The Sunshine Coast’s re-elected federal MPs have thanked voters for their support, as their rivals note a shift in the local political landscape.
Incumbent LNP members Andrew Wallace, Ted O’Brien and Llew O’Brien are set to reclaim their seats in Fisher, Fairfax and Wide Bay respectively, albeit with significantly reduced margins, after the May 3 election.
Mr Wallace, who was first elected in 2016, said he was proud to again represent the region in Canberra, despite his disappointment at the election outcome for his party.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the trust you have placed in me once again,” he said.
“Your vote is a testament to our shared vision for a stronger, more prosperous Fisher.
“I would like to congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their election victory. While the result was not what we had hoped for, I remain incredibly proud of the grassroots local campaign we ran and the values we stood for.
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“This was a tough loss for the Liberal Party – one that has seen many talented MPs lose their seats and their loyal staff also.
“I want to pay tribute to Peter Dutton and to all of my colleagues who gave everything in service of their communities and our country.
“As we reflect on this result, two things are clear: we must identify our mistakes and shortcomings, and we must learn from them.”
He also said the result meant it was unlikely $10 million of pre-election funding pledges for community groups such as the Maleny Bowls Club, Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club and Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club would be delivered.
“Those election commitments are contingent upon an LNP victory,” he said yesterday.
“At the end of the day, if we don’t control the purse strings, if we’re not in government, we can’t deliver those projects.
“For that, I’m sorry to those community groups that we’re unable to provide that $10 million worth of funding.”
With 76.9 per cent of votes counted, Mr Wallace held 37.4 per cent of first-preference votes, ahead of Labor’s Morrison Lakey (22.1 per cent) and independent Keryn Jones (16.8 per cent) – a 6.8 per cent swing against the LNP.
First-time candidate Mr Lakey said he enjoyed the campaign and was excited for the future under a Labor government.
“I’m very proud of what we achieved, considering our limited resources and volunteer capacity, as well my relatively late candidacy announcement,” he said.
“We managed to pick up a swing to Labor in what has always traditionally been a blue ribbon seat.
“Labor has received a clear mandate to govern from the Australian people, and it’s because of this I’m genuinely excited for what the future holds.”
Mr Lakey said he would be interested in running as a candidate again.
“This was my first time running for political office but I don’t at all intend for it to be my last,” he said.
“I’ve lived in this community all my life and it would be an absolute honour to one day be elected to serve it.”
Ms Jones, a former councillor, said the campaign had already delivered a powerful result by mobilising the community and shifting votes.
“What we’ve achieved together over the past few months is nothing short of remarkable,” she said.
“Thousands of people here – and across the country – have voted for a different kind of politics. The fear, division and spin of the old playbook is wearing thin. Voters are asking for something better.”
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Ms Jones noted that the official result – including whether she finishes in second or third place – won’t be known until the full distribution of preferences is completed after postal votes are due back on Friday, May 16.
“The current voting system is structured around the two major parties,” she said.
“Even when an independent is in a close third, there’s no clear way to understand how preferences would flow unless they make it into the official two-candidate-preferred count – or unless the AEC agrees to a three-candidate-preferred count, which we’ve consistently advocated for but been denied.
“Even on current numbers, we’ve done exceptionally well. We’ve shaken up a so-called safe seat, made it competitive and inspired thousands of people to vote for a new kind of politics.”
In Fairfax, with 77.9 per cent counted, Ted O’Brien had 38.6 per cent of first preferences, ahead of Naomi McQueen (Labor) on 24.8 per cent and Francine Wiig (independent) on 12.1 per cent – a 6.3 per cent swing against the LNP.
“It has been difficult to see the election results roll in tonight and to see so many fine colleagues lose their seats across the country,” Mr O’Brien posted to social media on Saturday night.
“To everyone who supported me in Fairfax, thank you for backing me to continue working hard to serve and deliver for our region as your MP.
“To Peter Dutton, thank you for your leadership of the Liberal Party and for your strength and character which came through in your dignified speech to the nation this evening.
“The task of rebuilding the Federal Liberal Party – based on the values which unite us – now begins. The future of Australia depends on it.”
The result in Fairfax was initially considered too close to call but Ms McQueen said she had called Mr O’Brien on Sunday to congratulate him before attending a Twin Waters Residents Association event.
“The question I was most often asked: will I run for Fairfax again next time? The answer: absolutely I will and I can’t wait!” she posted to social media on Monday.
Ms Wiig also posted to social media on Sunday, saying her team of independents “did something extraordinary together”.
“In just four short months, we helped turn Fairfax from a safe seat into a highly competitive one,” she said.
“Over 12 per cent of voters backed a fresh, independent voice with people who want change. We didn’t win the seat this time but we built something that will last, a movement grounded in truth, fairness and community.
“This was never just about one election. This is just the beginning.”
In Wide Bay, which covers the Noosa region, Llew O’Brien had 39.6 per cent of first preferences with 79.1 per cent counted. Next was Labor’s Elliott Chalmers (26.3 per cent) and One Nation’s Chad Burgess (11.8 per cent), representing a 3.9 per cent swing against the LNP.
“Thank you to the people of Wide Bay who have again put their trust in me to represent them in the Australian Parliament, it is a responsibility I carry earnestly,” Mr O’Brien posted on Sunday.
“I congratulate the Albanese government on its re-election and I am committed to both holding the government to account and to securing our fair share of Australian government programs, services and infrastructure to build a better Wide Bay.”
