As the polls close in Queensland, the Liberal National Party (LNP) and Labor are in a close contest, marking one of the state’s most crucial elections in recent history. The LNP, led by David Crisafulli, is making a solid push to unseat Labor, which has held power for the past nine years. Labor’s Premier Steven Miles is vying for a fourth term, setting the stage for a nail-biting evening as Queensland election results trickle in.
High-Stakes Race with Narrow Margins
Several electorates across Queensland are witnessing intense competition, with seats like Currumbin and Barron River on razor-thin margins. Laura Gerber, the LNP incumbent in Currumbin, expressed optimism about retaining the seat with a margin of just 0.5%. Meanwhile, Barron River, held by Labor’s Craig Crawford since 2015, is a key target for the LNP as they aim to secure this seat and others along the coast.
Further south in Caloundra, Labor’s Jason Hunt faces a tight battle against LNP candidate Kendall Morton. The seat, which Hunt won in a surprising 2020 victory, has a slim margin of 2.5%, intensifying the fight for every vote on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast’s marginal seats of Caloundra and Nicklin, once LNP strongholds, are again at the centre of this heated state election showdown.
Key Candidates and Critical Issues
Among the closely watched contests is the seat of Gaven, where Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon (Labor) is up against former journalist Bianca Stone (LNP). Voter concerns in this electorate include youth crime and the cost of living, resonating with similar sentiments across the state. Sukhman Riar, a 24-year-old medical student from Gaven, voiced frustration with the candidates’ focus on attacking each other rather than addressing core issues impacting Queenslanders.
The LNP is also eyeing success in Mulgrave, where sitting Labor MP Curtis Pitt is retiring after 15 years. With a diverse field of candidates, voters in this Far North electorate are leaning on issues like accountability and representation for rural communities, highlighted by resident Ellen Paul, who praised the Katter Australia Party for “keeping the major parties accountable.”
Rural and Regional Queensland’s Vote of Confidence
In Mount Isa, economic concerns and rising crime were at the top of voters’ minds, who are bracing for significant shifts with the closure of the town’s copper mines, which are set to wind down in mid-2025. Long-term resident Lilian D’Costa emphasised her hope for a party that prioritises alternative industries and tackles crime in a “firmer” manner, echoing similar concerns from other rural areas.
In Mackay, meanwhile, locals voiced frustration with feeling “forgotten” by major parties. Cost-of-living pressures remain a pressing issue, with residents like Connor McKenzie grappling with rising rental prices amidst stagnant wages. For many Queenslanders, especially in remote and regional areas, the need for affordable housing, job security, and effective public services are critical factors influencing their votes.
Potential for a Hung Parliament
As the evening unfolds, Queensland Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen anticipates that roughly two million votes will be counted by midnight. The final outcome may be revealed within days, but a hung parliament could be in the cards if the race is as close as anticipated.
Labor’s hold on 51 seats and the LNP’s 35 seats at the outset of this election suggests a highly competitive race. Labour can afford to lose no more than four seats to maintain their majority, while the LNP needs a 5.6% swing to gain the 12 seats necessary to govern. The possibility of a hung parliament remains high if neither party secures a definitive majority.
Electoral Shifts and Historical Context
The Sunshine Coast electorate of Nicklin, which Labor holds by the narrowest of margins (0.1%), will be closely monitored. Labour won this working-class seat in a historic shift in 2020, and it has since become a focal point of the LNP’s efforts to reverse recent gains.
Commenting on the challenge, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick acknowledged the “volatile and unpredictable” nature of Queensland politics. LNP Deputy Leader David Janetzki compared the race to climbing a “mythical mountain taller than Everest,” underscoring the historical odds faced by the LNP in this election. Queensland’s political landscape has rarely seen such a competitive field, and tonight may prove pivotal in shaping the state’s future.
The Final Countdown
With the polls now closed and the count underway, the race to lead Queensland is far from decided. Queenslanders anxiously await the latest news on the Queensland election as the LNP looks to end Labor’s nearly decade-long rule. Whether it’s housing affordability, youth crime, or economic revitalisation, the issues influencing this election highlight the diversity and complexity of voter priorities in Queensland. As the count progresses, all eyes remain on Queensland’s electorates to see if a power shift will come to pass.
