Queensland election 2020: Pumicestone candidates in special live debate
The Labor and LNP candidates for the hyper-marginal seat of Pumicestone have held nothing back in a heated debate that covered everything from COVID-19 to pelicans. WATCH THE REPLAY HERE
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Labor’s Ali King and the LNP’s Fiona Gaske held nothing back in a heated debate that covered everything from COVID-19 to pelicans on Monday.
WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE DEBATE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
Public health, the Bribie Island bridge upgrade and jobs are some of the key issues facing the hyper-marginal seat of Pumicestone, which comprises Bribie Island and Caboolture and is currently held by LNP member Simone Wilson. With a 0.8 swing, the seat is one the state’s most marginal.
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Ms Gaske said the LNP was the only party that had an economic plan for recovery that would stimulate jobs for the economy, however King said the hundreds of residents she had doorknocked told her they were glad borders had remained closed, allowing for small business to operate.
“At the end of the day it comes to a choice about leadership. We have a choice between our leader, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who put our health in Pumicestone first (and) now she’s leading our economic recovery … key road upgrades, not one but two satellite hospitals – she did what she said she would do,” Ms King said.
“She (Deb Frecklington) cut frontline services, sacked 731 nurses in our area and now we’re expected to believe Fiona and Deb are backing strong frontline services – it doesn’t add up. Pumicestone cannot afford a Frecklington government that is going to sack 30,000 workers in a reckless pursuit of an economic surplus over the next four years.”
Ms Gaske said the LNP was focused on investing for growth, “opening up the regions” and “unleashing industry”.
She said the party was tired of the “fear and smear campaign of the Labor Party”.
“ … We know it’s because they have nothing else to offer … they’re the only state in the country that haven’t delivered a budget,” she said.
“We are absolutely ready to deliver on a plan to keep our community safe and when I walk around Pumicestone they say they feel the need for change … they’re concerned about the lack of (a) plan and lack of economic detail this government has provided.
“We had the highest unemployment before COVID, highest debt, highest number of bankruptcies before COVID and now it’s even worse – why would we trust these people?”
The Bribie Island Bridge remains a key focus in the electorate, with Labor proposing expanding the bridge to dual lanes.
Ms King said many residents had also indicated Ningi Plaza Shops was a safety issue, proposing to install lights at the intersection to ease traffic congestion.
Six candidates are vying for the seat this month: LNP candidate Fiona Gaske, Labor’s Ali King, Richard Ogden for the Greens, Steven Newbery (UAP), Ross Konowalenko (One Nation) and Ryan Dryden (Legalise Cannabis Qld Party). Only two candidates could attend the debate due to coronavirus restrictions.
It was hosted by The Courier-Mail and Sky News as one of 10 key seats (Barron River, Thuringowa, Mundingburra, Whitsunday, Keppel, Keppel, Aspley, South Brisbane, Redlands, Gaven) selected for in-person debates with Peter Gleeson moderating, and being livestreamed to our websites.
Aiming to ensure Queenslanders make an informed decision based on facts when they head to the polls on Saturday, October 31, the livestreamed debates give voters the opportunity to hear each candidate’s pitch, sharing what matters most to them in the lead up to election day.
The debates provide a forum where we tackle the issues that matter most to readers and constituents, giving candidates the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and passion for local issues.
Originally published as Queensland election 2020: Pumicestone candidates in special live debate