An air traffic controller has been preselected by a major party to contest a Sunshine Coast seat at the federal election.
Naomi McQueen has been announced as the Labor candidate for Fairfax, which includes towns like Maroochydore, Nambour, Coolum Beach, Buderim, Bli Bli, Yandina and Eumundi.
The seat has been held by LNP’s Ted O’Brien since 2016.
Labor has never claimed victory in the electorate since it was formed in 1984.
Ms McQueen and her husband live in the area, at Twin Waters, where they are raising their teenagers.
She works as an air traffic controller at the nearby Sunshine Coast Airport and has studied security and counter terrorism.
“I am thrilled to be Labor’s candidate in Fairfax,” she said.
“It gives me the chance to continue the Albanese Labor Government’s fight to bring down the cost of living and build a better Australia.
“Cost of living is the number one issue for families in Fairfax and Labor is the only party with a real plan to tackle it.
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“In July, every taxpayer received a tax cut, every household received a $300 rebate on their power bill and rent assistance was increased by 10 per cent.”
She said Labor’s plans for cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, and strengthening Medicare “are making a real difference” and said the time was right for change in her electorate.
“Fairfax deserves better,” she said.
