Belinda Hassan Labor candidate, seat of Mackay

Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?

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I’m a fifth-generation Mackay local, a second-term Councillor, and was elected as the Deputy Mayor in April 2024. Prior to Council, I was the Manager of Mackay Funerals for almost 8 years, an after-hours Support Worker at the domestic violence shelter for 9 years, and the Service Manager at Mackay Women’s Centre for 4 years. I’ve also held roles in financial services, real estate, IT, and retail, and been a small business owner. I have dedicated my life to the community of Mackay and want to continue as your local Member of Parliament.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

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At present, access to suitable housing is an issue, so I’d work with all levels of Government to come up with further solutions. Construction is already underway on 7 x 1-bedroom units, and the Miles Labor Government has committed to building 27 modular homes in the Mackay and Whitsunday region. Labor is doing what matters for Queenslanders here in Mackay by building social and affordable housing.
Labor has implemented measures to assist private renters through Rent Connect, and delivered a mobile housing office to assist people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.

What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

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When I’m out there talking to the Mackay community, what they are telling me is they want cost-of-living relief. The current Miles Labor Government is delivering cost of living measures, including $1,000 off electricity bills, 50c fares for all Translink services, 20% off vehicle registration, Free TAFE, and Free Kindy for all 4-year-olds.
Mackay needs a representative who is embedded in the local community and has a proven track record of delivering for this region – I am that person.

Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

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I will get to work on advocating for my community, as I have always done. This includes delivering on our fully-costed election commitments and building on what has already been started. I will stand up for the Labor values of fairness, equality, and social justice, and ensure that our region receives its fair share.
My first 100 days will be about listening, collaborating, and taking decisive actions that reflect the needs of our community.

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