Fadden by-election 2023: Pre-poll opens in northern Gold Coast seat ahead of July 15

The final push in the battle of Fadden has begun as a Melbourne Cup field of candidates make their pitch to voters. But it turns out many didn’t even know they had to vote.

The final push in the battle of Fadden has begun as a Melbourne Cup field of candidates make their pitch to voters.

Pre-polling in the safe conservative seat in the city’s far north began at Runaway Bay Community Centre on Monday, with 13 candidates vying to convince the locals to vote for them ahead of the July 15 by-election.

Candidates, including LNP frontrunner Cameron ­Caldwell and Labor underdog Letitia Del Fabbro met with voters as the first ballots were cast.

Mr Caldwell, a long-time city councillor, said he was not taking Fadden’s safe seat reputation for granted and was focused on securing every possible vote.

Some of the Fadden candidates, Independent Belinda Jones, Legalise Cannabis Australia Suzette Luyken, Australian Democrat Chris Simpson, Independent Stewart Brooker, LNPs Cameron Caldwell, and Labors Letitia Del Fabbro and their supporters greet voters at Runaway Bay Sports Centre when pre-poll voting opened for the seat on Monday morning. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Voters are now able to make an important choice about who can best represent our community into the future,” he said.

“I’ll be out standing on pre-poll for the next fortnight, talking with members of the community as I have done as a councillor for the last twelve years. I’m hearing a lot of community concern about the rising cost of living and local crime under Labor.

“This by-election won’t change the government. However, it is an opportunity to send Labor a message – to do more to tackle rising living costs and crime and to keep their promises.”

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former MP Stuart Robert who announced he was quitting parliament in May.

Candidates and their supporters greet voters at Runaway Bay Sports Centre when pre-poll voting opened for the seat of Fadden on Monday morning. Picture Glenn Hampson

The LNP won the seat at the 2022 federal election with a 10 per cent margin.

Betting markets are heavily favouring the LNP. If Mr ­Caldwell wins, his council seat will become vacant, ­prompting his colleagues to appoint a new councillor to serve out the unexpired months of his term until the March 2024 election.

Ms Del Fabbro, whose campaign was launched in late June by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, door knocked more than 700 houses across the weekend and said many locals were unaware there was even a by-election occurring.

Candidates and their supporters greet voters at Runaway Bay Sports Centre when pre-poll voting opened for the seat of Fadden on Monday morning. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We have knocked on a lot of doors in the past few weeks and it has been really exciting to talk about Labor policies in the area,” she said.

“People are interested in cheaper childcare, more money for Medicare and the reforms which are coming through on aged care.

“Many people were surprised there was a by-election happening after going to the polls last year so there is a bit of resentment about that but my plan for the next two weeks is to be at the pre-poll and talking to voters.”

Candidates and their supporters greet voters at Runaway Bay Sports Centre when pre-poll voting opened for the seat of Fadden on Monday morning. Picture Glenn Hampson

Australian Electoral Commission state manager ­Stephanie Attard urged voters to plan their trip to the polling booth.

“When it comes to choosing your method of voting, carefully consider your personal circumstances and seek information from the AEC website,” she said.

“Early voting centres are open in Helensvale and Runaway Bay, with six early voting centres available from this weekend and 29 open on by-election day.

“We will also be visiting identified residential care ­facilities with mobile polling teams to ensure everyone has access to a voting service.”