Joel is fighting for economic stability and social inclusion. He grew up outside the small country town of Childers and being the son of a farmer, he knows the importance of support and a feeling of belonging from a tight knit community. He recognises the same passion for inclusion in all the towns and villages across Southern Downs.
After leaving school in Childers he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Australian Army. Serving full-time for 8 years he left the regular army with an ingrained sense of duty and a willingness to serve. He moved to Goondiwindi in 2014 where he works in healthcare at the Goondiwindi Hospital.
Joel understands that good access to health services and professional advice will close the gap of health outcomes between urban and rural Queenslanders which will help our community to live longer and happier lives.
Living happier for many of us means having a permanent job. Jobs are under threat in Southern Downs because we have allowed our economy to become a combatant with our Climate. We are taking action on climate change and that includes training and re-training people in the skills for the future, and the jobs of tomorrow.
Joel is active in the community, participating with community groups across Southern Downs, such as Inglewood and Texas Landcare and Warwick Chamber of Commerce. Joel is the Board Chair of Care Goondiwindi which is a disability and community support organisation providing services across the Goondiwindi Region and interstate.
As an active member of the community who lives and works locally, Joel will stand up for Southern Downs and the rural way of life—fighting for the improvement of health services and strong investment in infrastructure, roads and rail.
Media Releases
Warwick fuel is too expensive
The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham took action last week on behalf of the Warwick community and wrote to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to seek an investigation into why fuel prices in Warwick are amongst some of the highest in the State.
#FactCheck – water costs need a closer look
Joel Richters, Labor’s candidate for Southern Downs, wants to set the record straight on water prices in the local community.
Premier announces Joel Richters to contest Southern Downs
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Joel Richters will join her team to contest Southern Downs for Labor in the election to be held later this year. Mr Richters moved to Goondiwindi in 2014 after serving in the Australian Army for eight years. He is a proud and dedicated healthcare worker at Darling Downs Health, as […]