Word From Wayde Wayde Chiesa MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

Wayde Chiesa MP (Centre), with the 2025 (Outside edge) & 2026 (Inside, besides Wayde) Maraka Queens, backstage after the crowning ceremony. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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During the Hinchinbrook by-election, I made a commitment to fight for stronger bail laws and put an end to the revolving door of repeat offenders being released on bail and going on to commit more serious crimes.

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Last week, we delivered on that commitment.

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The Queensland Parliament passed the Crisafulli Government's Breach Bail, Go to Jail legislation, an important milestone for our community and one I am particularly proud to have helped deliver.

Throughout the by-election and since being elected, I heard from countless people who wanted stronger consequences for serious repeat offenders.

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To everyone who shared their experiences, completed my survey or made a submission to the parliamentary committee, thank you. Your voices were heard and helped drive these reforms.

The new laws, due to commence on 30th November, introduce stronger consequences for serious offending while on bail and tougher requirements when bail is being considered.

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There is always more work to do when it comes to community safety, but this is an important step towards putting victims first and making our communities safer.

Back home, it was fantastic to see Ingham come alive for this year's Maraka Festival.

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From the mardi gras in the park, the colourful floats to the crowning of the Maraka Queen, it was a wonderful celebration of our community.

I particularly enjoyed catching up with so many familiar faces, helping host the festivities alongside Carley and judging the colouring competition.

Events like Maraka don't happen without an enormous amount of work behind the scenes.

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A big thank you to the Maraka committee, volunteers, sponsors, participating schools, local businesses and everyone who helped make this year's festival such a success. It's events like these that bring our community together and remind us ofwhat makes our district such a special place.

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Finally, as we approach the end of another Herbert crushing season, I want to acknowledge our growers, harvesting contractors, mill workers and everyone involved in getting the crop away.

It has been a challenging season, with wet weather, rising costs and interruptions affecting different parts of the district.

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I hope the remaining weeks bring favourable conditions and that every grower has the opportunity to get their crop harvested.

Whether it's delivering stronger laws, supporting our local industries or getting out and celebrating the communities we call home, I'll continue listening, working hard and delivering for Hinchinbrook.

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