Qld Labor frontbencher not ruling out seat-swap after boundary review

Meaghan Scanlon, a prominent figure in Queensland Labor, is openly contemplating a potential seat swap after a substantial redrawing of electoral boundaries in her Gold Coast electorate of Gaven. The independent redistribution commission's recent final report has introduced significant changes across the state, impacting Scanlon's electoral prospects.

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I said from day one that we were seriously concerned about the process of the redistribution. I'm looking at what this means for me.

The seat of Gaven, which Scanlon narrowly retained at the last state election with a margin of less than one percent, is now subject to a major redraw. This alteration, particularly given its surrounding electorates are held by the Liberal National Party (LNP), has heightened concerns within the Labor party about Scanlon's ability to hold the seat in the future. As the shadow attorney-general, Scanlon acknowledged the "very significant changes" to her electorate, noting that nearly 40 percent of its area has been removed and replaced with new territory.

Scanlon, who was first elected to Gaven in 2017 and has served as environment and housing minister, stated on Saturday that she is "looking at what this means for me" and is "considering what these major changes will mean." She has not committed to running for re-election in Gaven in 2028 and has explicitly refused to rule out the possibility of seeking election in a different electorate.

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There are very significant changes. Almost 40 per cent of my electorate has been completely removed and then a whole lot of other areas added.

According to the Electoral Commission of Queensland, Gaven was about 12 percent below quota as of June 30. The commission's report indicated that significant changes were necessary because the seat was under quota and projected to fall further. The commission explored various options, ultimately deciding to retain the core of the existing district while expanding its eastern portion.

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I am considering what these major changes will mean and when I have more to say you will know.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the electorate's boundaries, Scanlon has been praised by her party. Deputy Labor leader Cameron Dick described her as "one of the rising stars" of the party, highlighting her "unbelievable work" as the Member for Gaven and as a minister in the previous Labor government. Dick affirmed that Scanlon "has a big future" and that the party will navigate the consequences of the redistribution together.

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She has done unbelievable work as the Member for Gaven and also as a minister in the previous Labor government.