Katter’s Australian Party candidate for Leichhardt Rod Jensen with state leader Robbie Katter and federal leader Bob Katter.
ROD Jensen will run for Katter’s Australian Party in Leichhardt at the upcoming federal election.
The former North Queensland Cowboys player says he will campaign on economic development, improving health and aged care systems, overhauling the vocational education for young people, and Indigenous adoption laws and regulations.
Born on the Atherton Tablelands, Mr Jensen grew up in Ravenshoe before attending boarding school at St Augustine’s College in Cairns.
After a successful rugby league career, Mr Jensen has worked as a teacher and mentor to young people.
He is an active member in the Army Reserve, and has been heavily involved in rugby league coaching and administration.
Married with three young boys, Mr Jensen said his journey had taught him the importance of education and opportunity, which is why he wants to see reform in vocational education.
“Certificates and trade skills should transcend the classroom to real world industry,” he said.
“Schools and registered training organisations should be held accountable for business practices that see training for training purposes,” he said.
Mr Jensen said residents in the bush suffered most from decisions made in Canberra.
“I feel there’s no conversation between us and Canberra. I find our people aren’t being heard on infrastructure, economic development, health and services.
“I want to be the person that’s stepping forward, and takes the voice of the people, the working and aspirational class people, to government.”
