Word From Wayde - Wayde Chiesa MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

Wayde Chiesa MP attended a Parliamentary Committee hearing in Cairns on the proposed Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. Photo source: Wayde Chiesa MP

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The past fortnight has taken me from Parliament in Brisbane back across North Queensland, with plenty happening on some of the issues that matter most to our communities - community safety, growing our visitor economy and supporting the industries that underpin our region.  

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Last week, I attended Parliamentary Hearings in Cairns and Townsville into the Crisafulli Government’s Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws. Since the Hinchinbrook by-election, I have continued to advocate for stronger bail laws and consequences for repeat offenders. It was important that the Committee came to North Queensland and heard directly from our communities who have experienced the consequences of repeat offending. These new laws will introduce tougher consequences for serious offences committed while on bail and strengthen the tests around granting bail.  

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There were different perspectives put forward during the hearings, and that is an important part of the parliamentary process. But my position remains clear: bail is a privilege, and if you breach bail, there must be consequences. The Committee will now consider the evidence before reporting back to Parliament, and I will continue advocating for stronger laws that put victims and our community safety first.  

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I also recently joined Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell for a tourism roundtable and discussions with Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo about the opportunities we have right across our region. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland, with everything from Wallaman Falls and Hinchinbrook Island to our beaches and our incredible national parks, waterways and coastline. The opportunity is to encourage more people travelling between Townsville and Cairns to stop, stay longer and spend in our communities. That means continuing to look at how we promote our region, improve the visitor experience and support new tourism opportunities.  

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Of course, one industry that has sustained our communities for generations is sugar, and the crushing season continues across the Herbert. It has been a particularly challenging season. Different parts of the district have experienced vastly different weather conditions, while high fuel prices continue to put pressure on growers and harvesting contractors.

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Despite these challenges, our growers, harvesting crews, mill workers, transport operators and everyone involved in the industry continue to get on with the job. As we move through the remaining weeks of the crush, I hope conditions are kind, the season progresses well and every grower has the opportunity to get their crop away.  

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Whether it is making our communities safer, growing our visitor economy or backing the industries that sustain our region, I will continue listening locally and making sure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice and a seat at the table.

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