LNP, premier celebrate huge swing in by-election win
It’s the first time in almost three decades that a state government has beaten the byelection hoodoo to win back a seat thanks to a massive voter response.
Queensland’s LNP has claimed victory in the Hinchinbrook by-election in the state’s north after an aggressive campaign.
It was a huge vote of confidence for Prime Minister David Crisafulli, as his childhood friend Wayde Chiesa took the very safe seat of Katter’s Australian Party (KAP).
The LNP received 41.28 per cent of the primary vote, according to the Queensland Electoral Commission’s preliminary count.
This was likely to result in a 54-46 per cent win for Mr Chiesa over KAP candidate Mark Molachino on a two-candidate basis, following a 13 per cent vote for the LNP.
One Nation’s Luke Sleep received just over 13 per cent of the initial vote, while Labour’s Maurie Soars received just eight per cent.
“It’s been 30 years since the government won seats again in a by-election, so this is a big deal,” the Prime Minister said on Sunday.
“The magnitude of Wayde’s victory is historic and I think it reflects how hard he worked and is a focal point for us to accept it with humility and grace.”
The Prime Minister took a break from the celebrations to enjoy a not-so-subtle jab at his ALP predecessor, Steven Miles.
“Traditionally, midterm election swings are against the government,” Mr. Crisafulli said.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Labor vote in single digits, so that’s something they need to think about.”
The north Queensland constituency, which covers an area of about 6500 square kilometres, includes Mr Crisafulli’s hometown of Ingham.
The Prime Minister still has close ties to the community, where his family owns a cane farm, and acknowledged the outcome was personal.
“Of course it’s personal. I grew up here, I love this community and I want the best for it and the best representation,” he said.
“This community….well, it means a lot.”
The by-election was triggered by KAP’s Nick Dametto resigning and becoming the victorious candidate for Mayor of Townsville earlier this month.
Mr Crisafulli led the LNP to win drought-breaking state elections in 2024 by campaigning heavily on youth crime reforms to end Labour’s nine-year reign.
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