JULIE Hall is standing as the One Nation candidate for the Whitsundays electorate in the coming Queensland Government election and has vowed to ‘put people before politics’.
The former Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor is standing on a platform of giving the people a voice.
She was endorsed in May by One Nation, whose slogan is Let’s Bring Back Australian Values.
Ms Hall, who lives in Bowen, believes the major parties are ‘out of touch’ and thinks people want their voice heard when it comes to making decisions that impact them.
“I want people to know that I will be representing the people, not the party line,” she said.
“People’s and families’ welfare and livelihoods are what matter, not politics.
“Both Labor and the LNP have been guilty of broken promises – governments should be accountable.”
Ms Hall believes that minor parties can make a real difference in Parliament.
“If I am elected at the State Election, I will sit on the crossbench, along with other minor party and independent members,” she said.
“Crossbenchers are elected members of Parliament and represent their electorate, taking part in debates and also having the ability to introduce bills [called private member’s bills] and they can also amend bills.
“A strong crossbench can hold the major parties to account on issues and bring a more balanced approach.
“I am committed to being that strong voice and delivering strong representation for the Whitsundays in Parliament.”
One of Ms Hall’s proudest achievements, while Mayor of Whitsundays (August 2022 – March 2024) was introducing the Community Engagement Strategy 2024-2028.
This was adopted by council, in January 2024, facilitating regular face-to face catchups with communities right across the Whitsunday Region.
From a business perspective, Ms Hall says her 16 years running her own personal development consultancy, prior to becoming Mayor, means she is well aware of the Red Tape involved in running a business and the ever increasing cost pressures businesses face.
“I will work hard for residents and businesses in the Whitsundays and I will aim for a balanced approach, when it comes to developments and protecting our natural environment,” she said.
“We also have to keep focusing on issues such as roads, the cost-of-living and youth crime, if we are going to continue to enjoy the lifestyle that we all live here for.
“I will be hands-on with constituents, locally, as well as confronting the bigger issues in the Queensland State Parliament.”
The State Election is due to be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
FOOTNOTE:
While major party members usually vote together to support or reject an idea (the ‘party line’) independent and minor party members can make up their own mind how they will vote.
