Labor makes first major promise of any party for Groom by-election

One political party has promised $500,000 for upgrades to a Toowoomba park. It’s the first promise made this by-election campaign.

Labor has become the first major party to put a money-on-the-table promise to voters ahead of the Groom by-election on November 28.

Senator Anthony Chisholm said a future Labor Government, with Chris Meibusch as the Groom MP, would fund a $500,000 upgrade to the Nell E Robinson Park netball courts and amenities.

Mr Chisholm, who is also the chair of the senate select committee on administration of sport grants, said the project was skipped over by the government during the sports rorts scandal.

“It just shows you how arrogant the LNP are and how they take this area for granted,” he said.

“We’re not going to let them get away with that.”

At Nell E Robinson netball courts are (from left) Senator Anthony Chisholm, Groom Labor candidate Chris Meibusch and Kerry Shine for a sporting infrastructure announcement before the Groom by-election, Monday, November 23, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack denied the government were taking the seat, which is considered one of the most safe Coalition seats in the country, for granted.

“What we’re doing is we’re making sure we have the best possible candidate who is going to come to Canberra and fight loudly and proudly for the people of Toowoomba,” Mr McCormack said.

“With Garth Hamilton, that’s what we’ve got.”