Amplifying Far North Queensland’s Voice in Canberra

As the Crisafulli Government begins its 100-day campaign following the State election, Advance Cairns has shifted its focus to the Federal stage. In partnership with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), we recently led a delegation of over 25 business and regional leaders to Canberra, advocating for Far North Queensland’s priorities at the national level.

Representing Our Region’s Diverse Interests

The delegation, led by Advance Cairns Chair Nick Trompf and CEO Jacinta Reddan, included Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden and representatives from across key sectors. Over 30 meetings were held with senior leaders from the Australian Government, Opposition, and crossbench, ensuring Far North Queensland’s unified voice was heard.

From aviation leaders advocating for sustainable fuels to health and education stakeholders championing expanded programs, the delegation reflected the diverse needs and aspirations of our community. Each voice added depth to our collective priorities, emphasising the region’s unique opportunities and challenges.

Key Advocacy Areas

Discussions focused on pressing issues critical to Far North Queensland, including:

• Water Security: Advocating for additional Federal funding to secure Cairns’ water future.
Health and Education: Expanding healthcare services and medical training programs to meet regional demands.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Improving regional road, rail, and aviation links to bolster economic growth.
• Tourism Growth: Securing investments in tourism infrastructure to strengthen Cairns as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Defence and Climate Resilience: Positioning Cairns as a Northern Australia defence hub and advancing disaster preparedness strategies.
Highlights of the Delegation

The delegation’s impact was felt across Parliament:

• Parliamentary Acknowledgements: The delegation was acknowledged formally at the  Minister for Northern Australia’s annual statement and during Questions Time by the Speaker of the House. Parliamentarians were seen wearing TNQ-branded scarves and ties in a show of support.
• Regional Advocacy: Participation in the Regional Australia Institute’s progress report on regional ambition emphasised the importance of driving policies that support the North.

Why This Matters for Advance Cairns Members

For members, participating in the delegation offered an unparalleled opportunity to influence Federal decision-making directly. The ability to engage with policymakers and build relationships at this level underscores the value of being part of an organisation that places Far North Queensland’s priorities at the forefront.

This effort would not have been possible without collaboration. We extend our gratitude to Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Patricia O’Neill and TTNQ’s Mark Olsen for their partnership and dedication. Together, we amplified the region’s voice and demonstrated the strength of unified advocacy.

As we look ahead to the Federal election, Advance Cairns will continue to champion our region’s critical needs and ensure Far North Queensland remains a priority on the national agenda.

Keeping you informed