Meet Inala’s newest candidate: Margie Nightingale, Labor’s fresh face following Palaszczuk’s departure

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has revealed the woman put forward as Labor’s choice for Annastacia Palaszczuk’s vacated Inala seat in a bid to continue the party’s grip on the suburb.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced Margie Nightingale as the Labor Party’s candidate for the March 16 Inala by-election, after the seat was vacated following Annastacia Palaszczuk’s resignation.

Taking to social media on Saturday, Mr Miles introduced Ms Nightingale, a local he says has woven her life into the fabric of the Inala community.

“This is Margie Nightingale. She’s dedicated her life to serving the community – working as a nurse, teacher and volunteer,” Mr Miles wrote.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles’ Instagram post announcing Margie Nightingale as Labor’s candidate for Inala after the resignation of former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.’ Picture: Instagram

He celebrated her journey from growing up in a housing commission home with a single mother to becoming the first in her family to attend university.

“Margie grew up in a housing commission with her single mum. Like me, she was the first person in her family to go to university,” Mr Miles said.

The Premier expressed his confidence in Ms Nightingale, emphasising her deep roots in the Inala electorate and her unwavering commitment to its people.

“She has raised her own family in the Inala electorate. And that’s why I am proud to announce Margie will be the Labor candidate for Inala,” he said.

“I know she will work hard and be a strong voice for the people of Inala.”

The announcement, complete with a photo of Mr Miles, Ms. Nightingale, and local children at a playground, symbolised a new era of representation for the area.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles says Margie Nightingale grew up in a housing commission with her single mum. Picture: Instagram

Ms Nightingale’s career spans various roles, from nursing and teaching to political advisement for federal Speaker Milton Dick and his brother, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick.

A member of the Australian Workers’ Union, like her predecessor Ms Palaszczuk, Ms Nightingale is aiming to continue the Labor legacy in Inala.

Queensland Labor Party Inala candidate Margie Nightingale

The seat, a stronghold for the party, was last won by Ms Palaszczuk in 2020 with a commanding 28.2 per cent two-party-preferred margin and a 67.4 per cent primary vote.

The selection of Ms Nightingale marks a turning point, especially after the party’s affirmative action rules had sidelined other potential candidates, including Ms Palaszczuk’s former Deputy Chief of Staff Jon Persley.