Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner declares ‘fate of nation’ rests on Brisbane

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor has declared the fate of the nation depends on the Coalition claiming a number of key “ground zero” seats in Queensland’s capital at the looming federal election, which Peter Dutton says is a “sliding doors moment”.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner speaking at the Arana Leagues Club on Sunday. Picture: Lachie Millard

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has declared the fate of the nation depends on the Coalition claiming a number of key “ground zero” seats in Queensland’s capital at the looming federal election.

Queensland politicians including Mr Schrinner and Premier David Crisafulli threw their support behind Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton at an unofficial campaign rally in Brisbane on Sunday.

The Opposition Leader told the crowd the upcoming election came at a pivotal moment in Australia’s history.

“I want to stress that this election matters more than others in recent history,” Mr Dutton said.

“It’s a sliding doors moment for our nation, a fork in the road.

“I want Australians to know what we stand for and where our efforts are focused to create better times and a better future for our country.”

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at the unofficial campaign rally on Sunday. Picture: Lachie Millard

Mr Crisafulli, who was elected in October last year, addressed the crowd.

“I’m here today to lend my voice for change to someone who we all know,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We know his honesty, we know his discipline, we know his strength, and right now they are the qualities and the characteristics that this nation needs.

“Trust isn’t something that comes because of the position, it comes because of a person and I trust Peter Dutton.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli speaking at the campaign rally on Sunday. Picture: Lachie Millard

Mr Crisafulli said Australia needed a leader who is for families and small businesses.

“Australians need a strong leader, someone who can heal a broken nation, and think about what lies ahead and why change is so important,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Think of it from the perspective of the family wondering whether or not they can afford their rent or their next mortgage repayment.

“Think of it from a small and family business who doesn’t know whether or not they will be in business next month.

“Imagine that, not aspiring to be able to do more and employ more, just to keep the doors open, because of failures out of Canberra.”

LNP-aligned Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Mr Schrinner said the fate of the nation depended on the Coalition claiming key seats in Brisbane.

“Ground zero is actually in greater Brisbane,” he said.

“Seats like Brisbane and Ryan, seats like Lilley and so many others around Brisbane.

“We must win back Ryan, we must win back Brisbane.

“We must win those seats because the fate of our nation depends on us doing what we need to do here in this part of the world.”

Brisbane has been described as a key battleground for the federal election.

Following recent polling and suggestions from some commentators that the likely outcome of the election is a minority Labor government, Cr Schrinner went on to describe a possible minority Labor government as a “coalition of chaos”.

“A minority Labor government coalition between Labor, the Greens and the Teals, it would be truly a coalition of chaos,” he said.

“If you think the last couple of years has been chaotic and lacking in any vision and momentum, lacking in strength of leadership, can you imagine what it would be like under a coalition of chaos?”

Taking to the stage Mr Dutton, as revealed in The Sunday-Mail, vowed to introduce a tax deduction of up to $20,000 per year for small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million to spend on food and entertainment at local clubs, pubs, and restaurants.

“It means the builder with five or six tradies can go to a local restaurant or pub at the end of the week to celebrate a week of hard work,” Mr Dutton said.

“It means that for 98 per cent of businesses across the country, 2.5 million businesses will be eligible to provide their employers and their customers with a little bit of a return, a little bit of reward, and to do it in a way where they’re not dragged into a complicated tax jungle.

“It means that money is spent in those small businesses.”

The arrangement will be run initially for two years and will also be exempt from fringe benefits tax.

“We are the party of small business, we are the party of managing the economy,” he said.

“We know how to fix up Labor’s mess, we’ve done it before and we will do it again after this election.”

The packed event was held in Keperra, in the seat of Ryan which is held by Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown.

LNP candidate for Ryan, high-profile barrister Maggie Forrest, also addressed the cohort of supporters.

Originally published as Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner declares ‘fate of nation’ rests on Brisbane