Gold Coast One Nation candidates back Legalise Cannabis QLD, Informed Medical Options parties in critical seats
One Nation candidates have backed pro-cannabis and anti-vaccination parties on how-to-vote cards in some of the Gold Coast’s most critical seats.
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ONE NATION candidates have favoured pro-cannabis and anti-vaccination parties on how-to-vote cards in some of the Gold Coast's most critical seats.
The party's Gaven candidate Sharon Sewell has given preferences first to Civil Liberties & Motorists Party's Reyna Drake, then Legalise Cannabis QLD candidate Suzette Luyken.
The marginal Gaven seat has been held by Labor MP Meaghan Scanlon since 2017, who holds it now at a margin of just 0.7 per cent.
Political experts have already tipped preferences may prove the deciding factor between Ms Scanlon and LNP candidate Kirsten Jackson.
Ms Sewell said while the party traditionally put The Greens last on the ballot, the rest of the preferences were her decision.
"Being a small business owner I was a big supporter of the LNP for most of my life, but for various reasons I left the party," she said."I support more of the parties that fight for civil rights.
"There are some (parties) we prefer to put last or further down but the rest were my choice."
Meanwhile Burleigh One Nation candidate Georgie Batty has also preferenced the Legalise Cannabis QLD party, followed by LNP MP Michael Hart.
EARLIER:
POLITICAL analysts have dismissed “piece of theatre” preference deals among Gold Coast election candidates four weeks out from voting day.
Minor parties The Greens and One Nation are taking aim at each other ahead of October 31’s election, with both declaring the other will be last on how-to-vote cards.
But both parties have also not ruled out making deals with the major parties, despite several marginal Gold Coast seats possibly relying on them.
Before the pandemic worsened, The Greens and One Nation were expected to play a major role in deciding the city’s closest seats of Gaven and Currumbin.
Political expert Professor Steve Stockwell said preference deals may prove less important than first thought.
“The whole preference deal economy has lessened in value,” he said. “By and large people make up their own minds about where their preferences are going to go.
“They’re doing (how-to-vote cards) for show, it has very little to do with policy or even the politics of the situation. It’s all about the display.
“When parties make a big deal about what their preferences are that does affect their voters, but the whole theatre of preferences is secondary to (the individual).”
One Nation announced a fourth Gold Coast candidate at the weekend, naming “proudly Australian” Georgie Batty as their runner in the technically marginal seat of Burleigh.
Ms Batty said she believed One Nation would “put pressure” on major parties, but sidestepped suggestions of any LNP preference deal.
“Every voter has the right to number the candidates in the other they prefer,” she said.
“As a local passionate about our area, I am seeking voters to put me as their first preference then they must number every other box as they see fit.
“If One Nation holds the balance of power after October 31 it will put pressure on either major party to make sure the decisions are in the best interest for Gold Coast residents and also regional Queensland.”
Party leader Pauline Hanson said in April The Greens would “go last” on One Nation’s how-to-vote cards.
She did not rule out a preference deal with the LNP despite LNP Currumbin MP Laura Gerber benefiting from One Nation’s preferences in the March by-election.
Ms Gerber won with 43.76 per cent of the primary vote, beating Labor’s Kaylee Campradt who secured 38.34 per cent.
Similarly Gaven Labor MP Meaghan Scanlon won on Greens preferences from candidate Sally Spain, who will run against her again in October.
Ms Scanlon obtained 43.07 per cent of the primary vote in 2017, compared to 46.11 per cent for then sitting member, the LNP’s Sid Cramp.
Burleigh Greens candidate Rachel Mebberson also said the party would put One Nation and the LNP last, but also didn’t shoot down a deal with Labor.
“How-to-vote cards are just a suggestion, the final decision on preferences is made by voters when they number every square,” she said.
“The Greens have already made it clear we will not be making any preference deal, power-sharing deal, coalition agreement or guarantee of confidence or supply with the LNP or One Nation.
“Because of the LNP’s commitment to job cuts, privatisation, and cuts to essential services, the Greens would never provide confidence to an LNP Government.”
EARLIER:
ONE Nation has entered the fight for the marginal Gold Coast seat of Burleigh by announcing a small-business owner as their latest candidate.
Mother-of-two and “proudly Australian” Georgie Batty will stand in the technically marginal seat against sitting LNP MP Michael Hart.
Ms Batty took to social media to announce her campaign, and said she had worked in Gold Coast law firms for six years.
“Recently (I) worked with foster children and school camps on mentoring programs to improve self esteem, team and character building,” she wrote.
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“I am concerned with recent matters in the Burleigh electorate including the severe strain on small businesses due to border closures, subsequent loss of job security.
“(I’m also concerned about) rise in the cost of living, our poor state school performance and the dramatic increase in crime.”
She added she wanted to be a “voice for the people” on issues like lower taxes, lower debt and freedom of speech and religion.
“As a pro-life advocate and keen humanitarian, I first became interested in politics when it was brought to my attention that the Labor and LNP governments had both passed the most horrific abortion laws of our time,” she said.
“Our state economy needs to become more robust and resilient, especially if difficult times are ahead. We need real vision for the future.
“On a national level I am proudly Australian, passionately supporting ‘Australian Owned and Made’ products and services.
“Being new to politics, I am passionate, committed and eager to support my community in any way possible.”
Ms Batty is the fourth candidate to stand against Mr Hart, alongside Labor’s surprise pick and former world champion surfer Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholome w.
The Greens have also named environmental science graduate Rachel Mebberson as their Burleigh candidate, while the Animal Justice Party has picked activist Scott Wallace.
Mr Hart, who has been the Burleigh MP since 2012, won the 2017 election with 54.9 per cent of the vote, with a 0.6 per cent swing towards the ALP.
Then-Labor candidate Gail Hislop received 45.1 per cent, while The Greens’ Peter Burgoyne got 16.1 per cent.
The seat was last held by Labor’s Christine Smith from 2001 until the Newman landslide in 2012.
The State election will be held on October 31.
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