Former army truck driver and small business owner Lisa Buchtmann will stand as One Nation’s candidate for the Hinchinbrook by-election.

Ms Buchtmann, 40, will have a strong focus on revitalising tourism infrastructure in region along with policies to reduce youth crime, improve housing affordability and lower the cost of living.

“I’m a mother with a teenage son and I’m very concerned about his future in our community, and the future for all kids in Hinchinbrook,” Ms Buchtmann said.

“North Queensland has a lot to offer visitors but we need to make sure our infrastructure is modern, up to scratch and able to accommodate them: roads, boat ramps, hotels, restaurants and the like. If it isn’t up to scratch, visitors will go elsewhere.

“The Bruce Highway is an obvious example. The highway is the main transport link in Hinchinbrook and is in urgent need of repairs and upgrades, not just for tourism but for safety and productivity as well.”

Ms Buchtmann drove trucks for the Australian Army, based in Townsville, and also operated her own dog grooming business in the region. She currently lives in Cardwell.

“I’ve worked hard to establish a home in Cardwell and a future for my family,” she said. “I’m worried that my son and the children of all families in Hinchinbrook will never be able to afford a home of their own.

“I’ve put my hand up for One Nation because our party has sound policies to slash immigration and reduce demand for housing, and to dismantle the net zero policies which are driving the rising cost of living.

“We also want to implement our policy to effectively reduce youth crime in regional Queensland, something the Crisafulli government is still failing to address after years of out-of-control under Labor. These include integrating proven redirection programs like Operation Hard Yakka in the justice system, and establishing a judicial accountability panel that will inquire into court decisions that release a person who subsequently commits more crime while on bail.”