Federal Labor announce third generation coal miner Russell Robertson as Capricornia candidate

Russell Robertson is a father of three and has worked at the Goonyella Mine in the Bowen Basin for almost 20 years as an operator of heavy mining vehicles.

The miner contested the seat at 2019 federal election, but lost to current Capricornia LNP MP Michelle Landry who received 62.4 per cent of the vote or 55,475 votes to Mr Robertson's 37.6 per cent and 33,492 votes.

Mr Robertson said it was time for a fresh start for Central Queensland.

"We've had eight years of tired representation from federal Liberals, who have ignored a lot of the issues facing our communities," Mr Robertson said.

"I'm talking about things like the casualisation rort that is hurting families and undermining safety standards in our mining sector.

"I'm talking about our housing crisis that is forcing people to leave town and making it harder for small businesses to find staff locally."

Mr Robertson said he'll remain a strong advocate for the region's coal mining industry.

"The local coal mining industry has given me a job and helped my wife Denise and I put food on our family table for many years," he said.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese joined Russell in Rockhampton last week to announce his candidacy.

Mr Albanese said the Rockhampton local will be a "champion" for Central Queenslanders.

"Working in the mines, Russell has seen firsthand what happens when you have a federal government that cares more about big mining companies than the Australians who are employed by them," Mr Albanese said.

"He's seen what happens when labour hire firms trade away wages and conditions to pad out their profits at the expense of working people."

The Capricornia electorate was historically a safe seat for the Labor party, winning it back from the Nationals at the 1998 federal election.

The 2010 election put the generally safe Labor seat in marginal territory with an above average swing of 8.4 per cent against Labor.

It was current serving Capricorn MP Michelle Landry who won a 4.5 per cent swing in 2013 for the LNP, continuing her narrow successful re-elections in 2016 and 2019.

Mr Robertson said he understands the challenge and we'll be fighting hard to win the regions support.

"I know that on paper Capricornia is currently classified as a safe Liberal seat but I've never been afraid of hard work and I'm not intimidated by that in the slightest," he said.

"I hear the dissatisfaction with the tired and stale federal representation wherever I go in CQ and the desire for new energy."

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has pledged to continue to fight for the electorate of Capricornia.

"I am proud to stand on my record as the federal member for Capricornia. I have brought billions of dollars in major projects, infrastructure, investment, jobs and prosperity to the people of Capricornia," Ms Landry said.

"I am also the only person in Capricornia who will stand shoulder to shoulder with those in the mining and resources industry and protect their jobs.

"Whether you work in mining and resources, agriculture, small or large businesses or you just need a good job to provide for your family, the evidence is there for all to see. I will always have your back."