Qld Labor’s ‘highest priority’ as party launches in swing seat

Labor’s treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers says Queensland is his party’s “highest priority” in the looming federal election.

Labor’s treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers says the Opposition has made Queensland its “highest priority” in the looming federal election.

The senior Labor MP visited the marginal LNP-held electorate of Longman on Sunday, where he made a pitch to Queensland voters.

The Sunshine State is set to play a pivotal role in the election, with Labor hoping to win over several Queensland seats from the Coalition in its bid to form government.

Labor treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers with candidate Rebecca Fanning.

Mr Chalmers said Labor had learned the lessons from the last election campaign, when the party won just six of the state’s 30 federal seats.

“I myself have made 60 visits to 29 different regional cities and towns just this term alone,” he said.

“So we have made Queensland our highest priority when it comes to this election.

“Anthony Albanese, the shadow cabinet, the whole team has been through Queensland more than any shadow cabinet in my memory - and perhaps in history.”

Mr Chalmers said Labor would be campaigning on the Prime Minister’s record, as he took a number of swipes at Scott Morrison - accusing him of going missing when “people need him most”.

The shadow treasurer was among a number of federal and state Labor MPs - including Acting Premier Cameron Dick - who joined Longman candidate Rebecca Fanning for her campaign launch.

The seat north of Brisbane, which includes Caboolture and Bribie Island, is currently held by the LNP’s Terry Young with a slim margin of 3.3 per cent.