Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the House of the current complexities that present themselves on the political landscape of Queensland in the aftermath of the recent elections. With the majority of votes counted in the Queensland state election, there still remains a level of confusion over who exactly is in charge of my fair state. Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk today came forward declaring that she believed that she had a majority to claim victory. This contradicts current figures, with Labor at least three seats shy of the 45-seat majority it requires. However, time has a way of revealing all and sundry to us.

The silver lining to be found is that, of the state seats that my electorate encompasses, we retained some and actually saw increases. It is incredible that we would actually pick up some votes when there was a 13 per cent swing against the government. I would like to commend the Beaudesert candidate and sitting member, Jon Krause, for the outstanding work that he did in delivering services on the ground. Jon was returned comfortably. In the Lockyer Valley, the count is still underway for Ian Rickuss, who was up against a high-profile candidate, Pauline Hanson. Can I also acknowledge Ros Bates over at Mudgeeraba, who won just about every booth, and also Sid Cramp, who won the seat of Gaven over a high-profile Independent candidate. I thank the House.