Major-party candidates face off for re-match in state’s second most marginal seat

Rob Skelton and Marty Hunt were at pre-polling early Monday. With election day fast approaching, the battle for Nicklin is set to be a defining contest in Queensland’s state election.

by Cameron Outridge

As the Queensland state election on October 26 draws near, all eyes are on the Nicklin electorate, where the contest between Labor’s Rob Skelton and the LNP’s Marty Hunt has the potential to be one of the most closely fought races. 

Nicklin, the second most marginal seat in Queensland, was won by Mr Skelton in 2020 by a razor-thin margin of just 0.1%, unseating Mr Hunt. With pre-polling now open, both candidates are making their final push to sway undecided voters.

This year’s contest sees Mr Hunt, buoyed by his party’s surge in polling, running a campaign focused on change, drawing on community concerns around safety and the rising cost of living. 

Mr Hunt, who has long-standing ties to the region as a former police officer and community advocate, has been vocal about the need for stronger action on youth crime. 

“People I speak to across Nicklin are telling me they no longer feel safe in their homes or out shopping,” said Mr Hunt, making community safety his top priority. He pledges to legislate new "Making Queensland Safer" laws if the LNP is elected, with promises of tougher consequences for young offenders.

In addition to community safety, housing and cost of living are major themes in Mr Hunt’s campaign. He argues that under Labor, Queenslanders are struggling to find and keep affordable housing. 

“It has never been more difficult to find, secure, or keep a roof over your head,” he said. Mr Hunt pledges that the LNP will prioritise housing and infrastructure, with initiatives like releasing land for new homes and ensuring Queenslanders have the option to own their homes or access affordable rental properties.

Skelton stands on record

Mr Skelton is standing by his record in government, focusing on the investments he has helped secure for local schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. “We’ve got a massive pipeline of jobs and infrastructure on the horizon across the Sunshine Coast,” said Mr Skelton. Projects like the Borumba Pumped Hydro, Sunshine Coast Direct Rail, and the Beerburrum to Nambour Stage 2 project are expected to bring thousands of construction jobs to the region and provide long-term benefits to local businesses. 

He is also proud of securing funding for new school infrastructure, including a science precinct at Nambour State College and upgrades to Woombye State School.

Both candidates are keenly aware of the pressure on local families due to the cost of living crisis. 

Mr Skelton pointed to the Labor government’s initiatives, such as more free health services at the newly funded Sunshine Coast Satellite Hospital, as examples of how Labor is delivering for local families. “I’m inspired by our Nicklin community spirit every day. We are a tight-knit, connected community where everyone looks out for one another. And if I’m re-elected, I’ll continue to work with my community and fight for the investment we need to get things done.”

Mr Hunt said he was inspired by setting things right for the people of Nicklin. 

“I see first-hand the way our community is hurting under this Palaszczuk/Miles Labor Government, and I know our community deserves better. 

“Only an LNP Government will deliver the things I know our community has been crying out for—like safer streets and better resources for our police. 

“The LNP will deliver upgraded roads and support our local schools and sports clubs."