Preference talk ‘overrated’

POLITICAL analysts have dismissed “piece of theatre” preference deals among Gold Coast election candidates four weeks out from voting day.

Minor parties The Greens and One Nation are taking aim at each other ahead of the October 31 election, with both declaring the other will be last on how-to-vote cards.

But both parties have also not ruled out making deals with the major parties, despite several marginal Gold Coast seats possibly relying on them.

Before the pandemic worsened, The Greens and One Nation were expected to play a major role in deciding the city’s closest seats, Gaven and Currumbin.

Political expert Professor Steve Stockwell said preference deals might prove less important than first thought.

“The whole preference deal economy has lessened in value,” he said. “By and large people make up their own minds about where their preferences are going to go.

“They’re doing (how-tovote cards) for show, it has very little to do with policy or even the politics of the situation. It’s all about the display.

“When parties make a big deal about what their preferences are that does affect their voters, but the whole theatre of preferences is secondary to (the individual).”

One Nation announced a fourth Gold Coast candidate at the weekend, naming “proudly Australian” Georgie Batty as their runner in the

technically marginal seat of Burleigh.

Ms Batty said she believed One Nation would “put pressure” on major parties she but sidestepped suggestions of any LNP preference deal.

“Every voter has the right to number the candidates in the order they prefer,” she said. “As a local passionate

about our area, I am seeking voters to put me as their first preference then they must number every other box as they see fit.

“If One Nation holds the balance of power after October 31 it will put pressure on either major party to make sure the decisions are in the best interest for Gold Coast

residents and Queensland.”

Party leader Pauline Hanson said in April The Greens would “go last” on One Nation’s how-to-vote cards.

She did not rule out a preference deal with the LNP despite LNP Currumbin MP Laura Gerber benefiting from One Nation’s preferences in

also

regional the March by-election. Ms Gerber won with 43.76 per cent of the primary vote, beating Labor’s Kaylee Campradt who secured 38.34 per cent.

Similarly Gaven Labor MP Meaghan Scanlon won on Greens preferences from candidate Sally Spain, who will run against her again in October.

Ms Scanlon obtained 43.07 per cent of the primary vote in 2017, compared to 46.11 per cent for then sitting member, the LNP’s Sid Cramp.

Burleigh Greens candidate Rachel Mebberson said the party would put One Nation and LNP last but also didn’t shoot down a deal with Labor.

“How-to-vote cards are just a suggestion. The final decision on preferences is made by voters when they number every square,” she said.

“The Greens have already made it clear we will not be making any preference deal, power-sharing deal, coalition agreement or guarantee of confidence or supply with the LNP or One Nation.

“Because of the LNP’s commitment to job cuts, privatisation, and cuts to essential services, The Greens would never provide confidence to an LNP government.”