Why Andrew Willcox win puts Whitsundays, Mackay in a tougher spot

Dawson has lost its direct line into the government, with the LNP strong in Central Queensland but out of power in Canberra. Will we get our fair share? TAKE OUR POLL

Andrew Willcox’s stomping victory in Dawson is good news for the LNP, but a tough break for the electorate’s local governments.

Mr Willcox will sit on the opposition benches following the Teal, Greens and Labor storm that hit the Coalition on Saturday night.

Whitsunday Regional Council Acting Mayor Mike Brunker argued Dawson’s interests would likely lose influence as a result.

“It is harder,” he said.

“I think that just puts more pressure on the mayor to do more advocacy work, both state and federal.”

He said Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker found herself in a similar position with her federal representative, Michelle Landry, now in opposition.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson agreed with Mr Brunker’s assessment in part.

“There is no doubt that that does play a role,” he said.

Mr Williamson emphasised, however, a seat’s margin was the key determinant for government attention and Dawson’s ultra-safe character meant it would always be difficult to attract the kind of federal spending lavished on marginal electorates.

Mr Williamson said ultra-safe seats needed representatives with “very loud voices” and he expressed confidence in Mr Willcox’s ability to “bang the drum” for the region.

“He is someone who knows how to advocate,” he said.

Mr Williamson said elements of Labor’s platform presented opportunities for Mackay, particularly the party’s proposed $15bn National Reconstruction Fund, designed to rebuild Australia’s industrial base.

“That is music to our ears,” he said.

Griffith University’s Dr Paul Williams said the poor performance of right-wing populism in regional Queensland was the night’s standout surprise.

“The fact (Pauline) Hanson is struggling to keep her seat is a real surprise,” he said.

“I think she’ll get there though.”

In Dawson, One Nation contender Julie Hall managed just 13.3 per cent of the first preference vote.

The UAP’s Christian Young and KAP’s Ciaron Paterson fared worse, with both registering negative swings against them.

“Regional Queensland has now stayed strong with the LNP,” Dr Williams said.

“It has put the populists in their place.

“It is the capital cities that are now engaging with parties outside the major party system.”

Dr Williams said he was still “cogitating” on the meaning of the 2022 election, but suggested populist rhetoric had “worn thin.”

“For want of a better word, voters have woken up to them,” he said.

“They are good at criticising but not very good at offering solutions.

“I think Hanson and (Clive) Palmer are now seen as career politicians like any other.

“They are part of the system.

“They’ve been around for so long.”

He also said he was surprised by the scale of the government’s collapse in support.

“It is earthquake territory,” he said.