Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Putting your hand up for election isn't easy, and I acknowledge the candidates who stood in the Queensland state election recently. Voters in Gympie showed their ongoing confidence in Tony Perrett, and I congratulate him on his appointment as Minister for Primary Industries. I congratulate Deb Frecklington, in Nanango, for her success and appointment as Queensland's Attorney-General. I congratulate my friend and former police officer Marty Hunt who retook Nicklin for the LNP, and, in Noosa, Clare Stewart ran a campaign that demonstrated her dedication and dignity. While the 15.8 per cent margin Clare was up against was always going to be a mammoth challenge to overcome, she achieved an incredible seven per cent swing to the LNP. I thank Clare for her effort, and I know she has much to offer the community into the future. I congratulate Sandy Boulton on her re-election. In Maryborough, John Barounis ran an exceptional grassroots campaign and claimed a seemingly impossible victory in what was a remarkable win. I congratulate John and his campaign manager, John McDonald, for their admirable effort. I also acknowledge the former member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, and acknowledge his nine years of service to the electorate. The LNP campaigns rely on volunteers, and I thank them all for their great effort in securing a wonderful victory for the LNP in Queensland.

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