Scanlon: Labor are ‘crystal clear’ on M1
NEW Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon says Labor will deliver on its “crystal clear” commitment to deliver upgrades to the M1.
Ms Scanlon, 24, has become the State’s youngestever female MP after a narrow victory over the LNP’s Sid Cramp.
Her election gives Annastacia Palaszczuk the 47 seats it needs to secure power and has broken the LNP’s stranglehold on the Coast.
And the young lawyer said she would ensure the Gold Coast’s voice was heard in Brisbane.
“I want to make sure we deliver on the election promises when it comes to the M1,” she said.
“I know that is a big issue to a lot of voters and we made that commitment to expand the M1 to a minimum of six lanes from Brisbane to the NSW border and I want to see that happen as soon as they possibly can.
“We have made our commitment to the M1 crystal clear.”
Ms Scanlon said her immediate priorities also included getting a commitment to funding for local schools, including $900,000 to Pacific Pines State School, $500,000 to Nerang State High School and $220,000 to William Duncan State School.
She said Labor would also boost frontline services by employing more nurses, teachers, doctors and police.
“The LNP cut a whole lot of nursing jobs so we will be putting 300 nurses back on the job as well as 40 new police including four domestic violence co-ordinators,” she said.
Ms Scanlon, who becomes the second youngest MP ever elected, said she believes her age was an asset in the election campaign.
“I think voters were looking for a change, someone energetic and passionate about the Gold Coast and someone who was willing to advocate strongly for them,” she said.
WE MADE THAT COMMITMENT TO EXPAND THE M1 TO A MINIMUM OF SIX LANES FROM BRISBANE TO THE NSW BORDER AND I WANT TO SEE THAT HAPPEN AS SOON AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN
“I’ve worked in the federal sphere before for a politician and I’ve worked as a lawyer so this is new for me and there will be a lot of new challenges but I am really looking forward to getting in there and being a strong advocate for my community.”
Ms Scanlon added that she had “a bit of a cold” yesterday and celebrated with some Codral.
“I might have to go and have a drink at the RSL,” she said.