THE Queensland state election has seen a striking shift on the Redlands Coast, with a strong “blue wave” of Liberal National Party (LNP) victories that has sent Don Brown and Kim Richards out to sea.
In a significant political turn, Russell Field, Rebecca Young, and Amanda Stoker claimed victory for the Liberal National Party (LNP) in the electorates of Capalaba, Redlands, and Oodgeroo.
Anti-crime advocate and high-profile candidate Russell Field won the seat for the LNP from ALP’s Don Brown.
Russell Field’s commitment to anti-crime initiatives is deeply personal, stemming from the tragic loss of his son, Matthew Field, and his partner, Kate Leadbetter, in a car accident caused by a stolen vehicle in January 2021.
With Redlands Coast now in LNP hands, the local community is eager to see how the party fulfills its commitments and addresses the needs of residents in this new political landscape.
Former LNP federal senator Amanda Stoker highlighted the LNP’s promises to address top concerns: lowering living costs, improving access to local health services, enhancing public safety, and tackling housing affordability.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this fresh start for our state,” Stoker said.
“I know it is going make a real difference for local families, retirees, businesses and more.”
Stoker expressed her excitement about contributing to what she described as a “a new and positive direction” for both the state and the Redlands community.
For Oodgeroo and the wider Redlands area, Stoker envisions a new era of collaboration with fellow LNP representatives Russell Field in Capalaba and Rebecca Young in Redlands, as they strive to operate as a cohesive team.
“We will be able to work together as a team to deliver the resources our region needs in a way that has not been possible for years,” Stoker said.
Stoker credited her victory to more than a year of dedicated campaigning through actively listening to the local issues throughout the electorate.
Reflecting on her campaign, Stoker emphasised that the real work begins now, with a commitment to delivering the infrastructure, investment, and services that can make a meaningful impact for Redlands families.
Rebecca Young stated that the LNP would prioritise significant changes from day one, including implementing an electricity maintenance guarantee for government-owned power plants, amending laws by Christmas, establishing an infrastructure coordination authority, and restoring transparency through real-time data, all within their first 100 days.
“Redlands deserves a government that prioritises customer service, respects taxpayer money, and operates transparently,” she said.
“This LNP win means that Redlands will have exactly that.”
Young emphasized that being part of a new Government was about transforming campaign promises into tangible action and ensuring that the voice of Redlands was heard and respected in all decision-making processes.
“With the LNP in government, I am committed to delivering on our promises to address the issues that matter most—cost of living, crime, housing, and health,” she said.
“This new role isn’t just a title; it’s an opportunity to make lasting, positive changes for Redlands and ensure that our community finally has a government that serves them with respect, accountability, and transparency.”
Russell Field was contacted for a comment but did not respond before deadline.
Words from the new Premier
‘There will be no cuts’ By Laine Clark
PUBLIC servants have been told there will be no job cuts in one of David Crisafulli’s first acts as Queensland premier.
The new leader has been quick to reassure the state’s 250,000-strong public service after heads rolled under the last Liberal National Party government.
Mr Crisafulli was sworn in as Queensland’s 41st premier on Monday after claiming victory in the state election. He became the LNP’s first Queensland premier since Campbell Newman who sacked about 14,000 public servants during his 2012-2015 term.
Mr Crisafulli did not waste time distancing himself from his LNP predecessor, telling public servants history would not repeat in what is believed to be his first official correspondence as premier.
“There will be no employment cuts to the public service workforce,” Mr Crisafulli said in Monday’s email message.
“Having seen the impact of job losses in the past on the productivity and morale of the public service, I will not be repeating those actions.”
Labor had claimed Mr Crisafulli would swing the axe if elected, citing LNP’s economic plan it released days ahead of Saturday’s election, that revealed changes to save almost $7 billion on consultancies and contractors.
But Labor claimed that meant the LNP would cut public service jobs to keep the budget in the black.
Mr Crisafulli assured public servants that would not be the case in Monday’s email, saying his government would work with them to create a “one team approach”.
He said his ministers would be tasked with having “greater visibility” and spending time with public servants.
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