Here’s who will be on your 2024 Queensland state election ballot paper in CQ
To help make your democratic decision more simple, we have compiled information about the candidates for the seats of Mirani, Rockhampton and lists of voting locations for each electorate. FREE
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Rockhampton might be considered Labor heartland, but if the polls are to be believed that might change at the October 26 State Election.
No matter the predictions, it is up to the voters in the Central Queensland electorates of Rockhampton, Keppel and Mirani who hold the region’s future in their hands.
Those who prefer to avoid the masses at the polling booths on election day can vote early or apply for a postal vote.
Postal vote applications close on October 14 and must be returned by November 5.
Meanwhile, early voting will run from October 14 to 25.
Find out where you can vote below and more about the people vying for your vote, not just for the seat of Rockhampton, but also Keppel and Mirani.
ELECTORATE: ROCKHAMPTON
All Early Voting Centres open Mondays to Fridays, October 14 to 25, 8am to 6pm
Gracemere Early Voting Centre: Gracemere Community Centre, 6 Barry Street, Gracemere,
QLD 4702
Labor: Craig Marshall
Craig Marshall is a healthcare worker husband and father with over 10 years of experience working with, and caring for, children at risk in the Rockhampton community.
He says he will “stand for good quality healthcare, great local schools, safe and secure housing, and a fair go for local families.”
LNP: Donna Kirkland
Businesswoman Donna Kirkland is a former Rockhampton Region councillor, serving for four years.
She believes that Rockhampton is “in a state of crisis when it comes to cost-of-living, housing availability and affordability”.
One Nation: David Bond
David was born in Britain in 1985 and spent time working as an aircraft technician for the British Army.
Since coming to Australia he has managed several businesses including a successful pest control company.
He is passionate about Rockhampton and delivering results for the local community.
The Greens: Mick Jones
Mick was born and raised in Mount Isa prior to his move to Rockhampton.
After his time studying at university, he fought a long battle with a life threatening illness which gave him a strong appreciation for healthcare workers in the area.
He is focused on delivering free, high quality education and health care along with infrastructure like public transport, renewable energy, and affordable housing.
Family First: Fredy Johnson
Fredy Johnson was born and raised in India, and also lived in New Zealand for a time assisting with youth programs through Youth With A Mission.
He believes “strong families, freedom for faith, and protecting the most vulnerable are critical for the future of our community our state and our nation.”
Independent: Margaret Strelow
Long-time Rockhampton mayor Margaret Strelow served as Mayor of Rockhampton before amalgamation and later as the Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council mayor for more than sixteen years, including one term as councillor.
She is committed to “fighting for the big things”, including addressing cost of living, ensuring long-term jobs, improving healthcare and reducing youth crime rates.
ELECTORATE: KEPPEL
Early voting locations
All Early Voting Centres are open Mondays to Fridays, October 14 to 25, 8am to 6pm
Yeppoon Early Voting Centre: Shop 27, Bay Plaza Yeppoon, 64/76 James Street, Yeppoon, QLD 4703
Norman Gardens Early Voting Centre: Rockhampton Baptist Church, 650 Norman Road, Norman
Gardens, QLD 4701
Labor: Brittany Lauga
Current Keppel MP Brittany Lauga grew up in the region and had a background in urban and regional planning before her foray into politics.
She was elected as the State Labor Member for Keppel in January 2015, November 2017 and again in October 2020.
Ms Lauga is also the assistant minister for health and regional health infrastructure.
Some of her primary campaign topics include education, health, infrastructure and tourism.
The Greens: Clancy Mullbrick
Clancy Mullbrick is a local and says he has a “broad understanding of local issues”.
In line with The Greens’ candidates elsewhere in the state, he promises the Greens would build 100,000 public homes, freeze rents, cap increases and make groceries and power bills cheaper.
LNP: Nigel Hutton
Nigel Hutton is a former Livingstone Shire Council deputy mayor and school teacher who has lived in the region for most of his life.
He will be campaigning on issues such as youth crime, housing costs and reducing delays in public healthcare.
One Nation: James Ashby
James Ashby is a former radio presenter from Central Queensland.
He has been the chief of staff to Pauline Hanson for eight years, and will be focusing on issues such as addressing inflation rates, reducing youth crime and “leveraging the region’s natural assets to revitalise the tourism industry in Rockhampton and on the Capricorn Coast.”
Family First: Roger McWhinney
Prior to his entry into politics, Roger had a sixteen year career with the Australian Taxation Office, and he holds formal academic qualifications in Commerce and Theology.
He is a devout Christian and this is his first time running for the seat of Keppel.
ELECTORATE: MIRANI
Early voting locations
All Early Voting Centres are open Mondays to Fridays, October 14 to 25, 8am to 6pm
Marian Early Voting Centre: Marian Community War Memorial Hall, 17 Daly Street, Marian, QLD 4753
Mount Morgan Early Voting Centre: Mount Morgan School of Arts, 33 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan, QLD 4714
Sarina Early Voting Centre: QCWA Sarina Branch Hall, 2 Brewers Road, Sarina, QLD 4737
Katter Australia Party: Stephen Andrew
Stephen Andrew has already served two terms as the Mirani MP and his family have lived in the region for four generations.
He was formerly a member of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party before they unceremoniously dumped without any explanation, and is campaigning hard on issues such as wind farm bans and supporting local businesses.
LNP: Glen Kelly
Glen Kelly is a grazier and volunteer rural firefighter with a long family history in the region.
He is focused on issues such as preserving rural lifestyle, fixing neglected roads and addressing cost-of-living concerns.
Labor: Susan Teder
Susan Teder grew up on a sugar cane farm in Sarina before pursing a career in nursing and social work.
She is focused on supporting community health services in the electorate as well as providing support for rural communities and Indigenous families.
Embarrassingly, Premier Steven Miles forgot Ms Teder’s name the day after spending time in Mackay with her.
One Nation: Brettlyn Neal
Also known as ‘Beaver’, boxer Brettlyn Neal has been working as the office manager and personal assistant for Pauline Hanson for the past three years, but she said she was shaped by her youth spent working on cattle stations and as a camel jockey.
Having previously run for the seat of Cook, her current primary campaigning issues are juvenile justice reform and preserving agricultural heritage.
Family First: Patricia Martin
Mother and grandmother Patricia Martin is a Rockhampton native.
The party’s key policies include freedom for families, child protection and religious freedom.
The Greens: Maria Carty
Maria Carty’s says she will “take on the big corporations that are ripping off Queenslanders” and build 100,000 schools along with providing free healthcare, according to the party’s website.
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Originally published as Here’s who will be on your 2024 Queensland state election ballot paper in CQ
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