Brisbane, September 28 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)
Rockhampton, long considered a Labor stronghold, is seeing signs of political upheaval as dissatisfaction with the party grows in regional Queensland. For over 90 years, Rockhampton has consistently sent a Labor MP to the Queensland parliament. However, ahead of the upcoming Queensland election, concerns about health, education, and infrastructure are fueling discontent in areas that have historically supported the party.
Former mayor Margaret Strelow now running as an independent candidate, has highlighted growing frustration with Labor’s handling of these vital issues. Strelow points to the difficulties regional areas face in competing for government funding against the heavily populated southeast corner of the state. Voters in Rockhampton are particularly troubled by inadequate healthcare services, underfunded schools, and infrastructure shortfalls, reflecting a broader sentiment across Queensland’s regional seats.
Labor’s troubles extend beyond Rockhampton, as opinion polls indicate mounting dissatisfaction with the government. Issues such as the rising cost of living, increasing crime rates, and insufficient public services, including underpaid teachers and strained healthcare systems, are driving voter sentiment across multiple regional seats.
The Queensland election will be a pivotal moment for Labor, which has been in power for most of the time since 1989. The party’s new leader, Steven Miles is attempting to regain public trust by focusing on cost-of-living relief measures, such as cheap public transport fares and power bill rebates. However, his efforts have received mixed reactions, and his ability to connect with voters remains a challenge.
Adding pressure is the rising influence of the Greens, particularly in urban areas, where they are calling for aggressive social reforms, such as rent caps, forcing Labor to defend its position. This shift in voter dynamics makes the upcoming election a significant test for Labor’s future, especially in regional strongholds like Rockhampton.
The election is also being closely monitored by federal leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton. Dutton, along with state opposition leader David Crisafulli sees an opportunity to bridge the urban-rural divide, although disagreements over key issues like nuclear energy have caused tension within the Liberal National Party (LNP). Crisafulli’s campaign is focused on his regional roots, appealing to voters outside of Queensland’s southeast.
As Queensland braces for a tough election, it’s clear that the cost-of-living crisis, dissatisfaction with public services, and a shifting political landscape could redefine long-standing loyalties in regional areas like Rockhampton.