“I feel someone of my particular background and experiences can contribute significantly to the area by advocating a strong message of hope, ideals and vision” – Steve Viliamu
Former Bligh government minister, Cameron Dick, will re-launch his political career at the next state election by contesting for the seat of Woodridge.
He is up against a political debutant and Samoan LNP candidate, Steve Viliamu, who believes he is the first Pacific islander to run the Queensland Parliament.
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For Mr. Dick, who is a former Cabinet Minister, he acted as the Queensland Attorney General and held the portfolios of Industrial Relations and Education during his four year tenure from 2009-2012.
Mr. Dick said he decided to return to politics because he felt there was more he could achieve as an MP. “I feel in my heart that I haven’t been able to complete my service that I can give to the community,” he said.
“I’d like to focus strongly on education and employment for young people,” he said.
“I’m very keen to work as a local MP with business and residents to create employment opportunities.”
The Labor candidate said he would be a strong voice in parliament by standing up against service cuts affecting the Woodridge electorate.
He said he would also like to improve roads and public transport in the area. Mr. Dick will face political debutant, LNP candidate Steve Viliamu at the next state election.
Mr. Viliamu, a Samoan descendant who grew up in New Zealand, believes he is the first Pacific Islander to run for Queensland Parliament, at least from the major parties.
Having moved to Brisbane’s south side from Wellington in the mid-1980s, Mr. Viliamu said he had a strong affiliation with Woodridge, where many of his family members reside.
“I feel someone of my particular background and experiences can contribute significantly to the area by advocating a strong message of hope, ideals and vision,” Mr. Viliamu said. “Being of Samoan-Tokelauan heritage with a Kiwi upbringing, there is no real surprise I have a natural affinity for the place.”
Greens candidate Scott Thomson is also vying for Woodridge and he’s being ramping up his campaign attending rallies against assets sales and the proposed greyhound racing track.
Dr. Thomson said he would strive to reduce cost of living expenses including water and power prices if he became the state representative for Woodridge.
Acknowledging the vital role charities and social services play in our community, Dr. Thomson said he would stand up against cuts to not-for-profit organisations and restore funds that have been reduced. The Woodridge seat will be vacated by long-serving, respected ALP member Desley Scott on election night.
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