Groom by-election: LNP easily retains federal seat

The LNP has retained its safe Darling Downs seat of Groom in the by-election sparked by the sudden resignation of John McVeigh.

The LNP has retained its safe Darling Downs seat of Groom in the by-election sparked by the sudden resignation of John McVeigh in September.

The party’s newest MP Garth Hamilton has promised thousands of local jobs and a long-term water security plan after reclaiming the very safe seat of Groom in last night’s by-election.

“We have many strengths to build on: we have a fantastic agriculture sector, we have a great mining sector … we have a large transport, freight and logistics industry that stands to have even more opportunities,” he said.

Labor candidate Chris Meibusch said he had congratulated Mr Hamilton on his win.

With 19 of 56 booths in, Mr Hamilton held 61.11 per cent of the first-preference vote.

Speaking to a crowd of Labor supporters at Toowoomba’s Trade Union Hall, Mr Meibusch said it would be the job of his volunteers to hold Mr Hamilton to account between now and the next federal election.

“I don’t think now he’ll seriously try to talk about ripping up environmental laws, or industrial relations laws,” Mr Meibusch said.

Groom LNP candidate Garth Hamilton and his wife Louise Hamilton cast their vote in the by-election at Wilsonton State High School today. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Congratulations is due, but we will hold him to account over the next 12 months as we’re going to be battling a federal election in the next 12 months.”

Earlier, Mr Meibusch declared the COVID-19 pandemic meant voters were likely to stick with the LNP Federal Government.

Campaigners reported a quiet election day on the booths, with only a small number of voters braving Toowoomba’s heat to cast their ballot.

More than 25,400 residents voted early across the region, according to Australian Electoral Commission data.

Mr Hamilton cast his ballot at the marginal polling booth of Wilsonton State High School.

“It’s been a big campaign, we’ve worked very hard for every vote,” he said.

“It’s good to see people coming through and I encourage people to come out and vote.”

Labor candidate for Groom Chris Meibusch casts his vote with wife Janet Meibusch at Toowoomba State High School today. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The rich agricultural seat, where Labor secured 18 per cent of the primary vote in 2019, has been held by a Liberal or National since its inception in 1984.

Mr McVeigh’s father Tom held the seat from 1972, when it was known as Darling Downs, until his resignation in 1988.

Newly minted Queensland LNP leader David Crisafulli joined Mr Hamilton and Senator Amanda Stoker on the booths this morning.

Mr Meibusch said: “I’ve campaigned for our fair share of federal funding in the electorate.

“As a very safe LNP seat we miss out on all the discretionary funding that comes from federal government programs and the voters know that.

“We’ve asked the voters of Groom to send a message but we recognise that in a pandemic situation people tend to stay with what they know.”

The Groom by-election was triggered by the resignation of Dr McVeigh – who held the seat with 70 per cent of the two-party vote – in September to care for his sick wife.

He had resigned from State Parliament to contest and win Groom at the 2016 federal election.