FACES OF THE ELECTION Candidates Formally Announced For Upcoming State Election

The 2024 state elections are heating up with the formal announcement of all candidates who are in for the running. After four years of a Labour-run state led by Premier Steven Miles, the political landscape is wide open as the election approaches on October 26, 2024.
All eight regional candidates are preparing their election campaigns in the lead up to the big day. Each candidate is working hard to connect with North Queenslanders, hoping to secure their votes and represent the region’s interests.
This election cycle features a mix of old and new faces, adding a dynamic element to the 2024 race.

Missing: Peter Atchison from the Family First Party candidate for Whitsunday and Amanda Nickson from the Family First Party candidate for Burdekin. No images could be found at this time.

Who’s Got Your Vote?

With the looming state elections, it's important to identify your voting district and familiarise yourself with the local candidates running for office.
In the Whitsundays region, voters can choose from four candidates: Amanda Camm MP (LNP), Bauke Hovinga (Labor), Julie Hall (One Nation), and Peter Atchison (FFP). If you reside in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, or Proserpine, these are the individuals on your ballot.
For the Burdekin region, the candidates are Dale Last (LNP), Anne Baker (Labor), Andrew Elborne (One Nation), and Amanda Nickson (FFP). Residents of Bowen and Collinsville will have the opportunity to vote for these candidates.
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Whitsunday Candidates
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Amanda Camm (LNP)
Amanda Camm, current Member for Whitsundays, is well-known in the region. She has spent the last four years in opposition after claiming her first term in October 2020. Before entering Queensland Parliament, Amanda served as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Mackay.
A long-term Whitsundays resident, she is running for election with a clear focus on driving positive community change, improving the economy, and connecting community members.
During her term, Amanda claims she has contributed to the region’s growth and prosperity through her diverse experience in government, economic and social development, tourism, mining services, and primary production.
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Bauke Hovinga (Labor)
Bauke Hovinga, a doctor in Mackay is up for election for the Labor party. Bauke understands first hand the importance of access to healthcare. Hearing of the Miles Labor Governments ambitious plan to deliver healthcare to the local community, made him hold his hand up high as a Labor candidate.
Bauke loves living in the Whitsunday region and believes maintaining community connections is vital to see the community thrive. He also advocates for upholding cost of living relief alongside encouraging social and affordable housing.
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Julie Hall (One Nation)
Former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council and a candidate against Amanda Camm in the last state election, Julie Hall is committed to ensuring that Whitsunday residents have a strong voice in the governmental decisions impacting their lives and community.
Julie is passionate about protecting the natural environment and Great Barrier Reef but advocates for a balanced and realistic approach. Julie also stresses the need to address local issues, including, roads, housing, youth crime, and state government cost shifting to local government, which pressures ratepayers.

Burdekin Candidates
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Dale Last
Born and raised in regional Queensland and with a background in the sugar and cattle industries, Dale Last has a big love for regional areas.
After over 30 years as a Police Officer, Dale was elected to the Townsville City Council in 2008 where he also served as Deputy Mayor.
He is now the current Member for Burdekin.
Dale is focused on delivering for the Burdekin electorate and regional Queensland, he claims his first-hand experience in law enforcement and emergency management will help him tackle community issues.

Anne Baker
Having called Burdekin home for 38 years, Anne Baker is a dedicated community champion with a deep understanding of the area and its residents' needs.
With 17 years of passionate service in local government—12 of which she spent as Mayor for the Isaac region—Anne is eager to once again advocate for local working families, businesses, agriculture, mining, construction, and regional communities.
Anne is also family focused in her ideologies, having her own family and knowing the challenges and rewards of raising a family in regional Queensland.

Andrew Elborne
Andrew Elborne, was born in Brisbane and raised in a Catholic home and attended a Catholic school until grade 10 when he left to pursue a trade as an electrician.
Andrew has worked on various significant projects, including Parliament House in Canberra, Ergon and Energex supply authority work, and at the Tarong Power Station.  
Andrew states that he is determined to bring real-world experience and simple, transparent solutions to the table, aiming to simplify legislation and make it more accessible. He is committed to improving infrastructure, supporting trades, and enhancing community services in Burdekin.

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