Dametto’s dominant win
KAP MP increases margin in seat of Hinchinbrook
THE boy from Ingham has proved he’s worth his salt, winning the electorate of Hinchinbrook for Katter’s Australian Party in a landslide vote.
It was clear from early in the count that incumbent Nick Dametto would clean up, but the MP ended up with more than 4000 extra votes than LNP candidate Scott Piper.
When Mr Dametto first ran for the party in 2017, he came in third until preferences were allocated.
This time he romped home. While his approval rating doesn’t quite reach the heights of his boss, KAP leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter, Mr Dametto has joined the ranks of his fellow party members in creating another safe seat.
In Hill, which KAP MP Shane Knuth has held for the better part of a decade, the LNP candidate Nick Cuda secured less than 25 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.
Mr Dametto said three years of hard work and a brilliant campaign had paid off.
“Last time, yes it was through the preferential sys
tem that I had the opportunity to take on the role as the Member for Hinchinbrook, but I’ve spent the last three years proving my worth to the electorate,” Mr Dametto said.
“I didn’t want to be one of those (MPS) who got an opportunity and wasted it. The last
three years I’ve proved from the crossbench I’ve been able to deliver for the electorate.
“Everyone’s vote proved the Hinchinbrook electorate believe I’ve added value to the area.”
When Mr Dametto returns to parliament, his first move
will be to introduce the legislation he developed last term to repeal the Reef Regulations.
He said fighting for the farmers of the region would remain a key aim.
“The first thing I will do in the electorate is get around to visit everyone who volun
teered their time and everyone who helped over the three years,” Mr Dametto said.
“When you take on a role such as this, you sign yourself over to the electorate,” Mr Dametto said.
“It’s not just a job, it’s something you do 24/7.”