Labor’s man for Herbert
EX-SERVICEMAN John Ring will step into the ring to take on Phillip Thompson in the upcoming battle for the seat of Herbert.
Townsville-born Mr Ring will be announced as Labor’s Herbert candidate on Tuesday, officially kicking off the election race in the seat.
Mr Ring spent more than 14 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and currently works at the Townsville Airport as an aviation firefighter.
The father of three and Ignatius Park alumni is expected to be a formidable opponent to Mr Thompson.
“I know there is a lot of hard work ahead and I’m fully committed to doing my very best to highlight local issues and get a better deal for our region,” Mr Ring said.
“We’re not getting the leadership we deserve from the Morrison government, which is all about spin.
“The government has failed on the vaccination rollout, failed on aged care and veterans support, and failed to deliver adequate economic support for our communities.”
Mr Ring said he loved his hometown and believed that his experience in the RAAF meant he had a strong understanding of the issues faced in the broader community, and for the city’s servicemen and women. “Our city and our residents deserve better than an MP who has failed to deliver for our community and stood by watching more government cuts, whilst he was preoccupied with playing politics,” Mr Ring said.
The Herbert hopeful said it was the government’s attempt to cut aviation firefighting services in Australia that had inspired him to run as a candidate.
“Along with many of my firefighting colleagues, we fought hard to stop the government from going ahead with the cutbacks that threatened to leave airports in regional Queensland without a firefighting capacity stationed at the airport,” Mr Ring said.
“That was a significant moment for me, and I wanted to do something about it for regional communities.”
Labor leader Anthony Albanese said Herbert deserved an MP who was willing to fight for regional Queenslanders.
“John will be a champion for better health services for his community and a strong advocate for good local jobs in the region,” Mr Albanese said.
“Under a Labor government, we’ll always make sure Townsville gets its fair share and regional Queenslanders have a voice in Government.”
While there is no date set for the federal election, it must take place before May 21.