Landmark Wins For LNP

By Amanda Wright

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In a historic swing, the Liberal National Party (LNP) has won the seat of Mackay, a long-held Labor stronghold, with former police officer Nigel Dalton capturing the seat through a grassroots campaign focused on tackling youth crime and supporting community safety. Dalton expressed gratitude, saying, “The community chose change, and I’m here to deliver it.”
Amanda Camm retained her seat in Whitsunday, celebrating the strengthened LNP presence in the region, which she believes will amplify regional voices in parliament. “We’re entering government with a clear mandate for regional Queensland,” she said.
Dalton expressed pride in the diversity of the newly elected LNP team across Queensland, describing them as “community champions” representing various professions, including police officers, electricians, and teachers—all dedicated to standing up for the needs and future of the state’s regions.
Meanwhile, at the time this publication went to print, the contest in Mirani remains tight between the LNP’s Glen Kelly and incumbent Stephen Andrew of the Katter Party, demonstrating the competitiveness of this election year and the community’s desire for change.

A change in swing across regional Queensland has marked a historic LNP landslide, with the LNP winning the local seats of Mackay and Whitsunday, while Mirani is a close contest. Photo supplied

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LNP Claims Victory in Queensland State Election: A Shift in Power for Regional Seats

In a decisive turn of events, the Liberal National Party (LNP) has claimed victory in the Queensland state election, securing local seats in Mackay, Whitsunday, and Burdekin, with the race in Mirani still too close to call as votes continue to be counted. The election results reflect a clear mandate from regional Queenslanders prioritising law and order, amid growing dissatisfaction with the previous government's handling of crime.
LNP leader David Crisafulli announced the party's victory late Saturday night, marking only the second instance since the merger of the Nationals and Liberals in 2008 that the LNP has formed government in Queensland. The results indicate a notable shift in political dynamics, particularly outside Brisbane, where the LNP secured 11 electorates in regional centres, needing just 12 for a majority. Several electorates experienced double-digit swings towards the LNP, highlighting a palpable desire for change among voters.
One of Labor's most significant losses was in Mackay, a seat it had held for over a century. Former police officer Nigel Dalton, who retired this year, claimed the electorate for the LNP with an impressive 17% swing. Dalton’s victory reflects a broader trend of police officers being elected to the LNP in regional Queensland, driven by a campaign focused on youth crime and public safety.
The LNP's gains extended to Townsville, where electrician Adam Baillie defeated former resources minister Scott Stewart. Other notable victories included LNP candidate Natalie Marr, who unseated Aaron Harper in Thuringowa.
Additionally, the LNP secured the coastal seat of Hervey Bay, where David Lee defeated Labor's Adrian Tantari. Crisafulli himself garnered over 70% of the vote in his blue-ribbon electorate of Broadwater, while former housing minister Meaghan Scanlon now faces a formidable challenge against LNP candidate Bianca Stone in the central Gold Coast seat of Gaven.

Dalton Wins Mackay, Camm Retains Whitsunday As Regional Queensland Rallies Behind The LNP
In a historic shift, former police officer Nigel Dalton has claimed the seat of Mackay for the Liberal National Party, ending over a century of Labor control in the electorate. Dalton’s win comes as Amanda Camm also retains her seat in Whitsunday, marking a significant victory for the LNP in North Queensland. The close contest in nearby Mirani, where LNP candidate Glen Kelly is challenging Stephen Andrew of the Katter Party, reflects the intensity of this election cycle and the drive for change in the region.
Dalton’s victory highlights his commitment to addressing pressing local issues, notably youth crime and victim support, which he emphasised throughout his grassroots campaign. He expressed deep gratitude for the community’s faith in his vision:
“I’m incredibly thankful to the people of Mackay for this opportunity. For a town with such a strong Labor history, it’s remarkable to see this shift. The community chose change, and I’m here to deliver it.”
Dalton, who retired from a long career in law enforcement earlier this year, said he’s ready to bring his expertise to his new role as MP.
“With my background as a police officer, I can handle all aspects of the job,” he noted. “But listening to people is something I’ve done all my life, and now I want to make sure their concerns translate into real change.”
He spoke passionately about the need for better victim support, saying, “Too often, victims of crime are overlooked. They need to be heard, supported—whether it’s through counselling or compensation.
“Victims often hold key insights, and their voices should help shape how we move forward.”
One of Dalton’s career passions has been promoting community-based safety initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch.
“Community is about looking after each other,” he said. “Checking in with neighbours, knowing who’s around—it’s these small steps that keep our streets safer.”
Dalton celebrated his victory modestly, reflecting his community-oriented style.
“All I wanted was a strong coffee,” he said, smiling. “A volunteer brought me a long black—it was the best coffee of my life. My daughter was visiting for the election, so it was wonderful to just slow down and spend time with family.”
Amanda Camm, who has held the seat of Whitsunday since 2020, expressed her excitement at having fellow LNP representation in nearby Mackay. Reflecting on her early years in office, Camm said, “Four years ago, I was the only LNP member elected locally, which felt daunting and isolating. Now, having Nigel here in Mackay and a close race in Mirani, the situation has completely changed. We’re entering government with a clear mandate and a united force for regional Queensland.”
Camm emphasised the importance of grassroots campaigning, crediting it with helping her team understand the issues that matter most to their constituents.
“Listening to real concerns in our communities has been essential. Those are the issues we’re taking to government,” she said.
“With this cohesion across our region, our voices will be stronger than ever.”
Looking forward, Camm said she’s focused on delivering much-needed infrastructure projects, including vital road improvements and a comprehensive review of local healthcare.
“Delivering on roading projects is a massive priority,” she stated.
“The Bruce Highway runs through all our electorates, and it’s critical to our communities. We need to make sure frontline workers are supported, and that healthcare planning is sustainable. Recent issues, like the temporary closure of the cardiac unit and the hospital’s helicopter landing debacle, are stark reminders that we need better foresight and planning in our health system.”
Camm believes the LNP is ready to govern and credits David Crisafulli’s leadership in setting a decisive tone.
“In just his first days as Premier, David has demonstrated a genuine concern for public services, acknowledging past missteps to ensure they aren’t repeated. That’s what gives people confidence that the LNP will move Queensland forward,” she said.
“We are ready, and we mean business.”
Dalton is excited by the diversity of the newly elected LNP representatives.
“It’s a unique group,” he said.
“We have people from all walks of life—police officers, electricians, teachers.
“These are community champions in their own right, and now they’re standing up for our regions and for Queensland.
“To my campaign team and volunteers, thank you does not seem to cover my appreciation to you.
“To the public of Mackay - I am honoured that you put your faith and trust in me to be your first ever LNP representative, and I ask you to come on this journey with me.
“Together we can ensure that our community is safe and that our community can thrive.
“I am so excited to be representing you.”

Nigel Dalton and Amanda Camm with Tegan Parnicott (centre) at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce B2B event on Tuesday October 29
Glen Kelly and Nigel Dalton with Senator Matt Canavan during campaigning
Nigel Dalton listening to locals during his campaign

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