The Queensland State Election will take place in 2024 and Shane Cuthbert is well placed, as a politically active member of the Cairns community to comment on the Cairns Election. Shane Cuthbert is a Former Criminal turned Law and Psychology Graduate, Advocating for the Youth, Justice, Human Rights, Homelessness, Mental Health and Domestic Violence. He will contest the 2024 Queensland State Election as an Independent. CLICK HERE for a full biography.
Political Parties
Liberal National Party - Labor Party - One Nation - Katter's Party - Greens - Independents
Cairns Electorates
Cairns - Mulgrave - Barron - Cook
Mulgrave ElectorateBayview Heights - Edmonton - Mount Peter - White rock - Wrights Creek - Green Hill - Packers Camp - East Trinity - Portsmith - Yarrabah - Gordonvale -Aloomba - Fishery Falls - Deeral - Goldsborough - Lamb Range Mulgrave State Election CandidatesRitchie Bates - Yodie Batski - Terry James - Michael McInnes - Steven Lesina - Les Searle - Dave Raymond
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Shane Cuthbert (Independent)
According to Google, Shane Cuthbert is the most popular candidate in the Cairns State Elections. Google measures the average number of searches conducted for each candidate and compares them with each other using the keyword research tool. Although candidates like Yolande Entsch do not yet register on the platform, the Major Parties still have a considerable amount of support across the State.
Cairns State Election Data According to Google.
In any event, Shane Cuthbert hopes to increase his 16.5% vote share during the Cairns State Election. Shane Cuthbert ran a campaign earlier during the Cairns Regional Council Election held in March, as a Division 4 Candidate. The Cairns electorate encompasses Divisions 4, 5 and 7 and Shane Cuthbert, having recieved major media attention believes his campaign, although Local, reached the wider community of Cairns and this is evident in the data compiled by Google. As at Monday 23rd September, Shane Cuthbert enjoyed an average 10x more google clicks than any other candidate.
Shane Cuthbert Announces his Campaign for Cairns
Shane says "I learned a great deal about myself, elections, politics and local issues during the Cairns Local Government election, engaging with the community prior to, during and since the election, knocking on doors, attending events and speaking to residents from across Cairns".
As the ONLY Candidate addressing the BIG Issues, besides former Assistant Police Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate Paul Taylor, he learned that Cairns residents were not ready to support Local Government Candidates, tackling issues such as housing and crime. Many residents were confused about the role Local Government plays in these issues and considered them ‘State’ issues only. Despite educating voters, they learned something. If you must educate voters, you have already lost. Now, he is running for the State seat on State issues.
As the ONLY Candidate addressing the BIG Issues, besides former Assistant Police Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate Paul Taylor, he learned that Cairns residents were not ready to support Local Government Candidates, tackling issues such as housing and crime. Many residents were confused about the role Local Government plays in these issues and considered them ‘State’ issues only. Despite educating voters, they learned something. If you must educate voters, you have already lost. Now, he is running for the State seat on State issues.
Shane Cuthbert and Local Businesswoman Perri Conti address the Cairns Regional Council
Since the last election, Shane has spent 2-3 nights a week in the CBD, working with Cairns most disadvantaged, at-risk and vulnerable youth reducing crime. He has also been advocating for YOU, speaking with the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee and the youth Justice Reform Committee with friend, former Magistrate Pat O’Shane AM.
Recently, Shane addressed the Cairns Regional Council proposing a range of alternative responses to crime and the re-activation of the CBD and he says he is "More experienced, more educated and more dedicated to making Cairns Safe Again!"
It is clear that there is a section of the community willing to get behind him, a section of this community that feels disadvantaged, unheard and neglected by the major parties and that section of the community is growing. It is growing because the cost of living and crime are out of control, rents are sky rocketing and there are less homes available.
Shane says "Currently, there are 6000 people in Cairns are at risk of homelessness".
It is clear that the major parties no longer represent us and I believe it’s time for change. Don’t send your vote to brisbane, keep it here in cairns and vote for an independent candidate, truly representative of YOU and the people of cairns.
Recently, Shane addressed the Cairns Regional Council proposing a range of alternative responses to crime and the re-activation of the CBD and he says he is "More experienced, more educated and more dedicated to making Cairns Safe Again!"
It is clear that there is a section of the community willing to get behind him, a section of this community that feels disadvantaged, unheard and neglected by the major parties and that section of the community is growing. It is growing because the cost of living and crime are out of control, rents are sky rocketing and there are less homes available.
Shane says "Currently, there are 6000 people in Cairns are at risk of homelessness".
It is clear that the major parties no longer represent us and I believe it’s time for change. Don’t send your vote to brisbane, keep it here in cairns and vote for an independent candidate, truly representative of YOU and the people of cairns.
Shane Cuthbert and Division 5 Councillor, former Cairns MP Rob Pyne call on the Major Parties
to 'forget politics' and fund Social Housing projects.
Ritchie Bates (Labor Party)
Richie Bates is an Advisor to the Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Micheal Healy, with strong ties to the State Government and external stakeholders in Brisbane and expertise in business and community advocacy with government and non-government organisations. Shane Cuthbert first met Ritchie Bates as an elected Councillor for Cairns in 2020, advocating for a 24 hour youth hub, something Ritchie supported. As a Councillor Ritchie Bates was the Chair of the Water and Waste Committee and Cairns Townsville Mackay Water Alliance, while being a foundation member of the Cairns Water Security Advisory Group.
Ritchie Bates was part of the CBD steering committee that began the significant transformation of the Cairns city centre including the re-opening of Lake Street to vehicular traffic, installation of new public transport bus stations, re-development of the Cairns Museum, Abbott Street Courthouse, Grafton Street Chinese Heritage Precinct, Munro Martin Parklands and Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Ritchie Bates has a background in the telecommunications industry and served in the not-for-profit sector as a sporting club president and executive member for more than a decade.
Ritchie Bates is well placed in Mulgrave. When Shane Cuthbert was a member of the Labor Party, Ritchie had the internal votes necessary to secure the pre-selection for the Federal seat of Leichardt however, the Unions stepped in and preferred Elida Faith have a second attempt. Unfortunately Elida was unsuccessful but Ritchie Bates has continued building his profile and relationships.
Yodie Batski (Independent)
Far North community advocate Yodie Batzke has four campaigns under her belt having previously ran in the Cairns Division 4 Local Government Elections in 2020, the State seat of Cook (also in 2020 and a Senate seat under Clive Palmer. I first met Yodie during his Local Government campaign for Division 4 in 2024. Cuthbert says "Yodie Batski was a wealth of knowledge and i value her support". Yodie Batski has been involved in many organisations and advisory bodies in Cairns including to
Premier and Cabinet, First Nations Advisory Cairns Council and also delivered lectures at JCU.
Yodie Batski is currently working as the Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation governance officer. Her priorities are prioritising a feasibility study into a new hospital for Mulgrave, travel subsidies for patients leaving care and returning to places such as Yarrabah and working against the establishment of a youth detention centre in the southern corridor.
Michael McInnes (One Nation)
Michael McInnes has been a resident of the Cairns region for 27 years, witnessing significant changes in the area. As a family man, he raised his three children, both in marriage and as a single dad. With 20 years of experience as a transport contractor and 15 years in the disability sector, Mike understands the importance of being thrifty, having lived on Struggle Street. He is passionate about stopping financial waste and advocates for a careful and prioritised use of tax dollars on Australians rather than foreign aid.
Mike has personal experience as a victim of crime, a growing concern in North Queensland. He criticises the judicial system's lenient approach towards offenders, especially juveniles, and emphasises the need for strong community opposition to the current state and federal government stances. Mike believes in educating children on the difference between right and wrong early, as current role models are failing to do so.
Addressing energy policies, Mike highlights the need to reinvest in coal-fired power stations to cover base load requirements before transitioning to alternative power sources like nuclear, wind, and solar. He argues against immediate changes that cause financial hardship, advocating for a gradual transition over 10 to 20 years to ensure a stable energy supply without burdening Australians during the cost of living crisis.
Mike is critical of multiculturalism, arguing that many come to Australia to exploit social and safety networks. He calls for the deportation of economic refugees and supports a single citizenship policy to ensure loyalty and integration. Mike believes Canberra is out of touch with everyday Australians, and only One Nation, with its experience and rational policies, can guide the country back on track by truly representing its constituents.
Mike has personal experience as a victim of crime, a growing concern in North Queensland. He criticises the judicial system's lenient approach towards offenders, especially juveniles, and emphasises the need for strong community opposition to the current state and federal government stances. Mike believes in educating children on the difference between right and wrong early, as current role models are failing to do so.
Addressing energy policies, Mike highlights the need to reinvest in coal-fired power stations to cover base load requirements before transitioning to alternative power sources like nuclear, wind, and solar. He argues against immediate changes that cause financial hardship, advocating for a gradual transition over 10 to 20 years to ensure a stable energy supply without burdening Australians during the cost of living crisis.
Mike is critical of multiculturalism, arguing that many come to Australia to exploit social and safety networks. He calls for the deportation of economic refugees and supports a single citizenship policy to ensure loyalty and integration. Mike believes Canberra is out of touch with everyday Australians, and only One Nation, with its experience and rational policies, can guide the country back on track by truly representing its constituents.
Steven Lesina (Katter's Party)
Since completing high school at Bentley Park College as the College Vice-captain in 2011, Steven Lesina has gone on to complete a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science as well as a Graduate Diploma in Education. He came back to BPC to complete his university placement and soon became a Science and PE teacher. Steven Lesina is currently also the Year 9 Coordinator and Rugby League Academy Coordinator.
Rugby League has long been a passion of Steven's. Since captaining the first Rugby League Academy class team that graduated from BPC in 2011, he went on to play a number of A-grade games for Kangaroos Rugby League Club in Cairns, which lead him to be selected to play for Thailand in three international games - Philippines in 2012, Greece in 2013 and Norway in 2014. Steven Lesina was also selected as captain for the Greece and Norway games, securing a victory against Norway with a try of his own.
Steven Lesina then captained/coached Kangaroos Reserve grade after injury and has since retired from playing, but has taken a number of roles in Rugby League. Steven Lesina is currently the Junior Coaching Coordinator at Kangaroos Junior Rugby League and also one of the Assistant Coaches for the Northern Pride Under 21s, in addition to his Rugby League Academy Coordinator role at BPC.
Rugby League has long been a passion of Steven's. Since captaining the first Rugby League Academy class team that graduated from BPC in 2011, he went on to play a number of A-grade games for Kangaroos Rugby League Club in Cairns, which lead him to be selected to play for Thailand in three international games - Philippines in 2012, Greece in 2013 and Norway in 2014. Steven Lesina was also selected as captain for the Greece and Norway games, securing a victory against Norway with a try of his own.
Steven Lesina then captained/coached Kangaroos Reserve grade after injury and has since retired from playing, but has taken a number of roles in Rugby League. Steven Lesina is currently the Junior Coaching Coordinator at Kangaroos Junior Rugby League and also one of the Assistant Coaches for the Northern Pride Under 21s, in addition to his Rugby League Academy Coordinator role at BPC.
Dave Raymond (Independent)
With 36 years of police service under his belt, independent candidate for the seat of Mulgrave Sergeant Dave Raymond understands better than most how to tackle the Cairns youth crime epidemic.
Hitting compulsory retirement age next year, the decorated head of the Cairns Dog Squad said he wanted a way to remain of service to the community when leaving the Queensland Police Service, and representing the people as a member of parliament was a way to achieve that. Goldsborough resident has spent his entire 36-year police career in Cairns, including 25 years with the Dog Squad and 14 as the officer in charge.
Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) Membership Dispute
Shane Cuthbert is no longer a member of the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland). The Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) and its Administration Committee which includes current federal speaker of Parliament Milton Dick MP and Queensland State Premier Annastacia Palusczuzk MP among others, cancelled Shane's membership citing grounds 'membership was no longer in the best interest's of the Party' however, Shane Cuthbert told Channel 7 News that the reason his membership was cancelled after 14 months of support and significant campaign contributions is discriminitive.
Shane claims that he was told by Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) party insiders and paid employees of the party that his membership was reconsidered due to an 'implied criminal history' and over 'how it looks'. Shane Cuthbert Still supports the Labor Party however, has recently critisized some of the decisions and legislation introduced by the Party especially in regards to new youth crime responses.
If you would like to know more about Shane Cuthbert's membership dispute with the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) CLICK HERE
Shane claims that he was told by Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) party insiders and paid employees of the party that his membership was reconsidered due to an 'implied criminal history' and over 'how it looks'. Shane Cuthbert Still supports the Labor Party however, has recently critisized some of the decisions and legislation introduced by the Party especially in regards to new youth crime responses.
If you would like to know more about Shane Cuthbert's membership dispute with the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) CLICK HERE
Australian Labor Party (State and Federal Government Level)
Shane Cuthbert joined the Australian Labor Party in October 2020, just prior to the Queensland state election. In September 2021, Shane became registered with the Cairns Central Branch and became actively involved as a volunteer for Elida Faith's campaign team. Elida Faith unsuccessfully ran as the first female, Federal Labor Candidate in the division of Leichardt during the 2022 Federal election. In November 2021, Shane became a member of the Labor Left and the LEAN (Labor's Environment Action Network).
Being a member of the Australian Labor Party allowed Shane to better advocate for the community at local, state and federal levels, vote on and suggest new policy and build relationships with other members, candidates and representatives of the party. During his membership term Shane Cuthbert supported a proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Queensland among others.
United Workers Union
As the Australian Labor Party works so closely with Australian Unions and the amazing work they do advocating on behalf of working Australians, Shane was invited to join the United workers Union as a solidarity member and in late 2021, marching side by side with Senator Nita Green, Federal Leichardt Candidate Elida Faith and union members from the AMWU, CFMEU and the ETU in support of workers from the Cape Flattery silica mine. Workers in the Cape Flattery silica mine have requested equal pay for equal work and better working conditions from their employer Mitsubishi. Due to the ongoing dispute between Shane Cuthbert and the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) this was too, cancelled.
