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Last edited by 2001:8003:6C0A:B100:11CE:78EA:73C:864D (talk | contribs) 39 hours ago. (Update) |
Donna Kirkland | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Rockhampton | |
| Assumed office 26 October 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Barry O'Rourke |
| Rockhampton Regional Division 7 Councillor | |
| In office 28 March 2020 – 16 March 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Stephen Schwarten |
| Succeeded by | Marika Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Donna Marcia Kirkland |
| Political party | Liberal National Party of Queensland |
| Children | 6 |
| Residence(s) | Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia |
| Alma mater | University of New England (Diploma of Applied Science) |
| Occupation | business owner |
Donna Marcia Kirkland is an Australian politician.
Political career
editKirkland first attempted to enter politics at the 2016 Queensland local elections when she contested Rockhampton Regional Council's Division 7.[1] However, she was narrowly beaten by incumbent Stephen Schwarten who attracted 39.42% of the vote compared to Kirkland's 35.50%.[2]
Recontesting the division at the 2020 Queensland local elections, Kirkland was successful in getting elected gaining 65.49% of the vote, defeating Noelene Horan who attracted 34.51% of the vote.[3][4]
After the resignation of mayor Margaret Strelow in 2020, Kirkland was one of a record 17 candidates to contest the 2021 Rockhampton mayoral by-election.[5] Attracting 9.15% of the primary vote, Kirkland polled in fifth position behind Tony Williams, Chris "Pineapple" Hooper, Russell Claus and Cherie Rutherford.[6]
In October 2024, Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli announced Kirkland as the Liberal National Party's candidate for the seat of Rockhampton at the 2024 Queensland state election.[7] She continued to serve in her role as a local councillor until the 2024 Queensland local elections when Marika Taylor was successful in her bid to be elected as the Division 7 representative.[8]
Personal views
editAmid the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2021, Kirkland declined to publicly declare whether or not she was vaccinated, stating: “As the opportunity to partake in Covid-19 vaccination, currently considered our best defence against Covid, is not mandatory and is completely on a voluntary basis, it is my understanding that everyone’s decision in this is, and any other medical procedure, retains the right to personal choice and privacy.”[9]
At a media conference on 11 October 2024 during the Queensland election campaign, Kirkland was questioned about her stance on Queensland's abortion laws when it was revealed she had shared a pro-life Facebook post from the Australian Christians Party in 2019 and described abortion as "the greatest human rights abuse of our time."[10] Questioned about potential changes to Queensland abortion laws if the LNP were elected as well as her own personal views, Kirkland repeatedly said "it's not a part of our plan" and "we have ruled it out" before Crusafulli stepped in to take questions.[10][11]
References
edit- ^ "Preference counting underway in Rockhampton". The Morning Bulletin. 30 March 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
In Division 7, things were even closer, with 229 votes separating Donna Kirkland and frontrunner Stephen Schwarten.
- ^ Gately, Michelle (31 March 2016). "Stephen Schwarten wins Division 7 by slim margin". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Smith, Leighton (2 April 2024). "Kirkland claims victory in Division 7 as counting continues". The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ "2020 Local Government Elections: Rockhampton Regional Division 7 Councillor". Electoral Commission Queensland. 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ Hines, Jasmine; Mayers, Laura; McGhee, Rachel (4 January 2021). "Record Rockhampton mayoral contenders state their plans for the region ahead of by-election". ABC News. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ "2021 Rockhampton Mayoral By-election". Electoral Commission Queensland. 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ Offord, Geordi (17 October 2023). "Donna Kirkland announced as LNP candidate for Rockhampton state election". The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ Jarrett, Vanessa (22 March 2024). "Faces of the new council table at Rockhampton Regional Council for 2024". The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
Division 7 councillor Donna Kirkland was the only councillor to not run again, after turning her hands to state politics... Her position will be filled by P & C president Marika Taylor who hopes to focus on communities, family and progress.
- ^ Nufer, Darryn (22 November 2021). "Revealed: Covid vaccination status of all Rockhampton Regional councillors". The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ a b McKay, Jack (11 October 2024). "Rockhampton LNP candidate Donna Kirkland sidesteps questions when pressed on views about abortion". ABC News. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Cramsie, Elizabeth (11 October 2024). "Queensland election stirs up abortion debate". PM. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 17 October 2024.