TOP NEWS

Tractors, Cows & Futures Found At The Inaugural Link2Country Expo

What a weekend, what an amazing showcase of local industry and talent! The Link2Country Expo was jam-packed with informative booths, sweet treats, giant agriculture equipment, trade experiences and even mock cattle auctions and just plain ol' whip-cracking fun. So many schools turned out to see what their future could hold, and their arms - filled with goody bags - as the children tried out activities like honey-spinning and tractor pulling. Huge thank you to the organisers, sponsors, and

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Puppy Love: Ingham Pups Victorious At Saints Eagles Souths 2025 Soccer Carnival

The Ingham Pups have emerged victorious at the Saints Eagles Souths 2025 soccer carnival, defeating Brothers 4-3 in a thrilling grand final in Townsville. Goals from Patrick Pearce, Archer Carr, and a brace from Huxley Beatts secured the title for Herbert River. Ecstatic for the win, Herbert River's Sammy Pearce said, “We’re not Ingham Pups any more - we’re the Wolves now!” Continued on page 39 SPORTS PAGE HEADING: Ingham Pups Claim Victory Against Brothers In Riveting 4-3 Win The p

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Gilroy Velocity Raptors Race To World Stage Victory

In a thrilling showcase of innovation, determination and teamwork, a group of talented students from Gilroy Santa Maria College have raced their way into the global spotlight. The Gilroy Velocity Raptors, the youngest team on the track, claimed top honours at the Horizon H2GP North Queensland Finals, securing a coveted place at the H2GP World Championships in Chemnitz, Germany, in August of 2025. Their performance at the NQ Finals was nothing short of outstanding where they competed in a gruel

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New Bus Brings Renewed Connection For Ingham

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has received a much-needed boost with the arrival of a brand-new bus to support their service delivery. The vehicle replaces the Centre’s previous bus, which was lost during the devastating floods earlier this year. While insurance covered the replacement of four other vehicles lost, there were no remaining funds to replace the bus, a critical resource for the Centre’s operations. Recognising the importance of access to transport for many vulnerable com

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No Safe Haven: Time for Castle Law

May 20, 2025

OPINION PIECE

Recently, a Townsville mother endured a terrifying home invasion when three teenagers allegedly broke in and held her at knifepoint before stealing the family car. This was on Mother’s Day and all while her children were asleep. No one should feel this unsafe, vulnerable and scared in their own home.

The Queensland Government's Making Queensland Safer (Adult Crime, Adult Time) Amendment Bill 2025, which we anticipate will go to a vote in the next Parliamentary sitting, aims to increase penalties for youth offenders who commit certain crimes. However, the Adult Crime, Adult Time laws already cover offences such as unlawful use of a motor vehicle and break and enter, yet we continue to see far too many home invasions and car thefts. Clearly these laws are not having the desired impact.

To effectively deter would-be criminals and restore residents’ peace of mind, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) is again calling for Castle Law to be legislated in Queensland. Castle Law is based on the fundamental right to self-defence. Its introduction would give victims the legal right to use whatever force is necessary to protect themselves, others in the home, and their property if faced with an intruder.

Currently, Queensland law only allows the use of force deemed "reasonably necessary" in all the circumstances, a standard that is open to broad interpretation. As a result, homeowners defending themselves may face serious charges such as assault or even murder.

We are calling on the Crisafulli Government to amend their draft legislation currently before the House to include Castle Law. If they fail to act, we will launch another parliamentary petition. Last year, our petition to introduce Castle Law was strongly supported by Queenslanders, gathering over 40,000 signatures in just five weeks!

Should the incoming government refuse to legislate Castle Law, and if the renewed petition is again an overwhelming success, we will introduce our own Castle Law bill into the Queensland Parliament and force the Parliament to debate and vote on Castle Law.

I hope the new LNP Government has learnt from Labor’s mistakes, Queenslanders want the right to defend themselves with whatever means necessary. Castle Law is about galvanising the rights of victims.

Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.

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