State election winners in deep end as Gold Coast faces ‘devastating’ financial situation
What will happen at the state election? Depending on the swing, David Crisafulli could be putting his hand up to be the next LNP leader, or Labor’s Meaghan Scanlon could be unemployed.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHEN the dust settles on the state election this Saturday, the Gold Coast political landscape will have been changed forever.
Depending on the swing, David Crisafulli could be putting his hand up to be the next LNP leader. Labor’s Meaghan Scanlon could be unemployed.
Whoever wins, the consequences for the Red and Blue teams are huge.
If the Palaszczuk Government loses it is likely Ms Scanlon, Labor’s only Coast MP who represents the state’s second most marginal ALP seat of Gaven on 0.71 per cent, will be gone.
This will derail Labor’s plan so far rolled out smoothly by herself and Coast-based senator Murray Watt, of establishing a base in the Gold Coast’s north.
If Labor loses but Ms Scanlon somehow manages to survive on the back of hard work and her strong personal vote in the electorate, she deserves to be a Labor frontbencher.
The outcomes for the Blue team are just as stark.
If Deb Frecklington is Queensland’s preferred premier, several Gold Coast MPs will enjoy a return to ministerial leather.
Ros Bates will reform child safety. Broadwater’s David Crisafulli could spruik up the Glitter Strip in tourism, and Surfers Paradise’s John-Paul Langbroek might put aside any requests to be a future mayor. Mermaid Beach’s Ray Stevens would love to be Speaker.
Michael Hart, having survived his toughest ever campaign against Labor’s Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, could also expect a front bench position, being shadow minister for energy in Opposition.
But could “Rabbit”, pictured on a stroll with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and former federal treasurer and deputy PM Wayne Swan late this week, stage an upset and leave Burleigh to wear a suit in George Street?
If Ms Frecklington loses, Mr Crisafulli – from his office in a safe Coast seat – will be counting numbers for a tilt at the leadership.
What is clear will be the need to rebuild Queensland’s economy and launch a post-COVID recovery.
In its blueprint, Labor says it will borrow $4 billion to deliver its promises across the next four years of government. A budget will be delivered by the end of next month.
The ALP has accused the LNP of having $24 billion of unfunded promises as it offers a $300 rebate for car owners as a Christmas present, starts work on the Coomera Connector and delivers a $50 million advertising marketing blitz for tourism.
Many Coast tourism operators offer a glass-half-full view when asked about the road ahead next year.
But your columnist has obtained this month’s Regional Development Australia Gold Coast COVID-19 Business Impact and Information Survey designed to “provide real-time insight to the three tiers of government”.
Almost half of respondents are in the tourism or accommodation industries, which are the Gold Coast’s hardest-hit sectors.
It found the financial impacts of COVID-19 have been “devastating”, with nine per cent having had a change in revenue (mostly negative), 65 per cent requiring JobKeeper payments to stay afloat and 34 per cent not confident in their ongoing viability.
Almost half needed to close during the pandemic. They estimate eight weeks to five months. About 70 per cent were impacted by cash flow issues, 37 per cent had to defer payments on loans, and 31 per cent needed help with paying recurrent expenses.
About 43 per cent had some rent relaxation or reduction and 18 per cent were still experiencing difficulties obtaining supplies to operate.
This next government, Red or Blue, faces the toughest term of office yet.
Join the conversation
Woman dies in Gold Coast unit blaze
A 28-year-old woman has died after a unit fire in Surfers Paradise.
Read more
Bed-wetting DV thug bashes, chokes partner in drunken rage
A Gold Coast man who previously hospitalised a cab driver has been jailed for battering his de facto partner after she tried to stay at her sister’s in response to him soiling their bed.
Read more