Qld election 2024 counting continues down to the wire

The Queensland government and Opposition looked to gain an extra seat each as the vote count continued on Thursday.

Nikki Boyd with Labor leader Steven Miles

The Queensland government and Opposition looked to gain an extra seat each as the vote count continued on Thursday, with former fire and corrective services minister Nikki Boyd appearing safely re-elected in Pine Rivers.

The LNP has locked in 51 seats and Labor 34, with three still in doubt.

With just over 90 per cent of the ballot now counted, Ms Boyd led the LNP’s Dean Clements in Pine Rivers by a slim 450 votes, marking the end of an extremely tight race.

While Ms Boyd is yet to claim victory in her seat, Katter’s Australian Party MP Stephen Andrew is yet to concede defeat in Mirani.

LNP hopeful Glen Kelly lead by an estimated 430 votes on Thursday night, with Mr Andrew suffering a 9.7 per cent swing to sit behind Mr Kelly in the two-party preferred vote 49.3 per cent to 50.7 per cent.

It is understood the LNP feel quietly confident in Mulgrave, but believe both Mirani and Pine Rivers remain too close to call.

Terry James continued to lead Labor’s Richie Bates in Mulgrave but the final result will be weighted on the distribution of KAP preferences.

Former transport minister Bart Mellish, meanwhile, is in the fight of his life in Aspley, trailing LNP’s Amanda Cooper by just 110 votes.

Barbara O’Shea is still looking to take Greens MP Amy McMahon’s South Brisbane seat pending the outcome of postal vote and its impact on preference flows.

If the LNP overtakes Labor on votes, the preference flow is expected would change in favour, putting Ms McMahon back in the lead.

Originally published as Qld election 2024 counting continues down to the wire