How Toowoomba voted in the 2025 federal election

With polls set to close, see how the Groom constituents on the street are voting in this year’s federal election.

Volunteers (from left) Tammie Irons (LNP), Neil Munro (LNP), Roslyn Hooper (Holt) and Leon Surawski (Labor) at St Joseph's College on polling day in Groom, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

As the polls close, Groom voters have had their say on who will be best suited to run our electorate.

Groom voter Adrian Postle cast his vote for Labor candidate Richard Edwards, claiming dissatisfaction with the national LNP campaign.

“The other guy (Peter Dutton) is no good,” Mr Postle said.

“I thought Albo did a fairly good job … I think he’ll hopefully bump (Mr Dutton).”

Fellow voter Charles McGoveon also sided with Labor, stating he voted for “the least bad option” available.

Disillusioned with the major parties, young voter Declan Moran preferenced Green candidate Alyce Nelligan and her party’s progressive social policies.

“I feel like it’s important to vote for a party that is neither Labour nor Liberal – one that’s more focused on progressing the country through more liberal policies,” Mr Moran said.

Frequent LNP voter Andrew Robinson said no one candidate had drawn his full favour, despite placing LNP candidate Garth Hamilton at the top of his ballot.

“I’m not 100% happy with any of the candidates,” Mr Robinson said.

“I suppose, it’s a family tradition (to vote LNP).”

Polling centre across the electorate appeared quieter than usual with an estimated more than 60,000 residents casting their ballots before election day.

Despite the smaller Saturday turnout, Groom’s electoral candidates were on the ground campaigning until the final second.

“It’s been so wonderful seeing people coming out with a pat on the shoulder,” LNP incumbent Garth Hamilton said.

“A lot of people are saying they made up their mind a quite a while ago – I think the same issues have been in place for some time now.

“I think (cost of living) that’s been driving their votes I don’t think there’s been too much change in that experience for a lot of people for the last two and a half years.”

Independent Suzie Holt said the community was calling for change.

“Today is really about engaging with the community,” Ms Holt said.

“The community is coming together, they are sending a message that they want a seat at the table in Canberra.

“Those winds have changed, I hope – we are sending that clear message that people are really looking for a good positive government and a good local representative.

Fellow independent Kirstie Smolenski echoed Ms Holt’s sentiments.

“I’ve had a lot of nice conversations this morning,” Ms Smolenski said.

“I love telling them my policies, what I am about.

“Talking about the fact that we need a change because we’ve voted the same for 125 years, that we need a train to Brisbane, more affordable housing – I just talk about my policies.”

Labor candidate Richard Edwards said he was focused on building a better future for all.

“We are feeling positive and optimistic, we’ve had a lot of great conversation within the region,” Mr Edwards said.

“I’m exceptionally impressed with a lot of our young people – they are asking really important questions about what we are doing about issues important to them.

Polls will close at 6pm across the country as counting begins.

For live election updates see our live blog.

Originally published as How Toowoomba voted in the 2025 federal election