The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry was proud to recently host a Meet the Candidates event, giving our region’s business community the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent the Whitsundays at the federal level.
As the united voice of business in our region, the Chamber is committed to ensuring that local priorities are understood, and that policy decisions are informed by the practical realities faced by those who live and work here.
The forum provided an opportunity for open, respectful discussion on the issues that matter to our members—economic growth, infrastructure, workforce, regulatory reform, and regional investment.
We invited candidates to formally respond to four questions by a set deadline with word count limits. Their verbatim responses are presented alphabetically by last name below.
Senate Candidate
In addition to the majority of House of Representative candidates for the seat of Dawson, the Chamber welcomed one local candidate for the Senate — Jason Brown (independent). Jason provided the following statement:
Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you. I’d firstly like to pay my respects to the Ngaro peoples, past present and emerging.
I have worked with Queensland Rail for 26 years, prior to that I was a coal miner for seven years and before that I helped my Daddy build the Proserpine Dam.
Up until just recently I was the public face of customer service at Proserpine Railway Station.
First and foremost, Queenslanders need to know I have their back. Everything I do in the Senate will be with their best interest at heart – whether it’s advocating for fairer laws, streamlining services, or ensure we protect and enhance our natural environment and world heritage values.
As a Senator, my role is to help shape legislation that strengthens community expectations and delivers practical outcomes. That includes supporting industries that are already vital to Queensland – like agriculture, tourism, and energy – while building sustainable systems that secure our long-term prosperity. I’ll work hard to ensure change is managed responsibly and is both deliverable and sustainable. Because the choices we make today directly influence what kind of tomorrow we leave behind. My focus will be on how efficiently we deliver services to regional communities, how we retain and attract talent, and how we ensure the risks we take are calculated, achievable, and in the public interest.
At the forefront of my mind is the urgent need to bring better healthcare services to the Whitsundays and Mackay – especially for women, and for our aging population. These communities deserve equitable, timely, and specialise care and throughout my tenure as your Senator, I will work tirelessly to make that a reality.
I’ll advocate in the strongest possible terms for improved funding across all Health metrics and fight to secure every dollar necessary to ensure our doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals have the tools, training, and support they need. Because quality healthcare shouldn’t be a postcode lottery, it’s a fundamental right, and one that I will protect and prioritise.
I understand that the Senate voting system requires a practical and collaborative approach. While I may not have a preference deal in place at this stage, I’m committed to working collectively with like-minded independents and minor parties whose values align with fairness, economic resilience, and community well-being. My focus is on earning trust from the ground up. I’m confident that a well structured grassroots campaign, with transparent messaging, its possible to reach and exceed expectations in meeting any necessary quota.
Leading the charge on behalf of Queensland means finding the most effective ways to invest in our people – strengthening their resilience, building on their fortitude, and supporting deeper community engagement. It also means embracing the opportunity to showcase our unique spirit and hospitality to the world as we prepare to host the 2032 Olympic Games. By working collaboratively with our Political representatives, I’ll ensure Queensland plays a central role and shaping Australia’s future – both at home and on the global stage – cementing our national credentials through unity, innovation, and shared purpose.
As we moved closer to the 2032 Olympic Games, our focus will shift – from planning and preparation to the way we’re seen and experienced by the world. These games won’t belong to the organisers or officials; they will belong to every Queenslander. It will be a moment for us all to feel a deep sense of pride and privilege. I will make it my upmost commitment to work across all levels of government to ensure Queensland is represented at its best – united, welcoming, and ready to lead on the global stage.
As a member of the Senate, I will support legislation that reflects the values and interest of Queenslanders – particularly those who drive innovation, small businesses, and invest in their local communities.
My decisions will be guided by a commitment to good governance, economic stability, and practical outcomes that give individuals and businesses the freedom to grow without unnecessary type. I believe in supporting policies that foster adaptability, collaboration, and long-term investment, especially those that empower working families, entrepreneurs and the next generation of skilled workers.
When voting on legislation. I’ll listen to people who represent the backbone of Queensland economy; the small business owners who take on apprentices, support local sports teams, and go the extra mile to create opportunity for others. These are the people who give a hand up – not a hand out – and embody the values that shape my approach to leadership.
Ultimately, I will support legislation that strengthens our communities, encourages innovation, and insures that every Australian has the opportunity to build their future with confidence.
Sustainability – whether economic, environmental, or social – always shines through when leaders come to the table and bargain in good faith. While we may not always agree, true leadership is about interpreting facts with clarity, listening deeply to those in less fortunate circumstances, and building lasting relationships based on shared values. That’s how we create policies that stand the test of time – and a future that includes everyone.
As your Senator, I will be taking the responsibility to read and assess every piece of legislation on its merits – not just from a legal or political standpoint, but also through the lens of real world impact. For me, that means asking: how will this affect families, businesses, communities, and the long-term sustainability of our region? That includes listening to small business owners, industry bodies, community leaders and every day Queenslanders – because they are often the first to feel the ripple effects of legislative change.
Good leadership is not about knowing everything – it’s about knowing who to listen to, interpreting the facts honestly, and never lose sight of the values we share. That is how I’ll ensure that every vote I cast reflects the deep understanding of both the issues at hand and the aspirations of the people I serve.
When it comes to scrutinised legislation, my focus will always be on ensuring that the laws we adopted strengthen Australia’s communities, enhance our regional development, and protect our long-term security and resilience.
That’s why I believe it is essential to engage directly with community leaders, business leaders, and everyday Australians whose voices reflect the dreams and aspirations of our regions. Their insight provides a grounded, practical lens through which I’ll assess every proposal.
As Senators, we are entrusted with a privileged role – a responsibility to be more than lawmakers, but to be beacons of hope, to help shape a nation where every Australian has the opportunity to thrive. To truly advance Australia and all her people, we must protect the rights and privileges that define our national identity, not just in principle but to be practiced.
The Whitsundays isn’t just a destination – it’s a living, breathing experience where the natural environment, tourism and cultural vibrancy come together to offer something truly unique. From our world-class reef systems to the growing appeal of music festivals, and Eco tourism, people here are spoiled for choice. And that unique blend not only promotes Australia’s heritage and values, but it also brings people – locals and visitors – closer together.
As someone who has spent time listening to business owners and residence throughout this campaign, I’ve been greeted by smiles and stories – testament to the resilience and spirit of this community. I’ve also heard their concerns, particularly the burden of rising energy costs. And it’s here that I share in their frustration. Because while we’ve been told that renewables are the only way forward, the reality for many is far more complex. Australia and Australians are at an intersection – we support cleaner tech technologies, but we also recognise that solar and wind alone will not deliver the certainty or affordability required for modern economies.
We must accept that the future of energy in an advanced nation like Australia can’t be based on hope – it must be based on capability. The electrons we produce here have the potential to fuel not only industry, but innovation. That includes international investment, advanced manufacturing, and new technologies that will shape our future – from AI and transport to medicine, education and skilled services.
That’s why I support a transition economy – one built on both renewables and nuclear. Not favouring one over the other, but strengthening our resilience, reducing exposure to global volatility and giving us a competitive edge in wealth generation. Net zero is the long-term goal, but in the meantime, our resource sectors remain vital. It has built our past prosperity – and it still has a role to play in shaping our future.
And while we drive this innovation and prepare for life beyond the 2032 Olympic Games, the Whitsundays will remain a key player. From tourism, to marine industries, we can capitalize on this momentum – if we’re prepared to be bold, take smart risks, and lead with responsibility.
This includes looking after the very environment that sustained us. Artificial reef systems are but one such opportunity – offering fortitude and long-term resilience to a fragile marine ecosystem. These structures can unite tourism, science, local businesses, and environmental stewardship into one common goal: protecting what we love while growing what we have.
That is what I believe in. A future that honours our past, embraces innovation, and empowers the Whitsundays to go from strength to strength. And that’s the kind of leadership I’m offering – one grounded in responsibility, driven by opportunity, and shaped by the voices of those who live and work in this extraordinary part of Australia.
House of Representative Candidates
Each candidate is invited to provide a short statement to outline their business credentials and experience, why they are the best candidate for the Whitsunday business community, and top three economic or business priorities for the region.
Alexander John Beaumont (People First): Did not attend Chamber event, awaiting response.
Darren Brown (One Nation): Did not attend Chamber event, awaiting response.
Paula Creen (Greens): I’m proud to stand with the Greens because their policies align with my values of social justice, peace and non-violence, ecological sustainability and grassroots democracy.
I was born and raised in Mackay. I did my senior years at boarding school in Charters Towers and went to University in Brisbane. I’ve lived in Cairns and London, and I’ve been back in Mackay for the past 21 years. I spent 12 years in Volunteer Marine Rescue, 5 years with the SES, I’m the current President of Mackay 8-Ball Association, and I’m on the committees of Slade Point Bowls Club and Mackay Advocacy Incorporated. For work, I’m a Building Designer and Drafter. I’ve worked in the Building Industry in Mackay for about 25 years. I started my own business recently, called Cryptic Design. I’m currently doing structural drafting at STP Consultants while I build up my client base to work for myself.
I would be the best representative for the Whitsunday business community because the Greens aren’t pampering to big corporations who put profits above everything else. The Greens plan to support small business growth and innovation by establishing a small business incubator to provide 1000 grants of $250000 and 10000 grants of $50000-$75000 for start-ups and co-operatives that enhance local economies and create jobs. All businesses need to be ecologically sustainable, and we need to consider the impacts they have on other industries. As an example, the proposed gold and copper mine in Dittmer, in the valley west of Proserpine, is being rushed through for approval without proper environmental checks. Similar mines have left other waterways poisoned beyond repair, yet downstream from that proposed mine, agriculture and tourism are dependent on that water. The site for the mine is only 46km from the Great Barrier Reef, in an area that is prone to more frequent flooding with climate change. Stronger environmental checks are needed for all new projects, whether they be mines, renewables, or property development.
This region has always been subject to the fluctuating world prices of sugar, and now we’re at the mercy of the boom-and-bust economy of the coal industry. I’d like to see a transition to a whole new industry that would solve a range of problems. Plastic pollution is my bug bear, and everything made from plastic can be made from hemp. I would love to see our farmers growing hemp, with a constant demand for their product for local manufacturing of
clothing, building materials and anything that is currently made of plastic. Hemp doesn’t need any pesticides or herbicides and uses far less water than sugar cane, so our waterways would be cleaner, boosting the sustainability of agriculture, tourism and fishing, while fixing the problem of plastic pollution.
I’d love to see this region thrive and provide a sustainable economic future for following generations, and by voting for the Greens, you could help me make that happen.
Michael Lockyer (Trumpet of Patriots): Attended event, see live stream recording.
Amanda Nickson (Family First): Attended event, see live stream recording.
Neil Wallace (Australian Labor Party): Attended event, see live stream recording.
Andrew Willcox (Liberal National Party): I am your Federal Member for Dawson.
I love representing every community across this incredible region. I love meeting locals, listening to their stories, and fighting for what matters to them. I believe everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. That’s what drives me every single day. I’ve been proud to be a strong voice for Dawson in Canberra. And I want to keep delivering for our region.
Born and raised in Bowen, I am a third generation farmer and ran a tomato farming business for 22 years, employing up to 400 staff, feeding our nation. I understand what it is like running a business. It can at times be exhausting. It takes long hours, determination, and hard work. And right now it’s even harder under Labor.
After farming, I did 10 years in Whitsunday Regional Council, 6 as Mayor so I have a very good understanding of what makes our region tick and what hardships people endure. Under Anthony Albanese, nothing has been easy. The cost of everything is up. Local families are cutting household budgets, small businesses are struggling, while red and green tape is choking investment. Confidence is down. I want to see a Dawson where families can afford the essentials, and still have enough left over to enjoy life. Whether it’s a meal at a local Whitsundays restaurant or a weekend away supporting local tourism. That kind of lifestyle should be within reach.
I want small business confidence to grow, for investment to flow, and for our local economy to thrive. This is possible – with the right leadership. A Dutton/Littleproud Government will bring real change and deliver for communities like Dawson. Driving the economy for a stronger future, the Coalition will deliver the following measures:
- Increasing the instant asset write-off from $1,000 to $30,000 freeing up business cash.
- Up to $20,000 in tax deductions for business-related meals. Good for business and great for cafes, pubs and clubs.
- 25 cents per litre off your fuel bill.
- A tax cut of up to $1,200 for low and middle income earners
These measures will put more cash into the economy. They boost local hospitality, give small businesses confidence to hire, expand, and invest. It means more jobs, more shop fit-outs, and more work for local tradies. Lower fuel prices also mean lower transport costs—freeing up funds to reinvest in people, places, and growth.
Dawson deserves better. And with a strong Coalition government, we will build a better future, together.
Question 1: What specific actions will candidates commit to in order to urgently clarify funding allocations and ensure timely, tangible, and sustainable improvements to road safety and infrastructure in the Whitsundays?
Paula Creen (Greens): From what I’ve read in the joint media statement about fixing the Bruce Highway, in the electorate of Dawson we will be getting some overtaking lanes and wide centreline treatment. What we need here is to build the highway above flood levels so that communities aren’t isolated after major weather events. I would commit to rallying the government for more funding to make the improvements that are needed here. While
I lived in Cairns I worked for Main Roads as a drafter and quantity surveyor, so I know that we need a lot more funding in Dawson.
Andrew Willcox (Liberal National Party): My ‘Back Our Bruce’ campaign is a top priority. I’m committed to securing real funding for safety upgrades to our National Highway. In three years, Labor hasn’t delivered one cent of new funding and cut $488 million from the budget allocated by the previous Coalition government. While Labor announced $7.2 billion, Senate estimates show that only $432 million over the next 3 years has been allocated. The money is in our budget, the Coalition will deliver more flood mitigation, overtaking lanes, wider sections, proper resurfacing and reinstate the 80/20 funding that’s been slashed to 50/50 by Labor.
Question 2: Can candidates advise what actions they are aware of, or willing to take, to prioritise business insurance accessibility and affordability for North Queensland?
Paula Creen (Greens): During the Greens-led senate inquiry into the impacts of climate risk on insurance, witness after witness stated how extremely opaque insurance premium pricing is in Australia. There is a real lack of transparency and clarity, which makes it easier for insurance companies to price gouge and exploit the climate crisis to increase profit margins. Businesses have the right to know how their premiums are being priced and deserve meaningful explanation of why they are doubling and tripling in price. The Greens propose that polluters pay – requiring coal, gas and oil companies to contribute to the reinsurance pool and Disaster Ready Fund.
Andrew Willcox (Liberal National Party): We are seeing market failure in insurance availability, under insurance and in some cases, no insurance at all. The Coalition introduced a reinsurance pool, unfortunately Labor failed to build on that progress. My goal is for the reinsurance pool to bring down household and building insurance, then incorporate marine insurance, then business insurance, and then finally add adventure tourism insurance.
Question 3: What strategy do you have for continuing the flow of visitors to the region during wet season?
Paula Creen (Greens): This goes back to more funding for the Bruce Highway to be raised above flood levels. While 1 in 3 big corporations pay no tax in Australia, Labor and LNP take huge corporate donations. The Greens don’t accept any corporate donations, so money that we collect from corporations and billionaires in tax would go into the treasury, so we have the funds to fix the highway once and for all.
Andrew Willcox (Liberal National Party): The Whitsundays is a tourism mecca, with operators punching above their weight on the national and international stage. I know how much our small businesses and tour operators rely on sunshine. When it floods, tourists can’t get here, the roads are cut and the airport shuts. As former Mayor of the Whitsundays I secured Federal Funding for flood mitigation at Hamilton Plains. A Coalition government will provide flood mitigation for the Bruce, so plane loads of visitors can fill our hotels, restaurants, and tour desks. We’ll also support additional land-based ventures like the planned SkyRail by reducing red tape and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit. Only the Coalition will back our operators to grow, innovate, and showcase our natural wonders.
Question 4: How will you ensure that taxpayer funds are directed toward infrastructure, services, and initiatives that support economic productivity and business growth?
Paula Creen (Greens): Taxpayer funds, and taxes from big corporations and billionaires would best be used to increase social benefits so that all Australians live above the poverty line. People can’t spend money they don’t have, and while they struggle to choose between paying rent and feeding their family, they aren’t supporting local businesses.
Andrew Willcox (Liberal National Party): If elected, a Dutton/Littleproud government will invest heavily in Regional Australia through a $20 billion Regional Australian Future Fund. This “forever fund” will deliver $1billion in annual returns to strengthen communities like Dawson for generations to come. It will boost investment in schools, hospitals, roads, and critical infrastructure in regional Australia. The fund ensures the wealth generated from mining, agriculture, and tourism flows back to communities like the Whitsundays, not just our city cousins. This is about long-term, targeted investment—supporting local jobs, growing regional economies, and delivering the services and opportunities our communities deserve.
Question 5: What specific strategies or ideas would you champion to drive economic development and business opportunities in Proserpine?
Paula Creen (Greens): My initiative is to build a whole new industry in farming and manufacturing of clothing, building materials, and replacing plastic with hemp.
Andrew Willcox (Liberal National Party): Proserpine is known for it’s sugarcane farming. Let’s build on this — a boutique distillery and mill tours would boost the economy. I think more could be done at Proserpine Airport. A freight hub and distribution centre where we could export mangoes, small crops and seafood, in particular prawns and crabs. The close proximity to the highway and rail. Further activation of Peter Faust Dam with cabins, bbq boats and on water activities. Mountain bike trails in the hills around the dam is another opportunity. And an RV Park at the Proserpine Showgrounds.
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