Getting Back To The Grass Roots

With Amanda Camm MP

After two years in office, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has her feet firmly on the ground and endeavours to find balance between tackling the big issues while paying close attention to the smaller grass roots of community connection.

Dividing her time between attending Parliament sittings in Brisbane, where she passionately advocates for causes important to our region, Ms Camm also attends regular local events and meetings with constituents in her electorate.

Over the past year she has been able to give voice and create change to countless local causes, most notably by raising awareness for failings in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward at Mackay Base Hospital.

“By shining a light on the substandard conditions and tragic atrocities we will now see an improvement for many,” she said.

Another example of raising the profile on local issues to create national conversation was Ms Camm’s dedication to changing the procedures around forensic lab testing.

Working alongside those affected, including Mackay local Vicki Blackburn whose daughter was murdered in 2013, the consistent advocacy has led to the acceptance of new lab evidence which could lead to the conviction of a killer.

“With the help of families who shared their tragic stories, we have brought attention to the issues and paved new ways for better forensic lab procedures,” she explained.

When planning for the year ahead, Ms Camm says that her biggest priority is to find avenues to further engage with the community and bring local issues to the attention of the state government.

“I really want to get the decision makers in the South East to understand the challenges we face here in our community,” she said.

“A lot of common sense has been lost at a state government level with decision making, policy making and what’s important”

“I am committed to bringing common sense back to the conversation”

Believing that state government decisions can often be out of touch with what matters to “everyday people”, Ms Camm firmly believes that people need tailored assistance and that the current focus often misses the most important points of an issue.

“The problems out there can be easily fixed with a little common sense!” she said.

This year, Ms Camm and her team aim to connect further at the grass roots level and will now be closing the head office in Proserpine on a Wednesday so that they can complete ‘business walkthroughs’ and be more available to visit the rural areas within the electorate.

“I want to be accessible to more people and get out into the region,” said Ms Camm.

“I think it’s important to connect at the grass roots level and connect with people who can’t necessarily get back into town so we can understand what’s important to everyone.”

What’s on your wish list this year?

1. The Kidney Renal Unit in Proserpine still hasn’t been built despite the fact it was committed and planned for. People are still driving up to Mackay, but they would not have to if this was built.

2. The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp safety concerns still need to be addressed before an accident happens. It needs to be accessible and upgraded immediately.

3. We need a real commitment to housing – the biggest challenge is the staff shortages this issue creates; we can’t get enough teachers and other major industries struggle as well. We need more housing supply and plans for future growth, but I think this will get worse before it gets better

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm heads down to parliament twice a month to advocate for the region. Photo supplied

Amanda Camm with Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli at the Shute Harbour boat ramp which desperately needs fixing. Photo supplied

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