Bribie Island decided the outcome of the 2019 Federal election in Longman when it turned on ALP member Susan Lamb largely because of the ALP’s position on franking credits. Bribie also decided the outcome of the 2016 Longman election when it turned on LNP member Wyatt Roy largely for not spending more time on Bribie and Longman issues. The ALP took virtually all the booths on Bribie in 2016, but took virtually none in 2019.
It would seem obvious then, that Bribie should be a focus for campaigns in Longman in this campaign. But Wally and Wilhelmina and all the rest of the family are seemingly absent. Where are they? Why are they giving Bribie a miss?
MBI has made reference in the past to the comments in the 2008 State election that have been attributed to a then Shadow Minister in the debate about the location of a desalination plant that will be needed in the northern corridor in the next decade or two. The Shadow Minister is reported to have commented that Bribie was the best location for this desalination plant because… “no one lives there”. MBI has commented in the past that maybe the Shadow Minister probably meant…. “no one important lives there”. No Premiers or mayors. No one rich or famous. No MP’s. No Councillors.
Maybe the candidates for Longman in the 2022 are responding to the Shadow Minister’s alleged remarks. Maybe that is why Bribie is being ignored in this campaign. Readers who have contacted MBI comment that sightings of candidates from any party have been very rare. They comment that commitments to actually do something for Bribie are even rarer. Those MBI readers comment that it is almost impossible to get candidates to attend meetings of interested electors. Some readers comment that some candidates don’t even bother responding to phone calls or e-mails.
So what is the experience of readers? Seen any candidates lately? Heard of any campaign pledges for Bribie? Let us all know
Editor, MyBribieIsland
