Key Takeaways
- The LNP’s early lead is narrowing in the Hinchinbrook by-election in North Queensland.
- The by-election was triggered by the resignation of KAP deputy state leader Nick Dametto, who left parliament to contest the Townsville mayoral race.
- The LNP has aggressively pursued the seat, keen to wrest it away from KAP to prove its popularity as a first-term government.
- The KAP’s candidate, Mark Molachino, has campaigned hard on the party’s Castle Law bill, while the LNP’s candidate, Wayde Chiesa, has promised to toughen bail laws for young offenders.
- The by-election has seen a heated campaign, with tempers flaring between candidates and parties.
Introduction to the Hinchinbrook By-Election
The Hinchinbrook by-election in North Queensland has seen a dramatic turn of events, with the LNP’s early lead narrowing as early votes flow in. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of KAP deputy state leader Nick Dametto, who left parliament to successfully contest the Townsville mayoral race. The result of the by-election will make little difference in the state parliament, where the LNP holds a strong majority. However, the LNP has aggressively pursued the seat, keen to wrest it away from KAP to prove its popularity as a first-term government.
The Candidates and Their Campaigns
The KAP’s candidate, Mark Molachino, is a former deputy mayor of Townsville and has campaigned hard on the party’s Castle Law bill. However, the LNP has run a series of attack ads highlighting Mr. Molachino’s past membership of the Labor Party. Mr. Molachino has stressed that his values no longer align with those of the ALP. The LNP’s candidate, Wayde Chiesa, is a childhood friend of the premier’s and a rugby league caller, and has promised to toughen bail laws for young offenders with his main slogan "breach bail, go to jail". The ALP’s candidate, Maurie Soars, who served on the Townsville council alongside Mr. Molachino, has also contested the seat.
The Heated Campaign
The by-election has seen a heated campaign, with tempers flaring between candidates and parties. The number of early voters has been high, with almost half of the expected ballots cast before Saturday, according to the Queensland Electoral Commission. However, as voters have streamed to pre-polling booths, tensions have risen. Last week, the LNP released a video of the ALP candidate exchanging angry words with a Liberal staffer in Deeragun. Meanwhile, the KAP has threatened legal action against Premier David Crisafulli over comments made comparing Mark Molachino to the disgraced former mayor Troy Thompson.
The Significance of the By-Election
The Hinchinbrook by-election is significant not only because of the heated campaign but also because of the region it represents. The seat reaches far into cane and croc country, from Townsville’s northern suburbs to south of Tully, as well as Premier David Crisafulli’s hometown of Ingham. The KAP was tipped to retain the seat, which it holds with a more than 13 per cent margin. However, the LNP’s aggressive pursuit of the seat has made the by-election a closely watched event. As the results continue to flow in, it remains to be seen whether the LNP will be able to wrest the seat away from KAP.
The Preliminary Count
Just before 8pm, the LNP had secured 38 per cent or more than 10,000 votes in what has been a very safe KAP seat. The KAP now has 30.6 per cent of the preliminary count, with One Nation in third place at 15.6 per cent. More than 39,000 votes are expected in the Hinchinbrook by-election. The preliminary count suggests that the LNP’s early lead is narrowing, and the by-election is still too close to call. As the final results are counted, it remains to be seen whether the LNP will be able to retain its lead and win the seat.
Conclusion
The Hinchinbrook by-election has been a closely watched event, with a heated campaign and a narrowing lead for the LNP. The by-election has significant implications for the region and the state parliament, and the final results will be eagerly anticipated. As the results continue to flow in, it remains to be seen whether the LNP will be able to wrest the seat away from KAP and prove its popularity as a first-term government. Regardless of the outcome, the by-election has highlighted the importance of this region and the need for effective representation in the state parliament.