Coast MPs eye roles

TODAY’S federal election looks like it will go down to the wire with both sides of politics facing a multi-day wait to see who has won power.

But no matter who wins, Gold Coast politicians of both stripes are likely to have wins of their own.

According to the latest polls, the Coalition Government and Labor are neck-and-neck to form government, although the betting is heavily backing the Opposition.

In the event of the Morrison Government’s re-election, LNP sources say senior Coast MPs including Stuart Robert and Karen Andrews are potentially looking at promotions.

There are plenty of Cabinet vacancies for the conservatives after the retirements of Steven Ciobo, Christopher Pyne and other highprofile figures.

Ms Andrews, regarded internally as a strong performer, is currently Minister for Industry, Science and Technology and sits in Cabinet while Mr Robert, a close ally of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is in the outer ministry as Assistant Treasurer. If the Coalition loses, expect to see both in senior Opposition frontbench roles.

If Labor wins and secures the super-marginal northern Gold Coast seat of Forde, its candidate Des Hardman would not be looking at an immediate frontbench position.

However, if he does win, expect to see plenty more of him as Labor builds his profile in the hope of retaining the seat at the next election.

One way or another, the Coast’s MPs will play major roles in the next parliament.