Political expert predicts issues and result in Lilley

Political expert Paul Williams gives his opinion on the federal seat of Lilley, including major issues for voters and who he expects to win.

Griffith University’s senior lecturer in politics and journalism Dr Paul Williams

LILLEY has been described as “not exactly a thriller seat” in the lead up to the Federal Election on May 18.

Griffith University’s senior lecturer in politics and journalism Dr Paul Williams said Lilley, which “technically falls into the fairly safe category”, should stay a Labor seat under candidate Anika Wells.

50C A DAY FOR 6 MONTHS: SUBSCRIBE TO NORTHSIDE CHRONICLE/BAYSIDE STAR & THE COURIER MAIL

The seat has been held by Labor’s Wayne Swan since 1998; he is not standing for re-election.

Anika Wells is the ALP candidate for Lilley.

Dr Williams said Ms Wells was “like a candidate from Labor’s central casting”.

“She ticks all the boxes — she’s a lawyer, a community worker and a young mum with a child.

“She’s a stellar Labor candidate and they preselected her not just for a Labor seat but as a future Labor minister. Basically she’s impossible to beat.

“The LNP was always a late comer for the seat as the tide’s out for them, and changing candidates wouldn’t have helped.”

The LNP endorsed Brad Carswell in January following the resignation of the previous candidate.

MORE NORTH BRISBANE NEWS:

Revealed: The issues which could decide the seats of Petrie, Dickson and Longman

Club told to move horses to make way for netball courts

Researchers work on turning waste water into drinking water

Dr Williams said he thought the LNP would have picked up Lilley two elections ago in 2013, but Mr Swan won the seat ahead of Rod McGarvie.

“It could have easily gone the other way, but superior Labor campaigning and a strong candidate won it,” he said.

Brad Carswell is the LNP candidate for Lilley.

Dr Williams said Lilley voters would be influenced by “hip pocket issues” similar to the rest of the country.

“This includes the cost of living, which party will protect Medicare and provide services and infrastructure, and deal with urban congestion.

“Brisbane voters don’t vote on personality, but no doubt Wayne Swan would have a small personal following, probably under five per cent.

“The Greens and One Nation, if they field a candidate, won’t do too well in Lilley.”

LILLEY FAST FACTS:

■ The seat has been held by the ALP since 1980, except for 1996-98 when it was held by the Liberal Party

■ Wayne Swan has held the seat from 1993-1996 and 1998-present.

■ The electorate includes the suburbs of: Brighton, Sandgate, Deagon, Shorncliffe, Taigum, Boondall, Nudgee Beach, Zillmere, Aspley, McDowell, Everton Park, Stafford, Chermside, Wavell Heights, Kedron, Geebung, Northgate, Nundah, Banyo, Nudgee, Eagle Farm, Brisbane Airport and Pinkenba.

■ It is mostly residential but includes Brisbane’s domestic and international airports, light and heavy engineering, sea-cargo facilities, chemical production, warehousing, oil refining and storage and various small industries.

(Fast facts source: Australian Electoral Commission)