Shane Cuthbert announces he will be contesting the seat of Cairns in the Queensland State
Elections in October, 2024
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I learned a great deal about myself, elections, politics and local issues during the Cairns Local Government election. I engaged regularly with the community prior to, during and since the election, knocking on doors, attending events and speaking to residents from across Cairns.
As the ONLY Candidate addressing the BIG Issues, besides former Assistant Police Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate Paul Taylor, I learned that Cairns residents were not ready to support Local Government Candidates, tackling issues such as housing and crime. Many residents were confused about the role Local Government plays in these issues and considered them ‘State’ issues only. Despite educating voters, we learned something. If you must educate voters, you have already lost.
Now, I am running for the State seat on State issues, and I expect to expand my supporter base during this election. Although previously a Candidate for Division 4 specifically, I ran a platform, that addressed the BIG issues across the whole Cairns Region.
I was the only Candidate receiving National media attention and according to Google, the search term ‘Shane Cuthbert’ was more than 10x more popular than Mayoral Candidates and up to 70x more popular than other Divisional Candidates. I remain across the issues affecting ALL residents of Cairns attending regularly, Council meetings.
As the ONLY Candidate addressing the BIG Issues, besides former Assistant Police Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate Paul Taylor, I learned that Cairns residents were not ready to support Local Government Candidates, tackling issues such as housing and crime. Many residents were confused about the role Local Government plays in these issues and considered them ‘State’ issues only. Despite educating voters, we learned something. If you must educate voters, you have already lost.
Now, I am running for the State seat on State issues, and I expect to expand my supporter base during this election. Although previously a Candidate for Division 4 specifically, I ran a platform, that addressed the BIG issues across the whole Cairns Region.
I was the only Candidate receiving National media attention and according to Google, the search term ‘Shane Cuthbert’ was more than 10x more popular than Mayoral Candidates and up to 70x more popular than other Divisional Candidates. I remain across the issues affecting ALL residents of Cairns attending regularly, Council meetings.
WHY AN INDEPENDENT VOTE COUNTS
Historically, voters have backed Candidates from either of the two major parties, the ALP and the LNP however, it is time for change in Cairns.
Under the ALP, crime has increased along with the cost of living and Cairns residents are struggling. The last LNP Government wasn’t much better with the ‘tough on crime’ Newman led Government, shown the door after just one term. Will David Crisafulli, a Minister in the Newman Government, do any better?
Following the Federal Election where a record number of voters chose Teal Candidates, it has become clear that the times, they are a changing. Voters are looking for an alternative. In October, I suggest backing me as your independent Candidate for Cairns.
INDEPENDENTS HAVE MORE POWER
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you MUST vote for one of the major parties, for change and/or to get things done. Pauline Hanson and her One Nation Party has arguably the most power in the Australian Senate, despite holding only two seats.
When it comes to passing bills and legislation, that balance of power is incredibly important. Especially in Queensland where we don’t have a Senate. This means that a majority Government can ‘do as they like’, go unchecked and can have serious consequences for Cairns residents.
The Teals, Katter’s Party and Independents have over time, shifted that balance of power away from the Major Parties and into the hands of Candidates representative of their communities. That means Candidates who consider the issues and needs of their local communities above the interests of others.
This has been a huge problem in Cairns over the years as the decisions affecting us have traditionally been made 1,700 Kms away in Brisbane. If elected as an independent, I will represent the residents Cairns, for the first time in history.
Michael has done a great job over the years representing Cairns businesses and tourism interests however, we NEED a representative capable of representing ALL residents of Cairns. Michael’s party is holding him back and Brisbane has been telling him what to do, likewise, Yolande Entsch if successful, is likely to have her hands tied by Crisafulli and the LNP. As a newcomer, how does Yolande plan to get things done here locally?
A vote for Michael Healy is a vote for Steven Miles and the Labor Party whilst a vote for Yolande Entsch is a vote for the Liberal National Party and David Crisafulli. A vote for Shane Cuthbert, as an independent is a vote for Cairns.
Historically, voters have backed Candidates from either of the two major parties, the ALP and the LNP however, it is time for change in Cairns.
Under the ALP, crime has increased along with the cost of living and Cairns residents are struggling. The last LNP Government wasn’t much better with the ‘tough on crime’ Newman led Government, shown the door after just one term. Will David Crisafulli, a Minister in the Newman Government, do any better?
Following the Federal Election where a record number of voters chose Teal Candidates, it has become clear that the times, they are a changing. Voters are looking for an alternative. In October, I suggest backing me as your independent Candidate for Cairns.
INDEPENDENTS HAVE MORE POWER
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you MUST vote for one of the major parties, for change and/or to get things done. Pauline Hanson and her One Nation Party has arguably the most power in the Australian Senate, despite holding only two seats.
When it comes to passing bills and legislation, that balance of power is incredibly important. Especially in Queensland where we don’t have a Senate. This means that a majority Government can ‘do as they like’, go unchecked and can have serious consequences for Cairns residents.
The Teals, Katter’s Party and Independents have over time, shifted that balance of power away from the Major Parties and into the hands of Candidates representative of their communities. That means Candidates who consider the issues and needs of their local communities above the interests of others.
This has been a huge problem in Cairns over the years as the decisions affecting us have traditionally been made 1,700 Kms away in Brisbane. If elected as an independent, I will represent the residents Cairns, for the first time in history.
Michael has done a great job over the years representing Cairns businesses and tourism interests however, we NEED a representative capable of representing ALL residents of Cairns. Michael’s party is holding him back and Brisbane has been telling him what to do, likewise, Yolande Entsch if successful, is likely to have her hands tied by Crisafulli and the LNP. As a newcomer, how does Yolande plan to get things done here locally?
A vote for Michael Healy is a vote for Steven Miles and the Labor Party whilst a vote for Yolande Entsch is a vote for the Liberal National Party and David Crisafulli. A vote for Shane Cuthbert, as an independent is a vote for Cairns.
The BIGGEST ISSUES effecting Queenslanders are crime, housing and the cost of living. Youth Crime and Domestic and Family Violence account for most crimes committed across the State with Cairns reporting more of these crimes than any other region. (24,252 in the last 12-month period) Although the Queensland Police Service reports a reduction in crime overall (including youth crime) Domestic and Family Violence related offences continue to rise. View QPS Crime Statistics for 2023/24 period here.
Source: QPS
The Cairns Post reports that during a 10-month period, the Cairns Magistrates Court dealt with 2000 Domestic and Family Violence related offences (Highest in State) compared with 1300 in Townsville (Second Highest) and 1146 in Brisbane.
In Cairns, more than 100 women seek emergency support each week. 1 in 3 Cairns women experience Domestic and Family Violence and 1 in 4 Children in Cairns are exposed.
I have been actively involved in reducing Domestic and Family Violence and Youth Crime in Cairns, as a graduate of law and Psychology. I have advocated to Local, State and Federal Governments regarding Domestic and Family Violence and Youth Crime, speaking recently to the Queensland Parliament Youth Justice Reform Select Committee.
Unfortunately, the Committee was dissolved in April after failing to agree on an interim report.In addition, I am the founder of Domestic Violence Anonymous, an organisation which facilitates and supports male victims and perpetrators of Domestic and Family Violence across Australia. As a lead facilitator, I am engaging with men across the Country actively reducing Domestic and Family Violence.
In Cairns, I have been advocating for a 24-hour youth centre and since the Local Government election in March, I have spent months, working with some of the most disadvantaged, criminalised, vulnerable and at-risk youth. As an unpaid volunteer, I have spent two-three nights each week with local businesswoman Perri Conti, building relationships with the youth, buying them food, mentoring them and addressing their issues. Perri Conti will open Cairns Youth Hub later in the year, a project I have supported.
In Cairns, I have been advocating for a 24-hour youth centre and since the Local Government election in March, I have spent months, working with some of the most disadvantaged, criminalised, vulnerable and at-risk youth. As an unpaid volunteer, I have spent two-three nights each week with local businesswoman Perri Conti, building relationships with the youth, buying them food, mentoring them and addressing their issues. Perri Conti will open Cairns Youth Hub later in the year, a project I have supported.
Law Graduate Shane Cuthbert thanks former Magistrate Pat O'Shane AM, former Cairns MP Rob Pyne, Psychologist Dr Jeff Nelson and Childhood Institutional Abuse Advocate Russell Manser for supporting him
Youth Justice Advocate Shane Cuthbert joins former Magistrate Pat O'Shane AM (Who once sentenced Cuthbert as a young person) to present their joint submission to Queensland Youth Justice Reform Select Committee
Shane Cuthbert and Perri Conti of Changing Young Lives request the Cairns Regional Council hold a Youth Crime Forum and support community groups addressing crime
Shane Cuthbert supported Cairns Councillor Rob Pyne's vote against raising Council Rates in 2023 given the rising costs of living and stress experienced by renters and home owners. As an independent member of Parliament he will support social housing in Cairns through local investment and development.
With the recent announcment by the Cairns Regional Council, that rates will rise a further 6.7% this year due to the costs of Cairns water security projects, Shane Cuthbert agrees to advocate for additional funding from the State Government to be used to reduce these costs and reduce the pressure on residents in Cairns.
I will also be supporting a State Declaration of a Priority Development Area (PDA) over the Mt Peter Southern Growth Corridor and will work collaboratively with Council on planning and infrastructure delivery within this PDA to support long-term housing supply.
With the recent announcment by the Cairns Regional Council, that rates will rise a further 6.7% this year due to the costs of Cairns water security projects, Shane Cuthbert agrees to advocate for additional funding from the State Government to be used to reduce these costs and reduce the pressure on residents in Cairns.
I will also be supporting a State Declaration of a Priority Development Area (PDA) over the Mt Peter Southern Growth Corridor and will work collaboratively with Council on planning and infrastructure delivery within this PDA to support long-term housing supply.
In addition, I seek to review the State Governments planning schemes and support more housing. I recently made a deputation to Council regarding the approval of relocatable homes that currently, are not approvable under the Local and State planning schemes. Given the need for housing, the State must review its planning policies and ensure that those willing to create more housing and developments are able to do so. More than 800 homes were knocked back in a single decision by the Cairns Regional Council earlier this year and considering housing is one of the BIG issues, I think any initiatives supporting and developments providing housing should be supported as a priority.
Homelessness Advocate Shane Cuthbert joins the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in order to raise awareness and much needed funds for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in Australia
Council Candidates Shane Cuthbert and Rob Pyne discuss the need for footpaths and increased safety measures outiside Balaclava State Primary School on McCoombe Street during the Local Election in 2024
Water Security
Although the Cairns Water Security Project Stage 1 has bipartisan support, I will continue to advocate for additional funding that will cover the shortfall created by the Federal Government’s refusal to provide additional funding for this vital project in Cairns.
Unlike Senator Nita Green who asked the Council to “explain why they are asking for additional funding”, I have been to MOST Council meetings and discussed this issue with local stakeholders. Costs have blown out across the Country, not only in Cairns due to inflation and increased costs associated with building materials and construction costs.
Flood and Disaster Recovery
Council has asked the State Government to provide further disaster assistance to aid in the recovery from the December flooding which includes the restoration of community assets, flood resiliency programs and build back better initiatives. I was one of the first into flood affected areas and spent weeks clearing and cleaning homes, supporting the Holloways and Machans Beach hubs, preparing and delivering meals alongside LNP Candidate for Barron, Bree James and I will be supporting the Council and those floods effected communities if elected.
Infrastructure
I will be supporting upgrades to the existing Kuranda Range including the Barron River Bridge crossing. The ALP and member for Barron Craig Crawford have promised to deliver a 450-million-dollar upgrade to the Barron River Bridge Crossing and this is a project I will support if elected.
If elected I will also support an ‘alternative route’ study for the Kuranda range and believe this is long overdue. We need to start looking at alternatives and seriously consider the possibility of both the bridle track tunnel and a revival of the private Quaid Rd.
Shane Cuthbert address the Cairns Regional Council in July, making suggestions to the Council that if implemented will reduce crime and activate the Cairns CBD
The LNP have introduced NEW policies, having realised the ones they had been banging on about the last few years won’t win them the election. Let’s look at them.
Removing detention as a last resort
Unshackle the judiciary
Making bail a stand-alone offence...
So, What Now?
Now they are using terms like ‘adult crime, adult time’ but are reluctant to provide any proposed legislation or commit to mandatory sentencing instead, suggesting implementing a 12-month rehabilitation ‘Stay on track’ program, supervision and support. We already have this now... It is just a fancy way of saying we will continue to fund Youth Justice and Corrective Services Departments.
I suggest overhauling the Resi-Care, Youth Justice and Child Safety systems. It is clear these systems are not working and as a young person with lived experience in these systems as an offender and now law graduate, I can tell you why. Probation and Parole and Youth Justice already supervise young offenders and SHOULD be rehabilitating them however, these organisations have over the years strayed from their rehabilitative design and instead become more punitive arms of the justice system.
American ‘War on Drugs’ is not Working, Neither will the LNP and ALP ‘Tough on Crime’ Policies.
Both the LNP and ALP have introduced ‘Tough on Crime’ policies in the last 24 months. These policies are not working, and we cannot arrest or imprison our way out of this complex issue. Over the last 12 months under Annastacia and Steven Miles, Queensland has imprisoned more youth than any other State and continues to hold children in adult watchhouses.
The ALP have rushed in new laws with limited community consultation, suspended the Human Rights Act and implemented the toughest laws and legislation in the country and still, our rate of recidivism is 91%. The ALP and LNP both failed to make recommendations during the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee, a committee I presented to in Cairns and, a committee myself and former Magistrate (who once sentenced me) Pat O’Shane AM made an extensive submission to. We made several practical suggestions in the hopes of working with the Government to fix youth crime AND support, but this important committee was disbanded.
It is clear that ‘Tough on Crime’ policies don’t work. In the 1970s, then Unites States President Richard Nixon introduced the ‘War on Drugs’ increasing penalties for users and dealers of drugs BUT, even though the United States has locked up more of its citizens than any other Country, it is clear this approach is failing as grandchildren of those targeted in the 70s are also being held behind bars.
What the war on drugs did, was create many fatherless homes where children, often raised by single mothers, struggled to access the same education and employment opportunities. These children, often from low socio-economic areas had an increased risk of becoming criminalised and incarcerated. Now, the United States is now heavily engaged in reform.
Probation and Parole Overhaul
Probation and parole, collectively known as community supervision was originally designed as an alternative to imprisonment however, nearly half of the people going into jails and prisons are coming in from the failed and broken probation and parole system. I have seen it firsthand as someone with lived experience in the justice system once imprisoned.
The parole system has over time, become more punitive than rehabilitative. What this means is that instead of supporting those on parole orders to address their issues, they are instead being sent back to prison. An example of this is when a young person, subject to a parole order who provides a positive urine sample for drug use is arrested instead of being sent to a rehabilitation centre where their issues can be addressed.
Not only are people spending more time in prison without access to rehabilitation, but they are also choosing to stay in prison and complete their full sentences, rather than be released on parole and if people are choosing to remain in prison, something is terribly wrong. This means that when they are finally released, they are released back into the community without any supervision or support. Many are returning to the use of drugs and crime.
When an individual is under a probation and parole order, short staffing and underfunding means that they are unable to receive any meaningful support. I have spoken to case workers who have 93 files. This means that realistically, probation and parole officers are only able to spend 20 minutes per week with an offender which makes organising employment, services and programs difficult. I have been told by officers here in Cairns, that successful outcomes are currently measured in appointment attendance, they do not have the resources they need to provide additional rehabilitative support.
Community Service Overhaul
The Community Service System in Australia is a joke. We must seriously consider overhauling the system and promoting rehabilitation instead of costly community service programs.
In Cairns, I was subjected to a community service order and required to clean graffiti. There was a young person working with us, sentenced to a community service order for graffiti who used the program to remove his rival gang’s graffiti. Often, we would only remove or paint over one or two pieces per day, the program was extremely inefficient with a Community Service Officer on more than 100k per year, supervise 4-5 offenders per day, achieving very little.
In NSW a friend of mine was the subject of a community service order where, supervised at a cost of more than 100k per year, was taught to knit woollen beanies. Again, this program was extremely inefficient with most attendees knitting at a rate of one beanie per week, thousands of knitted beanies could be ordered from China for less than the cost of supervision.
These programs, designed to teach young offenders a ‘lesson’, are a waste of time and money. Fortunately for me, I was studying full-time a double law and psychology degree, and I did not have to complete additional hours for my last community service order. Instead, my hours were wiped because I was studying, and I believe we could do more to promote rehabilitation by promoting study and rehabilitative alternatives to graffiti removal and other costly programs.
Currently, Queensland TAFE is offering a range of free courses, funded by the Queensland Government. I propose that the free courses could be used to upskill young offenders saving money and supporting rehabilitation as a priority. Likewise, the Federal Government funds Counselling and Psychology sessions for those on mental health care plans under Medicare and these appointments could be promoted as alternatives to community service where offenders are addressing their issues.
These are all initiatives and services fully funded by State and Federal Governments that could have a positive impact on a young person’s life and cost the Government less, allowing Corrective Services to allocate more funding to much needed Probation and Parole services.
Resi-Care Overhaul
Of the youth I work with committing crime in Cairns, the majority have been placed into Resi-Care. Resi-Care or residential care refers to the provision of housing, supervision and necessities such as food and other services to young people who have been removed from their parents and/or primary caregivers. Resi-Care is an alternative to foster care.
Like the NDIS, this system has become extremely lucrative for care agencies and costly for the Government. In 2018-19, $260 million dollars was spent on care homes compared with $336 million in 2019-20 and $440 million in 2022-23.
We have worked with children who, having missed the last bus back to their resi-care at midnight, slept in the CBD at the McDonald’s on the Esplanade and many who refuse to reside at their resi-care homes for several reasons, the carers do not ‘care’ and/or, they are not ‘allowed to care’.
One Resi-Care worker was fired recently for taking a young person to an unapproved location, this was his family home, and the carer was directed to take them there by his supervisor. Many carers have been sacked for going above and beyond what is provided for the young person and their care plans BUT, it is these carers who build meaningful relationships with the kids that make a positive difference in their lives.
Another young person I work with was refusing to go home, choosing to spend his nights on the streets with us because he was not allowed tv access because he had ‘abused’ his tv time. This is the same child who, having been provided a PlayStation console by family members for his birthday, was unable to use it because it was not in his ‘care plan’. What good is a ‘care plan’ if the children are preferring to be on the streets. This system must be overhauled.
Most carers do not adequately car for the young people, and this is because the ‘care plans and internal policies of these organisations limit their ability to do so. The LNP suggests increasing carer shifts from 12 to 24 hours with the aim of promoting positive relationships between carers and young people. Instead of the revolving door of staff twice a day, the carers (I assume) will sleep, shower and eat in the home, better representing a ‘normal’ home life BUT, this will not completely fix the problem.
Resi-Care providers and carers must be more flexible, accountable and responsible and legislative change must be introduced to better support them to do that. The legislative changes must support them to pick kids up and get them home, prevent them from leaving where necessary and provide better supervision. If the State wishes to take these children from their homes and provide for them, they must take that responsibility seriously. The Government, carers and care providers must act like the child’s parent and be allowed to do so.
Most Children are Victims of Crime
Most of the children I work with have experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse. It is no surprise that one of the most criminalised young people in Cairns, has also suffered the most abuse. This young person is only 11 years old and has already spent time in the Police Watchhouse, Brisbane and Cleveland Youth Detention Centres and mental health facilities.
Recently, a paedophile was arrested for exchanging ICE with the young person for sexual favours. This child, is now dealing with childhood trauma, having been taken away from abusive parents and placed into State care at a young age, an ICE addiction, the consequences of the crimes they have committed, youth detention, the watchhouse and the sexual abuse inflicted by this perpetrator. We have also seen other children tease and assault this poor young person.
We need to look at providing more support to young people to prevent these things happening. This means tougher penalties and increased supervision for convicted child sex offenders. These offenders, cause more harm in our society than any other criminal. Not only must the young person deal with the perpetrators abuse but so too does the community because these young people are falling through the cracks in our system where it becomes likely they commit crimes and creating more victims. The cycle continues.
As someone who has been incarcerated, I can tell you that most of the prisoners I met were once children, who had been abused and not provided adequate support.
Our leaders, Craig Crawford and Michael Healy voted against a child abuse register, and I think it’s time politicians took a stand against the abuse of children and do more to protect them. It’s time we make Cairns Safe Again.
If elected, I will champion legislation that increases penalties for child sex offenders and those that harm our kids and support services that prevent child abuse.
I have no sympathy for child sex offenders and people that harm our children. Why do our politicians?
Image Supplied by ECQ
As a former youth crime offender now reformed, Shane Cuthbert says he 'will continue to be open, honest and transparent on all issues'. Shane has a substantial following across social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, with millions of views across his TikTok, where he shares his personal experiences with prisons, the justice system, youth offending and overcoming adversity and trauma openly.
Banned from Parliament
Last year, I challenged the Speakers decision to ban me from the Queensland Parliamentary Precinct indefinitely, without reason. Myself and former Cairns MP Rob Pyne were confronted by the Sgt at Arms and eight Police officers, standing by to arrest me. I told Channel 7 news that “Parliament was the ‘people’s house’ and that everyone has the right to attend Parliament where decisions affecting us are made every day”.
Currently, I am still banned from the Queensland Parliament Precinct and believe I am the only candidate in State Election history to be. I don’t know why I was banned from Parliament ‘officially’ however; I suspect it has something to do with my legal action against the ALP (State of Queensland) that was in the High Court at the same time.
In 2022, Shane Cuthbert sued the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) over what he alleges to be defamatory and discriminitive conduct
Cairns City Mongols recognition for flood and disaster recovery support critisized by Senator Nita Green although public opinion disagrees
If elected one of my main goals will be to support real action on issues relating to the ecological and climate emergency. I am also prepared to use the ‘3Rs and the Climate Rescue Accord’ to inform, when relevant, my position and advocacy on legislation and policy.
I also support the use of the 3Rs and the Climate Rescue Accord to underpin decisions I will potentially make in the Queensland legislative Assembly in relation to action on the climate emergency.
If you would to know what candidates support real action on climate issues at voteclimateone.
I have also committed to maintain and expand access to safe and legal abortion in Queensland.
Volunteer of the Year and COVID-19 Community Care Awards in 2021.
In 2019 during COVID-19, Shane Cuthbert assisted The Salvation Army, Anglicare and Cairns Helpers Helping Those In Quarantine, receiving and distributing donated items of food and toiletries across Cairns. As Cairns Helpers Helping those in Quarantine organisers had family members with immune deficiencies, and could no longer continue accepting donations Shane opened up his business, to be used as a food ’drop off’ point where canned goods and toiletries were carefully sought into ‘care packages’ for delivery across Cairns where Shane personally delivered many ‘care packages’ to the most vulnerable, elderly, at risk and immune compromised families in Cairns.
As a Community Volunteer
Over the last four years, Shane Cuthbert has volunteered with the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Australian Marine Conservation Society, COUCH, Cairns Helpers Helping Those in Quarantine, Lifeline, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Cairns, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Domestic Violence Anonymous, Tangaroa Blue and Greenpeace. He has also volunteered with the Cairns Ironman event, Crankworx, the Reef Restoration Foundation, Mayor Bob Manning's Christmas Appeal and many others.
Speaking publicly at the St Vincent De Paul Societies CEO Sleepout and Lifeline's Out of the Shadows, suicide prevention events this year, Shane says that "through volunteering, individuals have the power to help themselves whilst helping others", a powerful statement. Shane Cuthberts commitment to volunteering in communities spans more than 20 years.
Not only does Shane Cuthbert do a lot of volunteering work for organisations in Cairns, but he also does a lot of extra-curricular (unpaid volunteer) work on behalf of those in the local community not currently supported or inadequately supported by NGOs and Government services as an advocate for human rights and a law student. Again, a long list which includes but is not limited to;
Business Community Leader
Shane Cuthbert Contributed to an economic stimulus plan, presented to state and federal leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of the Cairns Young Chamber of Commerce and was asked to join the Business Liaison Association's year 11 and 12 business planning competition as a Judge following the passing of long time supporter and organiser, Sandy Whyte.
Indigenous and Environmental Community
Shane Cuthbert has been heavily supportive of the greater Cairns community, standing side by side with indigenous leaders during Black Lives Matter protests, holding a candle for young Cassius outside the Cairns Library, protesting climate inaction during UNESCO's visit to Cairns, speaking to victims of crime who gathered outside the Cairns Convention Centre during the Queensland Parliamentary visit and, the list goes on. Over the past four years, Shane Cuthbert has made quite the name for himself as a community leader and advocate.
On Indigenous Rights, The Cairns Regional Council recently voted down a reconciliation plan becuase of references to 'the Voice' and 'Path to Treaty'. This, a Council with the largest percentage of First Nations Peoples in any other Council area throughout Queensland. Shane Cuthbert, as part of a NEW Cairns Regional Council will support a reconciliation plan.
For the latest Media Releases CLICK HERE
COMMUNITY LEADER
Shane Cuthbert has been recognised as an emerging leader in the local Cairns community and as a business leader nationally. Shane is a member of political groups and has contributed to state and federal policy via membership with the Australian Labor Party. Shane Cuthbert is also a member of the United Nations Association of Australia's QLD Division, the Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association, the Cairns Historical Society and the Cairns Art Society. CLICK HERE to learn more.
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ADVOCATE
As an advocate for Mental Health, Youth, Human Rights, the Environment, Justice & Equality locally, nationally and internationally, Shane Cuthbert holds many memberships, committee roles and board positions with various organisations. CLICK HERE to learn more.
PHILANTHROPIST & HUMANITARIAN
Shane Cuthbert personally established 'Shane Cuthbert's Change the World Foundation', supporting the United Nations 'Global Goals' program supporting seventeen charitable associations and organisations internationally and also, 'Domestic Violence Anonymous', an organisation actively involved in reducing the harm, danger and prevalence of domestic violence in Australia. The organisation supports male perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. CLICK HERE to learn more.
AUTHOR
As an author, Shane Cuthbert has successfully published a wide range of titles available as eBooks, audiobooks, hard and soft covers in more than 84 countries worldwide, donating one hundred percent of all eBook proceeds to charity. CLICK HERE for a full list of published works and information regarding where and how you can purchase.
VOLUNTEER
Shane Cuthbert has a long volunteering history beginning with the RDA (Riding for Disabled) and the Animal Welfare League more than twenty years ago. Shane Cuthbert regularly volunteers his time to local organisations in Cairns and supports many causes, actions and fundraising events. CLICK HERE to learn more.
STUDENT
Shane has completed various business, legal and human rights studies at Harvardx and the University of Queenlsand through edX. Shane Cuthbert is currently completing a bachelor of Laws and Psychology at Central Queensland University where he holds various positions and roles. CLICK HERE to learn more.
ENTREPRENUER AND BUSINESS LEADER
As an entreprenuer, Shane Cuthbert owns and operates four successful private companies and multiple small businesses in Australia. Shane has taken many ventures through the fundamental stages of startup, research, development and growth, in multiple industries and markets. Shane Cuthbert has an extensive knowledge of local, national and international business, providing valuable business advise to others through his coaching business and was recently invited to judge the Cairns Junior and Senior Business Planning Competitions on behalf of the Business Liason Association. CLICK HERE to learn more.
COACH AND MENTOR
As a World Famous Life, Addiction, Business & Relationship Coach, Shane Cuthbert has developed a large social media following and has successfully developed and released online courses, programs and videos supporting individuals throughout the world struggling with a range of issues. Shane Cuthbert has worked successfully with hundreds of clients one on one and continues to offer personalised support. You can follow Shane Cuthbert online through these links below. CLICK HERE to learn more.