Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has today announced that Mark Molachino will contest the upcoming Hinchinbrook by-election as the party’s endorsed candidate.
Mr Katter said the KAP had proudly held the seat of Hinchinbrook for multiple terms, delivering real results for the community, and that Mr Molachino was the right person to continue that tradition of strong, unapologetic representation.
“Mark was born and raised in Ingham and gets the electorate of Hinchinbrook,” Mr Katter said.
“He has a proven track record of leadership as Townsville’s former Deputy Mayor, where he worked closely with governments, advocated for communities, and delivered practical results.
“There’s no Brisbane party machine telling Mark what to do. He is a product of this region and understands how to get things done for locals. Hinchinbrook will be in safe hands with Mark as their KAP Member.”
Mr Katter said the KAP’s history in Hinchinbrook was proof that a strong regional voice could deliver outcomes across industries and communities.
“In recent years, the KAP has fought for a resolution to the Port Hinchinbrook debacle, fairer treatment of our cane farmers, secured progress on long-overdue road upgrades in the Northen Beaches of Townsville, and stood up for our fishing families against heavy-handed regulations. These are practical wins that matter, and Mark is ready to continue that fight.”
Mr Molachino said he was honoured to be endorsed and committed to carrying on the KAP’s fight for the region.
“Growing up in Ingham shaped who I am today, and I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities our communities face,” Mr Molachino said.
“I’ve worked in the Mills, worked on the land, the Mines, served overseas in the Airforce, and now run my own business. I know what it takes to get things done in North Queensland.
“My experience as Deputy Mayor of Townsville has given me the skills to work with decision-makers at every level of government, and to make sure our voice is not just heard but acted on.
“With KAP, I will fight for better roads and services, for our farmers, and to protect the livelihoods of local families who have too often been overlooked by Brisbane-focussed parties.”
The KAP said Hinchinbrook voters could be confident their candidate would combine deep local roots with real experience in government, ensuring the electorate remains a stronghold for common-sense representation.
One Nation has announced it is running a candidate in Hinchinbrook but after its performance with the former PHON member for Mirani, Steven Andrew, the party should have difficulty in finding a suitable person.
Andrew told Cairns News in 2024 before he joined Katters Australian Party he had not been visited by Pauline Hanson or any party officials during his three year term in the central Queensland seat.
When the top-performing Andrew re-contested his seat for KAP at the last election, One Nation executive James Ashby preferenced the Liberals before Andrew and he was narrowly defeated by the Liberal candidate.
