable economy, a fairer, caring community, and a liveable environment.”

Mr Toner has been contacted for a larger interview.

Corey West — One Nation

Pauline Hanson One Nation candidate for Lockyer, Corey West.

Running in his second election in Lockyer, local businessman and farmer Corey West is hoping to his improve on his 13 per cent first preference vote from 2020.

According to his website, Mr West said his platform would be based around agriculture and a strong local business sector.

“With a strong belief in the importance of supporting local businesses, Corey has worked tirelessly to ensure that the economic backbone of Lockyer remains strong, advocating for policies that encourage growth and sustainability,” it said.

“His experience as a farmer gives him a first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by those in the agricultural sector, and he is committed to ensuring that Lockyer remains a thriving agricultural hub.”

One Nation has a strong electoral track record in Lockyer, having won the seat at the 1998 and 2001 state elections.

Party leader Pauline Hanson also ran in 2015, but lost narrowly to Ian Rickuss.

Julie Rose — Family First

Following the reformed party’s focus on “family values, faith, (and) parental rights”, Lockyer Valley grandmother Julie Rose is running in her first political campaign.

According to the party’s website, Ms Rose said she wanted to secure more vital services for rural communities.

“Rural needs are just as important as urban needs. Our producing capacity is valuable,” she wrote.

“But being rural in our ‘neck of the woods’ can mean we are so close, yet so far from the services we need.

“I am passionate about our community and the role we can play in providing services to create a safe, nurturing environment for families to thrive.”

Originally published as Qld election 2024: First candidates announced for Toowoomba North, Toowoomba South, Condamine, Lockyer