Meaghan Scanlon says LNP is ignoring locals and ‘parachuting’ TV journo Bianca Stone into Gaven
A Gold Coast television identity is facing a tough battle to win LNP pre-selection for Gaven with at least two experienced party members in the race.
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Television identity Bianca Stone faces a tough battle to win LNP pre-selection for Gaven with at least two experienced party members in the race, according to sources.
Ms Stone, who was the Gold Coast Sunrise reporter for 18 years, is expected to face strong competition from longer serving party members Kirsten Jackson and Lisa Smith.
The recent strong swings against Labor in by-elections – 17 per cent in Ipswich West and 21 per cent in Inala – has heightened LNP interest in the only Coast seat not held by the conservatives.
Gaven Labor MP and Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has accused the LNP of “parachuting in” a TV personality because the party would not back a local.
Ms Stone has declined to comment, but several party sources maintain she has “the captain’s call”, being supported by party leader David Crisafulli.
Ms Jackson doorknocked more than 8000 homes building a huge profile for the LNP in Pacific Pines and Nerang when she ran against Ms Scanlon in 2020.
Ms Smith is the secretary of the Gaven LNP branch, a teacher and rural fire brigade volunteer with strong community links.
“I think you are going to find it will be a close race (for pre-selection),” a party source said.
Ms Scanlon when asked on Wednesday about Ms Stone being preselected, said she saw herself as “the underdog” as the only Labor representative on the Coast.
“The LNP clearly hasn’t found someone who lives locally in the area,” Ms Scanlon said.
“They have parachuted in a TV personality. The LNP might be focused on cheap slogans on TV.
“I’m focused every day on delivering for the community that I grew up in, and I work hard on that every single day.
“There are 11 seats on the Gold Coast. Ten of them are held by the LNP. I’ve always been the underdog.”
Ms Jackson declined to comment and Ms Smith could not be contacted. Party members are not allowed to make public comment prior to the pre-selection process.
An LNP source confirmed Ms Jackson was “considering her options”.
“Gaven is definitely in our sights, one hundred per cent. If a swing is on, a swing is on and it will be available for us,” the source said.
Party members in a recent update were told nominations had opened for the State seats of Gaven, Hill and Mackay ahead of the October State poll.
Members were invited to submit an “application for endorsement”. They would be required to take part in an applicant review interview.
No date has been set yet by State Director Ben Riley on the close of submissions.
Ms Scanlon who is a renowned hard worker achieved a swing of 7 per cent to Labor in 2020. Her margin in the northern Coast seat improved from 0.7 per cent to 7.8 per cent.
She secured 47.47 per cent of the primary vote, compared to Ms Jackson on 33.11 per cent.
Another LNP source said experienced party members knew the battle for Gaven would be a challenge, despite recent huge by-election swings to the conservatives.
Mr Crisafulli met and addressed Gaven LNP members last month.
“We are under no illusion it will be easy to beat Meaghan Scanlon. David Crisafulli wants to go hard there,” the source said.
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