Back on the political beatFormer MP Marty Hunt seeks Nicklin comeback in 2024
Marty Hunt, right, with LNP Leader David Crisafuli. Mr Hunt says he’s “more determined than ever to ensure our local area is safe and has reliable and affordable services”.
Local police officer and former MP, Marty Hunt, has been chosen as the LNP candidate for Nicklin at next year’s state election.
The local police officer and former member of state parliament was beaten by Labor’s Rob Skelton by just 0.1 percent at the 2020 election but will try and reclaim the seat at next year’s poll.
The 53-year-old took over from long-serving Independent Peter Wellington in 2017.
“I speak with locals in Nicklin every day through my work as a school-based police officer, and in various volunteer roles, and I see first-hand the way our community is hurting under this tired Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Hunt said.
“We need to make housing accessible and affordable; we need a government that will improve access to health services, we have to act to make our communities safer and we must take the pressure off Queenslanders who are struggling with the rising costs of living.
“David Crisafulli and the LNP are focused on the issues that matter most to Queenslanders and I am proud to join the team, to listen to the communities in Nicklin, and deliver change we so desperately need.”
LNP Leader David Crisafulli welcomed Mr Hunt to the team.
“Marty is well-known and respected in his community through his years of service as a police officer and Member of Parliament,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“He has shown unwavering determination to fight for better health and hospital services and community safety.
“Marty is deeply connected to his community and is unashamedly focussed on the things that matter to locals.
“After nearly a decade in office, Labor has stopped listening to Queenslanders.
“With 12 months to go until the next election, the LNP is listening to Queenslanders about their stories and experiences, and we will show we have the right priorities for Queensland’s future.”
... vows to address key issues in electorate
Marty Hunt is determined to reclaim the seat he lost three years ago and to address pressing issues he says have been affecting the local community. The Gazette asked Mr Hunt four key questions concerning his bid.
Q: What are the key issues that you believe are most important to the residents of Nambour & hinterland specifically?
A: “Just two weeks ago, David Crisafulli and the LNP launched our blueprint - the Right Priorities for Queensland’s Future. As I make my way around Nicklin, I’m hearing that many of these issues are impacting our communities.
“Every day I talk to people who are concerned about youth crime, cost of living, access to health services and housing issues.”
Q: Are there any specific-to-the-area, grass roots local policies or initiatives you would like to see implemented in Nicklin to improve the quality of life for residents in this area?
A: “I want to see our hospital upgrades finally finished and a full suite of services offered including maternity to our local area. I would like to see our homelessness issues addressed. People are telling me we need more police on the beat in our area to match the long overdue new police station with the service the community expects.”
Q: What are the unique aspects of Nambour & hinterland that you think the area should build on?
A: “The area of Nicklin takes in some of the most beautiful areas of the hinterland from Cooroy in the north, Palmwoods to the south and Kenilworth to the west. Nambour sits in the heart of the area and Nicklin is made of several different communities all with their own unique and proud character.
“We need to match that beauty and pride with a Government that will listen to the priorities of locals and act to keep them safe and provide reliable and affordable services so that the people of Nicklin can enjoy the lifestyle they deserve.”
Q: What did you learn from the defeat four years ago?
A: “One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of listening to our local community. I’ve been proud to be part of this area for 25 years and since 2020, people have come up to me, pleading with me to run again. As the local member from 2017-2020 I fought hard for our local area. I am keen to listen to our community and work with them over the next year to deliver better outcomes. I’m more determined than ever to ensure our local area is safe and has reliable and affordable services.”