For the first time in almost three decades, one state government has bucked the by-election hoodoo to win back a seat thanks to a big swing from voters.
Queensland’s LNP has claimed victory in the Hinchinbrook by-election in the state’s north after an aggressive campaign.
It is a major vote of confidence for Premier David Crisafulli, after his boyhood mate Wayde Chiesa took what had been a very safe Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) seat.
The LNP had secured 41.28 per cent of the primary vote, according to the preliminary count from the Queensland Electoral Commission.
That was likely to result in a 54-46 per cent win for Mr Chiesa over KAP candidate Mark Molachino, on a two-candidate basis, after a 13 per cent swing to the LNP.
One Nation’s Luke Sleep attracted just over 13 per cent of the primary vote, while Labor’s Maurie Soars could manage only eight per cent.
“It’s been approaching 30 years since the government won a seat back at a by-election – so it is a big deal,” the premier said on Sunday.
“The magnitude of this Wayde’s win is historic, and I think that reflects how hard he has worked, and it’s a focus for us to accept it with humility and grace.”
The premier took a moment out of the celebrations to enjoy a not-so-subtle jab at his ALP predecessor, Steven Miles.
“Traditionally, by-election swings are against the government,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“I’m not sure I’ve seen a Labor party vote in single digits, so that’s something for them to reflect on.”
The north Queensland electorate, spanning about 6500 square kilometres, includes Mr Crisafulli’s hometown of Ingham.
The premier still has close ties with the community where his family has a cane farm and admitted the result was personal.
“Of course, it’s personal. I grew up here, I love this community, and I want the best for it and the best representation for it,” he said.
“This community ….well, it means a lot.”
The by-election was triggered when KAP’s Nick Dametto resigned and ran for Townsville Mayor, emerging triumphant earlier this month.
Mr Crisafulli led the LNP to a drought-breaking state election win in 2024, campaigning hard on youth crime reforms, to snap Labor’s nine-year reign.