By NIKKI TODD
AT just 34 years of age, one could easily dismiss Matthew Fraser as an ambitious young go-getter, but there is far more substance to the Nationals’ candidate than first meets the eye.
Having spent much of his early childhood on Thursday Island where his father was stationed with work, Mr Fraser got a taste of the good life early.
“We moved to Thursday Island when I was seven; it was a really free place, full of open space, nobody locked their doors, it was a great life,’’ Mr Fraser said.
“We used to ride our bikes all around the island, get on a boat and camp on the islands. I’m dying to go back sometime.’’
After his family moved to Caboolture, Mr Fraser took a job at the local McDonald’s fast-food outlet, saving up enough money to pay for his own flying lessons by the age of 15 years.
“It was always my dream to become a pilot,’’ he said.
“I finished high school and started working in Brisbane, where I was flying out of Archerfield.’’
But the bills started piling up and after buying his first house at the age of 21, he realised he could not afford to fly anymore.
After buying and renovating several homes, he became involved in the property market through Wizard Home Loans, buying a franchise at Albany Creek at the age of 25.
He later sold off those homes to purchase his first Hungry Jacks store in the Tweed in 2009, where he now owns and manages two outlets alongside his fiancée Paula Donovan.
It was only in 2010, when the Gillard Government considered increasing penalty rates in the hospitality industry that Mr Fraser decided to get involved in politics.
“Thousands of businesses would have shut down if they had come in, they just would not have been able to afford the increased rates,’’ Mr Fraser said.
“I just couldn’t believe a government could be so inept to propose such laws.’’
A firm Labor supporter until then, Mr Fraser switched allegiances and began to fight for his beliefs.
“I come from a Labor family but even they’re not voting Labor anymore,’’ he said.
“The National Party represents regional Australia and we live in regional Australia now. Sometimes, people forget the Tweed is a regional place but as soon as you go past Chinderah it’s obvious.’’
On the campaign trail for well over a year now, Mr Fraser has worked hard to canvas the electorate.
Describing himself as the underdog, Mr Fraser said it would be a tough ask to unseat Labor MP Justine Elliot, who is seeking a fourth term of office with a seven per cent margin.
“Seven per cent is a lot of ground, but I’m optimistic we can get over the line,’’ he said.
“It will be very difficult, but I’ll just keep working very hard. I’ve done a lot of work over the last year and hopefully people will see that I’m committed and dedicated to change in Richmond.
“People always comment on my age but (former Richmond MP) Larry Anthony was 35 years old when he won and his father Dough Anthony was only 27. You can’t judge someone by their age.’’
Mr Fraser listed cost of living, unemployment and roads as his top concerns for the electorate.
