Currumbin by-election: Labor gearing up for second shot after LNP’s Laura Gerber claims victory

Laura Gerber has won the Currumbin by-election for the LNP – but round two will begin immediately.

LAURA Gerber has won the Currumbin by-election for the LNP, but round two in this close battle will start immediately with Labor’s Kaylee Campradt reigniting her campaign.

Laura Gerber (centre) with Ros Bates (left) and Deb Frecklington (right) in early March.

Ms Campradt called Ms Gerber to congratulate her before posting a Facebook message to her supporters midafternoon yesterday.

With more than 68 per cent of the voted counted, Ms Gerber had 43.85 per cent. Ms Campradt was on 38.5 per cent, Sally Spain for the Greens was on 10.71 per cent and One Nation’s Bettany Nicholas had received 6.92 per cent.

Despite improving its position on the last poll, Labor scrutineers knew the party was not getting enough of a flow of preferences from the Greens, and the One Nation vote went to the LNP. The seat was held by retiring LNP MP Jann Stuckey.

Laura Gerber (front right) with members of the Gold Coast LNP team earlier in the campaign.

Ms Gerber told the Bulletin yesterday: “It’s a privilege to have the support of my community. I would like to thank the people of Currumbin for backing the LNP’s plan to fix the M1, create more local jobs and get tough on crime.

“I will fight hard for Currumbin and I will be straight to work tomorrow. I am also sorry that the people of Currumbin were made to vote during a global pandemic.”

Ms Gerber said the LNP’s campaign had focused on the real issues, fast-tracking M1 upgrades, cutting crime across Currumbin and building a strong economy to create jobs.

“I am looking forward to joining Deb Frecklington’s team because the coronavirus means more than ever Queensland needs a government that can build a strong economy to create and protect local jobs,” she said.

“I thank Deb for her leadership and support during this hard-fought election. She’s a tough fighter who doesn’t back down. My priorities now are to fix the M1, create more jobs and stop crime.

“During this global pandemic Currumbin needs a strong voice and that’s what I will provide.”

Ms Campradt later told the Bulletin: “I got preselected for the October election. That will be definitely what I’m doing. I’m determined I will win it then. I’m not going anywhere. This is my community. This is the commitment I’ve made and I’m going to do it.

Labor’s Kaylee Campradt at Elanora Community Centre. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“For me I said this right from the beginning – the 29th was day one of the next campaign. For me it’s a reset. We have set up a lot of systems. We have a big team.”