Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I start by congratulating Nick Dametto on his resounding win in the mayoral by-election in Townsville. Nick, a former state member—not of the same political persuasion as me—decided to resign his seat in the state parliament and run for the city of Townsville mayoralty. He won resoundingly. I'd like to let Nick know, as well as the parliament and the wider community, that we look forward to working closely together to ensure that the people of Townsville have a mayor that puts them, not politics, first and that can work with all colours of political persuasions to get the job done for the people of Townsville. We have seen neglect over many, many years from former Labor mayors who haven't put the people of Townsville first. So having a new mayor is a breath of fresh air. I believe that Nick Dametto resigning his position with the KAP—leaving the political party—demonstrates that he is willing to put people before politics.

I'd also like to say congratulations to Andrew Gisinger and his team on an amazing 20 years of QSolutions. He spent 22 years in the Australian military and he bedded down his position with his company based in Townsville. When business does well, a lot of business leaders leave the regions to set up in the capital cities. Andrew and his team decided not to do that. Whether they work in Townsville, Brisbane, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea—all around the world—their base is Townsville. They employ locals. They support locals because they know the importance of getting behind the great city of Townsville. Andrew had his 20-year celebration with his business and present were mayors, former mayors, former ministers, state MPs and federal MPs. It was clear to me that Andrew and his business have seen lots of political change, but he will also be there long after all of us have been in this place and have left. I think that's a testament to him and his business, who've put down strong roots in Townsville. It'll be great to see the business grow and thrive. I hope that naming the two extra partners for QSolutions does him well as he slows down and goes into a bit of retirement where he can enjoy his life. But, from the people of Townsville, to Andrew and his team, we say, thank you. Thank you for employing locals. Thank you for driving our economy. You're a good man.

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