Major parties face off in Nicklin. ALP stands by achievements. LNP targets crime, housing, cost of living

Nicklin MP Rob Skelton believes his track record of delivering services and improvements for Nicklin will earn him another term.

Former Nicklin MP Marty Hunt vows to bring the "right priorities" to Nicklin, promising stronger laws and housing reforms.

By Cameron Outridge

The race for the marginal seat of Nicklin is heating up as incumbent Labor MP Rob Skelton and LNP challenger Marty Hunt go head-to-head in the lead-up to the Queensland State Election on 26 October. 

With a razor-thin margin of just 0.1%, this contest is one of the most closely watched in the state, and both candidates are laying out starkly different visions for the future of the electorate.

Rob Skelton, a former aviation firefighter and Nicklin’s MP since 2020, is campaigning on his record of delivering infrastructure and services to the region.

“Our kids are our future, and I want them to be ready for the future,” Mr Skelton said, pointing to the more than $63.5 million in education funding he’s secured for local schools like Yandina State School and Burnside State High School. 

He also highlights Labor’s efforts to address cost-of-living pressures through electricity rebates, transport fare reductions, and expanded healthcare services. “Locals should vote for me because they know I’ll fight for the best possible outcome for Nicklin,” he said.

In contrast, former MP Marty Hunt, who represented Nicklin from 2017 to 2020, has made tackling crime and housing affordability his central campaign promises. 

Drawing on his experience as a police officer, Hunt argues that the community no longer feels safe, citing increases in crime during Labor’s tenure. “Community safety is my top priority, and we will legislate our ‘Making Queensland Safer’ laws by Christmas if elected,” Hunt said. 

He also emphasised the housing crisis, describing it as “heartbreaking” to see people forced to live in tents or cars, and called for more immediate action to address the issue.

• See the Gazette’s Q&A interviews with Marty Hunt and Rob Skelton.