The next Federal election has been called for Saturday, July 2 … so far only 10 candidates have announced their intention to run in Maranoa, Flynn and Wide Bay (Photo: AEC)

May 9, 2016

South Burnett voters may have far fewer candidates to choose from in July’s Federal election than they did in 2013 unless new candidates step forward in the next four weeks.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced Australia will be going to the polls for a double dissolution Federal election on Saturday, July 2.

All seats in the House Of Representatives and the Senate will be up for grabs.

The Coalition currently holds 90 seats and Labor 55 seats in the Lower House but following a redrawing of electoral boundaries in NSW and Western Australia, the Coalition holds a notional 89 seats and Labor 57 seats.

The minimum number required to win government is 76 seats.

The South Burnett is crossed by three Federal electorates: Maranoa, Flynn and Wide Bay.

In 2013, a combined 23 candidates contested the three seats but so far only 10 candidates have put themselves forward for the 2016 poll.

Any other intending candidates will need to nominate by June 9.

Minor parties which took part in the 2013 election – such as Palmer United Party, Katter’s Australian Party, Family First and the Rise Up Australia Party – have not yet announced if they will be running candidates in these electorates in 2016.

This leaves the field to the LNP, ALP, Greens and (in Maranoa) One Nation.

* * *

Here is a quick guide to the candidates who have so far announced their intention to run:

Maranoa candidates David Littleproud (LNP), David Kerrigan (ALP), Katherine Hompes (Greens) and Lynette Keehn (One Nation)

Maranoa

Maranoa has been held by Bruce Scott (LNP) since 1980.

Mr Scott is retiring at this election and David Littleproud will be contesting the seat as the LNP candidate.

In the 2013 election, seven candidates contested the seat, but for 2016 only four have put their hands to date:

The seat is considered very safe for the Coalition, with a 22.3 per cent margin.

Maranoa candidates:

  • David Littleproud (LNP)
  • David Kerrigan (ALP)
  • Lynette Keehn (One Nation)
  • Katherine Hompes (Greens)

* * *

Flynn candidates Ken O’Dowd (LNP), Zac Beers (ALP) and Craig Tomsett (Greens)

Flynn

Flynn has been held since 2010 by LNP MP Ken O’Dowd.

It’s considered a safe Coalition seat with a margin of 6.5 per cent.

In the 2013 election nine candidates contested the seat but only three have thrown their hat in the ring so far.

Greens candidate Craig Tomsett stood unsuccessfully as an Independent at the 2013 poll.

Flynn candidates:

  • Ken O’Dowd (LNP)
  • Zac Beers (ALP)
  • Craig Tomsett (Greens)

* * *

Wide Bay candidates Llew O’Brien (LNP), Lucy Stanton (ALP) and Bron Marsh (Greens)

Wide Bay

Wide Bay has been held since 1990 by former National Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.

Mr Truss is retiring at this election. Former Kilkivan police officer Llew O’Brien will be contesting the seat as the LNP candidate.

Wide Bay is considered a very safe seat for the Coalition with a 13.2 per cent margin.

In 2013, seven candidates contested the seat. So far, only three have announced their intention to run in 2016:

Wide Bay candidates:

  • Llew O’Brien (LNP)
  • Lucy Stanton (ALP)
  • Bron Marsh (Greens)

 

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