As a first election pledge, Susan McDonald’s commitment to opening a Senate office in Townsville is a ripper, according to LNP Senator and Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan.

“Only a matter of days after securing the second spot on our Senate ticket, Susan has put North Queensland firmly at the top of her priority list,” Senator Canavan said.

“We know Susan has been an active community member her whole life and I bet Northern communities can’t wait for her to come home.

“Her decision to base her office in North Queensland if she is elected to Parliament once again proves the LNP’s commitment to representing and working for all corners of Queensland.

“Our Senators are based throughout the State, giving Queenslanders a real chance to meet with them face-to-face.

“Susan is going to be a fantastic voice for the north, and her decision also presents a sticky question for Labor – will any of their Senators ever move from the comfy south east corner of Queensland?

“To really appreciate the contribution of regional Queenslanders, you have to spend time on the ground and genuinely listen to the concerns and ideas of families and business operators.

“It just doesn’t work with Labor’s fly-in, fly-out model. There is more to our great state than just the capital city.

“Labor continues to take a ‘Brisbane line’ approach to representing Queensland.

“Bottom lines - if they want people in North Queensland to vote for them then they should actually think it is a place worth living in.