The rusted on Australians: Why Kingston booth of Christies Beach keeps voting for the same party at every federal election

Eighteen months ago he could have won them over, but now these rusted on Kingston voters only want to see the back of ScoMo as they are left to clean up the mess.

Eighteen months ago these hardened Kingston voters may have changed their tune on Liberal Party but as the election looms they’re calling for a shake up, claiming Scott Morrison has failed those in need.

For the seaside electorate cost of living and the end of vaccine mandates could not have been more important for local voters.

In the rusted on booth of Christies Beach, home to a majority of middle aged Caucasian Australians, many have been left unconvinced with the leadership of the Morrison Government and the future promises of the opposition.

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The booth has long had strong ties to Labor with the party winning the seat by a comfortable 35 per cent at the last federal election and looks set to retain it in 2022.

However, former real estate agent Joan Green, 70, believes the entire country needs a shake up and only Clive Palmer’s party can do so.

“He (Palmer) will be the best one for Australia because he believes in freedom,” Mrs Green said.

Joan Green said she was appalled how the Morrison government has handled the Covid-19 jab. Picture: Emily Jarvis

“That’s the way to go … I have always been a Labor person but my son has been forced to get the jab and I think it’s wrong what they have done to people and I don’t want nothing to do with the two parties.”

“Deep down I do like Scott (Morrison) and I do believe he wants to end the mandates but I believe he is being pressured.”

Paul Beezum, a former truck driver, said housing affordability was nothing short of a nightmare and needed to be addressed immediately, after receiving a letter evicting him from his home.

“I vote Labor all the time. It’s where we are (Christies) and where I am (in life). I haven’t got lots of money,” Mr Beezum said.

Christies Beach voter Paul Beezum. Picture: Brinley Duggan

“Labor seem to want to help the lower income earners, Liberals don’t want to do that.

“Our lease isn’t being renewed and we’re right in the throes or renting or buying.

“We haven’t got enough to buy, really, and the rents are all over the place. I can’t increase my wages and my wife’s on low income – I think our bets are better with Labor than they are the Liberal Party.”

Pat Needham, who made the move across the pond from New Zealand, said she would be re-evaluating her new lifestyle in South Australia and was currently undecided.

“You’re very much aware when you come from somewhere else that you vote ‘this way’,” she said.

Christies Beach voters Pat and James Needham. Picture: Brinley Duggan

“Then you have to settle in and accept what’s going on. Then you have to observe, if it’s progressing or not, then you can make your mind up.”

Tafe student, William Giles, 20, who will be voting in his first election in May, said his decision would become a financial one.

“They’re (Labor) just the most realistic opposition to the Liberals, who I don’t think have been a good job for the past few years,” Mr Giles said.

Christies Beach voter William Giles. Picture: Brinley Duggan

“Under the Liberals we’ve been going down, including our economy.”

Retired teacher Laurel Demery, 87, and her daughter Lee, 53, who have been passionate Labor supporters their whole lives, said they if they were asked 18 months ago their votes might have gone elsewhere.

“I was thinking of voting Liberal for a change because of how he dealt with Covid initially but now I just think he has been caught out in to many lies,” Laurel said.

“I don’t think much of Anthony Albanese either, ideally I would like to see Penny Wong in the top job, she has never pretended to be anything she’s not.”