Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff and Yeppoon resident James Ashby will stand for One Nation in the seat of Keppel at next year’s Queensland state election. 

Senator Hanson said Mr Ashby would bring a wealth of high-level parliamentary and political experience to the Queensland parliament. 

“James understands government and politics like few others in Australia, being my principal adviser for many years,” she said. “He’s passionate about supporting the communities of Central Queensland, and addressing the many problems created by the Palaszczuk Labor government’s neglect and incompetence. 

“Polls showing Queenslanders are increasingly underwhelmed by Labor and the Liberal National Party have placed greater importance on cross bench parties in the coming election. James knows better than anyone how to wield the balance of power responsibly, enabling effective government while ensuring the accountability Queensland voters deserve.” 

Mr Ashby, 44, said Queensland faced the prospect of a Labor government held to ransom by inner-city Greens, or a change of government supported by One Nation MPs dedicated to representing the interests of regional communities. 

“The Nationals are dead in Queensland’s parliament while the Liberals are lurching further left in their attempts to secure inner-Brisbane seats,” he said. “This comes at a cost to the voice of regional Queensland in our government. 

“It’s why the LNP backed Labor’s path to treaty bill, only withdrawing it after the overwhelming 69% Queensland no vote at the voice to Parliament referendum. It’s why the LNP has failed to protect our fishing industry, our cane growers and our $23 billion farming industry. Both the parties have failed to provide solutions to the escalating youth crime wave swamping regional communities, especially in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast. 

“With the support of Keppel voters, I’ll work to deliver the policies needed to reduce cost-of-living pressures, improve housing availability and affordability, arrest youth crime and restore a long-term vision for Queensland.”