Katter trio as Dametto takes vote
NICK Dametto has become the third Katter’s Australian Party candidate to be voted into State Parliament, knocking Andrew Cripps from the seat of Hinchinbrook.
Preference flows yesterday placed Mr Dametto on 16,152 votes, compared with the LNP incumbent’s 11,901.
This was a swing of 14 per cent against Mr Cripps, with Mr Dametto securing 57 per cent of the primary vote on a two- party preferred basis.
Hinchinbrook is now considered a safe KAP seat, with Mr Cripps to step away after 11 years.
Mr Dametto, who campaigned for only four weeks, said his heart and soul went into winning.
“Everyone just there and helped paign,” he said.
“We didn’t do massive budget.
“The way we did it was getting out there and talking to people in the community and making sure that our policies were in line with what our constituents wanted.” got out us cam- this on a
When asked whether he was prepared for the pressures of Parliament, Mr Dametto said his colleagues were advising him.
“I’ve been skilled by Robbie ( Katter) about what to expect so far and they’re prepping me right now,” he said.
“I’ve been told it’s time to buy a new suit.”
Mr Katter, KAP’s state leader, said the party felt it had done enough to earn the trust of voters.
“The KAP has moved outside of those rural areas,” he said. “I think we have a very strong mandate to be the representatives for North Queensland. We’ve learnt to fight for votes, we’re not entitled.”
In a public post on Facebook, Mr Cripps said Mr Dametto had been elected on Labor preferences.
“Since 25 November, a large number of people in the Hinchinbrook electorate have contacted me, confused about the projected results indicating the Katter Party would win the seat,” it read.
“I secured 2200 more primary votes than One Nation and 2500 more primary votes than the Katter Party.
“Some of these people are angry that they were forced to allocate preferences at a state election for the first time in more than 25 years, thanks to Labor and the Katter Party.”
Meanwhile, LNP incumbent Dale Last has retained the seat of Burdekin after Labor’s Mike Brunker conceded defeat just a day after calling for a recount.
Mr Last, who is now the most northern LNP member, said he felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
“It’s just so humbling to be re- elected as the Member for Burdekin,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve been in the trenches for six weeks.”
A result for Townsville is expected today with preferences still being counted yesterday afternoon. It’s understood incumbent Scott Stewart is leading the LNP’s Casie Scott by about 160 votes.