2022 WAS DIFFERENT

MAKE no mistake about what we’ve witnessed coming out of the federal election count in Groom — this was one of the most extraordinary results our seat has seen in decades, possibly ever.

For the first time, an independent will finish in the final pairing against the LNP, delivering a 13 per cent swing and edging Groom closer to marginal seat status.

Suzie Holt achieved just 8.3 per cent of the primary vote, then she received three quarters of all remaining votes once it was clear she had enough to get ahead of Labor’s Gen Allpass to contest against incumbent LNP Groom MP Garth Hamilton.

Ms Holt, who ran a strong campaign based on grassroots community engagement and advocacy for major projects like a new hospital, capitalised on growing major party dissatisfaction.

It’s obvious that very few people actually gave her their first preference — but many more gave her their second, third and even fourth preference.

That was the difference, and it’s a perfect example of our electoral system at work.

Conversely, the electorate delivered a sharp rebuke of both Labor and the LNP — particularly the latter.

Several figures inside the conservative party have been horrified by the result, and it’s pretty clear Mr Hamilton has work to do to earn back the trust of locals.

Party officials will assure the public and media that they don’t take seats like Groom for granted, but it seems voters aren’t so sure.

So where to from here? Well, I’m hopeful we’ll see increased political attention on Groom in this next term.

Why shouldn’t we? We’re a regional powerhouse that deserves key road, rail, water and health infrastructure to not only meet our needs, but also unleash our potential.