MP rejects claims of mayoral ambitions
STATE MP Michael Healy has rejected claims he will run for Cairns mayoral job in 2024.
Burdekin MP Dale Last accused him of chasing the mayoral chains during Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting.
“We know that he is heading out. We know at the next election that he is running for the hills. He is cutting it and he is heading for the mayor’s job in Cairns. That is where he is heading,” Mr Last said.
He added, referring to the LNP’s recent selection of Yolonde Entsch to run for the Cairns seat in 2024: “That is why we have selected (an) outstanding (candidate) for Cairns … they have impeccable credentials and they are local community champions.”
Mr Healy called Mr Last’s accusation “absolute garbage”.
“I have never had any intentions on running for mayor of (Cairns),” the Member for Cairns said.
“This is a ploy by the LNP.” Responding in parliament to the attacks levelled at him relating to crime in the Cairns community, Mr Healy said the opposition’s previous statements on crime has been “spurious and disingenuous”.
“When you scratch below the surface, there is no genuine concern or meaningful solution with any of their banter. We’re still waiting for (their) plan,” he said.
“The opposition’s dubious attacks are based on fear and scaremongering, cuts and chaos … those that serve and protect us on the front line really don’t appreciate these allegations.”
Mayor Bob Manning maintains it his intention to see out his term which ends in March next year.
“My position hasn’t altered,” Cr Manning said.
Local government elections in 2024 are expected to be held no later than March 28 due to the Easter break, which begins on March 29. A resignation from Cr Manning within 12 months of the election, would trigger a mayoral appointment by council vote.