QUEENSLAND ELECTION Party eyes big mood of dissent
EVERY Far North seat could feel the wrath of mobs of disillusioned voters according to the region’s One Nation candidates looking to shake up the State Election.
The Cairns Post’s exclusive poll on Saturday showed support for Pauline Hanson’s party was strong in the key seat of Cairns, with candidate Ian Hodge recording 13 per cent of the vote, the third-highest behind Labor’s Michael Healy (37 per cent) and the LNP’s Sam Marino (32 per cent).
One Nation candidates in Mulgrave, Barron River and Cook hope the upsurge will be reflected in their own electorates when Queensland goes to the polls on November 25.
Polling yesterday also showed three quarters of One Nation supporters would preference the LNP ahead of Labor, which could have dire consequences for the Palaszczuk Government’s reelection bid.
“Absolutely, I think people are wanting change,” One Nation’s Cook candidate Jen Sackley said. “There is word on the ground and when there is we know that there’s a solid movement.”
Mulgrave’s One Nation candidate Sue Bertuch said the discontent with the major parties rippled right through the state, but there was particular passion in the Far North.
“People are sick of the fact that we are the forgotten Far North,” she said. “Everything goes to the southeast corner.”
Andrew Schebella, who is running for the party in Barron River, conceded he had “no idea at all” about the level of support he would have in the bellwether seat but hoped to get more of an idea speaking with voters when pre-polling opens today.
Cairns’ main pre-poll site has been shifted from the Cairns Showgrounds to 96-98 Mulgrave Rd in Parramatta Park, opening from 9am.
Labor’s Mr Healy said the poll results, which showed him ahead on a two-party preferred basis after a phone survey of 503 voters, mattered little.
“It doesn’t matter what the polls are saying. I need to keep working hard and I’ve got to earn this privilege,” he said.
“There is only really one poll that matters and that will be the poll on November 25.”
LNP candidate Mr Marino said the race was far from over.
“A lot can happen between now and then,” he said. “What’s resonating more ... is people are fed up with crime and the cost of living.”
“They’re concerned about their job security and jobs for their kids moving forward.”
“I’m not taking polls too serious. We’re only halfway there.”
One Nation’s Cairns candidate Mr Hodge also conceded he didn’t “hold much weight” in polls.
“It’s too early at this time to really know which way things are going to go,” he said.
All three agreed, based on speaking with the Cairns community, key issues included crime and cost of living, especially electricity.
Incumbent MP and independent candidate Rob Pyne, who defected from the Labor Party, snagged just 11 per cent of the vote in the poll.