Candidates for seat of McConnel go head to head

Candidates from the LNP, Labor and the Greens in the Brisbane seat of McConnel have gone head-to-head in a debate tonight. Watch the replay

The LNP candidate dodged a question in Wednesday night’s (October 7) online McConnel forum about her party’s controversial decision to preference Labor last in all 93 seats.

Pinky Singh’s non-answer came as sitting McConnel MP, Grace Grace, warned a vote for her Greens rival Kirsten Lovejoy risked derailing the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 economic meltdown.

But Ms Lovejoy hit back in a feisty debate performance, labelling claims that a minority government with the Greens holding the balance of power as “classic fearmongering’’ by the major parties.

WATCH THE DEBATE IN THE MEDIA PLAYER ABOVE

After a jovial start, the three rivals got stuck in as they answered questions The Courier-Mail and Quest Newspapers readers’ questions on compulsory ID scanning, Council’s Victoria Park project and overhauling planning laws.

McConnel, previously known as Brisbane Central, has been hit with explosive population growth, traffic congestion, lack of green space and the impact of COVID-19 on its many bars, clubs, restaurants and funky retailers.

The fight is Ms Grace’s to lose, after holding the seat since 2007. And put up a fight she did, with some well-aimed blows at her major rival, Ms Lovejoy.

But the Greens candidate, who is fighting her third campaign in McConnel and — according to some polls — is in the lead, held her ground.

Ms Singh, a highly respected and successful small businesswoman, pointed to Tuesday’s federal Budget as proof of what a LNP State Government could achieve for small businesses in the area if elected on October 31.

Tonight’s debate was a must-watch, so if you missed it make sure you click on the above link and decide for yourself who will best represent you in McConnel.