LNP leader Deb Frecklington: Abandon fines, ready for full postal vote

Fines should not be issued to those who did not turn out to vote in by-elections because of coronavirus fears, LNP leader Deb Frecklington says.

FINES should not be issued to those who did not turn out to vote in by-elections because of coronavirus fears, LNP leader Deb Frecklington says.

The Opposition also this morning called on the Palaszczuk Government to allow the general election in October to be conducted entirely through a postal vote.

“Do not fine on anyone who did not vote yesterday and secondly, prepare the ECQ (Electoral Commission Queensland) for a full postal vote for the general election in October,” Ms Frecklington said from Currumbin on the Gold Coast.

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“No one should have to vote if they are worried about their health. It is only fair we give people certainty around the democratic process in Queensland.

Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she would “absolutely not” stand aside from her leadership if the LNP lost the Currumbin by-election.

“It is only fair people should have a chance to vote in the general election this year by postal vote. We need to keep everyone safe while they can exercise that democratic right.”

Ms Frecklington and LNP candidate for Currumbin Laura Gerber thanked those who did turn out to vote the by-election yesterday during “tough times”.

Ms Frecklington said there was unlikely to be clear result in the Currumbin by-election for “some time yet” and said there had been “many, many issues” with the ECQ.

“Many people did not go out to vote, people had trouble voting through the phone voting and postal votes,” Ms Frecklington said.

“It is disappointing that many people were not able to exercise that right yesterday,

with the number of low voter turn it is pretty obvious the people of Queensland didn’t think they should have to vote yesterday.”

Ms Frecklington said she would “absolutely not” stand aside from her leadership if the LNP lost the Currumbin by-election.

“The Opposition in Queensland has a very vital role during this crisis and that is to ensure the Government is held to account,” she said.

Ms Frecklington said it was clear the Currumbin result was going to be “very, very close” and the LNP had run a “positive campaign” in the seat despite the controversy surrounding former Member Jann Stuckey’s resignation.

“In relation to the former Member for Currumbin, it was disappointing and very difficult for Laura (Gerber) and her family to have those unprovoked attacks against them …,” she said.

LNP candidate Laura Gerber currently sits ahead in Currumbin, holding 42.28 of the primary vote.

Labor candidate Kaylee Campradt has received 39.36 of the primary vote.

About 37 per cent of votes have so far been counted.