First-time candidate vows to be a voice for Nicklin families

Entering politics for the first time, Family First candidate Philip Eschler describes himself as a “typical Aussie family battler” and a preacher who is not ashamed of his faith.

“I’m here for everyone,” he said during a recent community forum in Nambour. “If you’ve got a problem, I’m willing to listen.”

A resident of Nambour for the past eight years, Eschler and his wife have been married for 35 years and have travelled extensively across Australia, embracing their Aboriginal heritage.   Eschler highlighted his deep-rooted family values and life experiences, including raising three children and being a grandfather to three. 

“Family’s the most important thing to me,” he said. He shared personal challenges, such as having a son who is a drug addict, stating, “I know what it’s like to see someone ruin their life by choice.”

With a diverse work background that includes being a butcher and working in various businesses, Eschler expressed his understanding of the struggles faced by small business owners. “I’ve worked for small businesses; I see what people struggle with,” he said. “Without small businesses, this country would be nothing.”

Eschler aims to uphold traditional Australian values and support policies that make life easier for small businesses. “I want to support you people where I can and do what I can to change policies and politics to make your life easier so that you can flourish,” he told the audience.

Party pushes for Cannabis legalisation for economic growth

Legalise Cannabis Queensland (LCQ) party candidate for Nicklin Melody Lindsay is advocating for cannabis legalisation and economic reform as part of her campaign.  

Lindsay grew up in Mapleton, raised her children in Yandina, and now lives in Nambour. With a background in community services, agriculture, and legal studies, she is passionate about housing, mental health, and the rising cost of living.

Lindsay’s central focus is on legalising cannabis, not just for personal use but also for its wide-ranging economic and environmental benefits. “People lose their jobs and livelihoods over a plant,” Lindsay said, highlighting the injustice of current cannabis laws. She argues that regulating cannabis will free up police resources for tackling violent crimes while reducing organised crime.

She also emphasised the potential of hemp in industries such as construction, biofuels, and plastics. “Hemp is fast-growing, requires little water, and is biodegradable. It could revolutionise our economy and environment,” Lindsay said. She noted that countries like Canada were profiting from legal cannabis, while Queensland lagged behind.

Lindsay envisions a future where hemp boosts Queensland’s economy, with local farmers and businesses benefiting. She advocates for freeing police from handling minor cannabis offences. “We could be attracting tourists, supporting local industries, and providing sustainable solutions to major problems like housing,” she added. 

Hunt advocates for safer communities, small business

LNP candidate for Nicklin Marty Hunt shared his vision for the region and highlighted key issues including youth crime, cost of living, and support for small businesses. 

A police officer with 31 years of experience Hunt has lived in Nambour for over 25 years and is committed to representing the community’s concerns. He was Nicklin MP from 2017 until ousted at the 2020 election.

Hunt emphasised the importance of community consultation and local representation. “You can rest assured that if elected, I will be your Nicklin member in Brisbane, not your Brisbane member in Nicklin,” he said.

Addressing the rise in youth crime, Hunt highlighted the LNP’s “Making Our Communities Safer” plan, which calls for tougher consequences for young offenders, early intervention, and support programs to steer them away from crime. “We’ve listened to the heartbreaking stories of families and businesses affected by crime. Our plan will restore safety where you live,” Hunt said.

Hunt also expressed concern over the lack of government support for small businesses, citing a recent survey where 95.4% of respondents were dissatisfied with the current level of support. “Small business is the backbone of our economy. As your local representative, I will always back you and work with you to overcome these challenges,” he said.

“Nicklin and the community of Yandina have great potential, but we are being let down by a desperate Labor government that will do and say anything to cling to power.”

Skelton highlights achievements and future opportunities

Rob Skelton, the sitting Labor member for Nicklin, outlined his achievements and future plans for Yandina at a recent Meet the Candidates event at Club Yandina. A former defence and fire service worker, Skelton has been a key advocate for local infrastructure and community development.

Skelton particularly highlighted the $37 million upgrade to Yandina State School, which he helped secure after years of lobbying. The new classrooms, accessibility features, and a community-use hall have provided the school with much-needed improvements. “The hall is not just for the school, but also for the wider community to use,” Skelton said, emphasising the importance of community-led projects.

The Queensland Hydro Project, a major initiative set to create 3000 local jobs, was also a key focus. Skelton urged local businesses to get involved in the procurement process. “This project is a pipeline of work for at least eight years,” he said. “We will be the battery of Southeast Queensland and that’s the sort of thing that you dream of in politics. I always think of one of my role models as being (Former Prime Minister of Australia) Ben Chifley and his light on the hill and rebuilding Australia after the second World War. And that involved backing manufacturing.”

Skelton also touched on the government’s efforts to build affordable housing, including 28 new social homes in Low Street, and emphasised the need for continued investment in education and transport infrastructure to support the growing community.

Greens candidate focuses on cost of living, housing, and public transport

Sue Etheridge, a long-time Nicklin resident and Greens candidate, is focusing her campaign on addressing key issues such as the cost of living, housing affordability, and public transport. 

Etheridge, who has lived in the Nicklin region for over 40 years, is a small business owner and has extensive experience in banking and community work.

She highlights the need for “real change” to tackle the increasing cost of living, with soaring rents and high grocery prices. “Rents have gone up by $330 a fortnight since 2021, and unlimited rent increases are pushing people into homelessness,” she said. The Greens propose a two-year rent freeze and a 1% cap on increases, alongside building 100,000 public homes.

Etheridge also calls for free public transport by 2026, as well as expanded bus and rail services in Queensland’s regional cities. Additionally, she advocates for a Queensland public bank to offer lower mortgage rates and fairer banking options.

To fund these initiatives, Etheridge said taxes should increase on big corporations, particularly mining companies, to ensure they pay their fair share. “We can fund a better life for all Queenslanders by fairly taxing coal and gas, big developers, and big banks,” she said.

• For more information on Greens policies, visit www.greens.org.au.