Frustrated voters turn their attention away from Labor

Early exit polling has revealed another Labor seat in Central Qld could fall, as Pauline Hanson joined her local candidate to mingle with frustrated voters.

Early voters have their say at the Bay Plaza on October 16 for the 2024 State Election.

Exit polling of 100 early Keppel voters at Bay Plaza Yeppoon has revealed another Labor seat in Central Queensland could fall.

A large portion of those willing to share who they cast their votes for on October 16 in the lead up to the 2024 state election said they put LNP candidate Nigel Hutton first.

He received 42 votes, behind One Nation’s James Ashby on 32 and the Labor Keppel MP, Brittany Lauga, received 25 votes.

The Greens candidate Clancy Mullbrick, who remained relaxed with no shoes on while greeting voters, received one vote, but Family First’s Roger McWhinney and Independent Petrina Murphy did not receive any.

One Nation Keppel candidate James Ashby says there is a “mood for change”. Photo: Steve Vit.

The high-profile One Nation candidate, whose party leader Pauline Hanson sat nearby at a cafe mingling with locals and frustrated voters, said there was “definitely a mood for change”.

“So many people are telling me as they come past that they’re tired of Labor, they’re tired of the two major parties,” Mr Ashby said.

“The feedback that I get is that they want to give somebody a go who’s local, who’s prepared to deal with and talk about the issues that they’re facing without being stifled by the major parties.”

A Keppel One Nation voter, Gordon, said he was swayed by principles, rather than policy.

“Basically, you try to vote for people who display honesty and integrity,” he said.

“I feel that the One Nation people have more of that than any of the other parties - more than the major parties anyway.

“I’m sure there’s independents who set out with good intentions and have a clean slate, but to me the major parties are on the nose because regardless of which one you vote for, you end up getting the same garbage.”

LNP candidate for Keppel Nigel Hutton won’t be complacent, despite positive early exit polling. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Mr Hutton said they could not become complacent, despite positive exit polling.

“Every day we’re fighting for the votes of Queenslanders - this is an election where we are looking to change the government,” he said.

“We’re hearing from people that crime, healthcare, cost-of-living are all huge problems.

“And people are voting with their feet.

“We’re gonna fight every day at Bay Plaza, Norman Gardens, the Showgrounds in Rocky to make sure that people have a choice at this election - and that’s to put the LNP first.”

Labor Keppel MP Brittany Lauga says she is working very hard for every vote for the 2024 state election. Pics Adam Head

The incumbent, who was first elected nine years ago in 2015, said she was working hard to get every vote she could.

“(I) am determined to deliver a Satellite Hospital and new Emergency Department,” Ms Lauga said.

“These will be put at risk by the LNP because their $17 billion of unfunded promises means it will have to cut across Queensland with Keppel to be hit hard.”

John, a Keppel disability pensioner who revealed he did not vote for Labor, said “I’m fed up with youth crime, rent and groceries going up”.

“You know what it is? It’s the rich getting richer,” he said.