GALLAGHER IN ALP BID TO GRAB SOUTHPORT
LABOR is having a serious dig at the Gold Coast seat of Southport by preselecting a high profile local identity.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Susie Gallagher will join her team to contest the seat held by the LNP’s Rob Molhoek, who won in 2017 with 57.2 per cent of the vote.
Labor had a swing of 0.6 per cent. The seat was previously held by Labor Coast veteran Peter Lawlor.
The Bulletin has been aware of the speculation about Ms Gallagher standing but the party refused to comment.
Ms Gallagher ran in the recent council election as an independent. She is the managing director of Own2Feet, a disability service provider.
The Premier said Ms Gallagher had the experience and energy to be a strong voice for the Southport electorate.
“We need local champions like Susie to help deliver our COVID-19 economic recovery plan in their area, to support businesses, restore local jobs, and encourage more industry to future-proof our great state,” she said.
“Economies around the world have been impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic.
“Australia is not immune. Queensland is not immune. We’re continuing to manage the health response and
Queensland’s plan for economic recovery is well under way.”
Ms Gallagher said she was proud to be part of a team she regarded as “on the side of all Queenslanders”.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s nationleading health response has kept Queenslanders safe and healthy, and put our state in the best possible position for economic recovery,” Ms Gallagher said.
“I will work alongside our Southport community to reinvigorate local businesses and get Queenslanders back to work.”
Ms Gallagher said she was committed to backing jobcreating projects on the Gold Coast including M1 upgrades, creating more than 2000 jobs, and the next stage of the Gold Coast light rail creating 760 jobs.
Labor state secretary Julie-Ann Campbell said the Government was leading Queenslanders through the pandemic and implementing economic recovery.
“The LNP wanted to open the borders early putting the safety of every Queenslander at risk,” Ms Campbell said.
“There is no greater risk to our economic recovery than Deb Frecklington and the LNP’s constant cuts to Queensland jobs, hospitals and schools.”
Labor’s previous candidate announcement was legendary former surfing champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, who is standing against the LNP’s Michael Hart in Burleigh.