There's a new deputy in town, with Katter's Australian Party unveiling Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto as the new deputy party leader.
The move was agreed to last week by the party's federal management committee, and signifies an important step for the North Queensland-based party's ongoing growth and development.
KAP leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said the decision had been part of the 10-year-old KAP's modernisation strategy, as it advances its efforts to develop across rural and regional Queensland.
"We are very excited that Nick has accepted the role of deputy leader, and what this additional structure will mean for our party strategically," he said.
"Given the events of the last two years, Australians have had a real wake-up call.
"Growing discontent and a lack of faith in the two-party system has seen a decline in support for Labor and Liberal and the KAP, through its modernisation strategy, is striving to be a solid alternative for those looking for a party which represents their genuine interests.
Mr Katter said the solidifying of the deputy leader role will help ensure KAP has the correct systems in place for growth through leadership into the future.
Mr Dametto was honoured and said the announcement was part of the KAP's strategic development, cementing its place as third force in Queensland politics.
"I am honored and humbled with the recent announcement, being nominated by my peers at KAP to take on the role as deputy leader is a move that will add the necessary structure to our party which will aid our future success," Mr Dametto said.
"The KAP is planning for growth and appointing a deputy leader position was deemed essential to ensuring the structure and foundations necessary for this ongoing development were implemented.
"This strategic direction means that when our leader, Robbie Katter, is in remote areas of his Traeger electorate or is unavailable I can step in, make decisions, and provide direction for the entire KAP team."
Mr Dametto said the announcement comes with great responsibility.
"Being trusted to make these kinds of decisions in the absence of our leader is a task I will not take lightly," he said.
KAP currently holds three seats in Queensland's Parliament, and one seat, held by party patriarch Bob Katter, in the federal lower house.
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