Groom decides: Toowoomba voters explain their vote at federal election

Tens of thousands of residents have had their say in Groom for the federal election — and their reasons are all different. Here are the viewpoints of several after casting their ballots:

Voters across Toowoomba braved the cold and wet weather to cast their vote in Groom at the federal election, with a number of residents revealing they had changed their vote since 2019.

Nearly 20mm dropped on the Garden City on Saturday, while wind gusts of up to 48km/h ensured locals lining up were in no mood to stay and chat with volunteers and candidates.

Here are how several locals voted at the election and why:

Ian Choice after voting in the federal election in Groom. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ian Choice, voting in Highfields

“I gave Labor my first preference – I just want to see something different, I’m looking for a change.

“The Liberals have been in office long enough, and I want to see what Labor will do differently.

“I reckon the big issue has been the price of living, it’s making it hard (for people) with kids.”

Kristy Weier (with Stella), voting in Highfields

“We’ve always been Liberal supporters – we’ve got family who are in business, and the way the LNP supports businesses is really important to us.

“(The key issues are) support for the business community and how the government handled the pandemic.”

Andrew Park and Lucy Jarasius after voting in the federal election in Groom. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Andrew Park and Lucy Jarasius, voting in Centenary Heights

“It was a cross between the Greens and Labor. I think Scomo has had his go and I’d like to see a change of government, but also I’d like to see a more compassionate government.

“I’m a retiree and a pensioner and I’ve come out of the public service and both major parties are pretty similar, but I think Labor seems to be more compassionate.

“This has become too safe of a seat for the Liberals and they don’t do anything. That’s what I’m hearing when they talk about the vote.”

Tameil Ebb after voting in the federal election in Groom. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Tameil Ebb, voting in Centenary Heights

“Labor got my first preference. I’ve just always gone for them.”

“I work in disability support and I support the NDIS.”

Kelly Johnstone, voting in Highfields

“I voted Independent, Suzie Holt. Just influences from around (motivated my decision).

“I’ve voted differently (at previous elections) depending on what’s happening in the world at the time.

“Cost of living (is an issue), our financial situation at the moment is difficult, given our rate of pay and living costs rising.

“Out of the Liberals and Labor, probably Labor would be my go-to (for government).”

Originally published as Groom decides: Toowoomba voters explain their vote at federal election