LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook Annette Swaine aims at MP Nick Dametto

An Innisfail real estate agent running for the LNP in Hinchinbrook says she’s confident she can knock popular incumbent MP Nick Dametto off his perch.

Then Cardwell Chamber of Commerce president Annette Swaine at her marine business Port of Call Fishing and Boating Supplies at Port Hinchinbrook in 2020. Picture: Cameron Bates

An Innisfail-based real-estate agent contesting the Hinchinbrook electorate for LNP says she is confident she can displace popular incumbent Nick Dametto.

Annette Swaine is comparatively well-known in the seaside town of Cardwell on the northern rim of the Hinchinbrook electorate as a former frontline police officer, businesswoman and past president of the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce.

Ms Swaine, whose husband David owns Harvey Norman Innisfail, said it was “time for me to stand up” more than 10 years after purchasing a block of land in Port Hinchinbrook.

“I’m not happy with the way things are running in Queensland.”

She said rampant crime was a key concern, with almost 20 years’ experience at the coal face.

“I know how far gone youth crime has become and I suppose that is really a passion of mine: a lot needs to be done, but it needs to be done, it needs to change.”

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli announces LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook Annette Swaine. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Swaine said a key pillar of the LNP’s action plan was making Queensland communities safer, saying it was “the best action plan I’ve seen, and to me, it will really make a difference.”

“Crime has gone on for far too long, people need to feel safe where they live and I know from talking to people in my electorate that people don’t feel safe, even in Cardwell, people are locking up their houses.”

Cassowary Coast crime prevention officer Senior Constable Jane Moran and Acting Sergeant Annette Swaine in 2016. Picture: Supplied

Ms Swaine addressed the elephant in the room regarding residing at Flying Fish Point in Innisfail, where she worked as a real-estate agent for Raine & Horne, and opting to represent the expansive Hinchinbrook electorate that began an hour south.

The 58-year-old said it was her dream to retire to her block of land in Port Hinchinbrook.

“That’s always been our plan, and that is my final place of abode; that’s where I want to live … I’m not far settling where I want to be forever.”

Ms Swaine said she would move back to Port Hinchinbrook, where she previously operated a marine business, if she knocked Mr Dametto off his perch, saying they already had plans drawn up to build on their block.

She rejected suggestions she would neglect other parts of the electorate spanning from Tully Heads to Townsville’s Northern Beaches if she was based in Cardwell.

“When you live in North Queensland I think you are pretty used to driving long distances to visit places that take a couple of hours to drive, it really doesn’t worry me,” she said.

“When I was a police officer, I was driving eight hours a day, and I think when you commit to an electorate like Hinchinbrook, that is what you’ve got to expect.”

KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto has rejected any suggestion that he has been unable to deliver concrete results as MP for Hinchinbrook. A full interview will follow.

Ms Swaine said that she was focused on running her own campaign and listening to the needs of the community.

“Because I tell you, there is a lot of listening to do and a lot of issues, but obviously I want to win, and that’s what I am aiming towards.”

She said, however, that Mr Dametto, deputy leader of Katter’s Australian Party, had served two terms and asked, “What has he been able to deliver?”

“I think that’s the question; he’s a great guy but I think we need change, it’s come to that time where change is needed because it’s just not working.”

Ms Swaine said Mr Dametto had not been able to deliver concrete results for his electorate because KAP did not have any power.

“I’m the voice on the table for LNP, which is obviously a major party, and I think I do have a very good chance,” she said, adding her party was in a strong position in the lead-up to the elections.

“But it’s an election, anything can happen, you’ve just got to be strong, keep going and believe it what I am doing.”

Mr Dametto has rejected any suggestion that he has been unable to deliver concrete results as MP for Hinchinbrook. A full interview will follow.

Originally published as LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook Annette Swaine aims at MP Nick Dametto