Arabic version: سكانلون تعتزم الترشح مجدداً في غافن عام 2028

According to ABC News, Queensland Labor frontbencher Meaghan Scanlon has confirmed she will recontest the Gold Coast electorate of Gaven at the 2028 state election. Her decision follows speculation that she could seek a safer electorate after a substantial boundary redraw for the next poll.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles announced at Labor’s state conference that Ms Scanlon would stand again in Gaven. He said there had been “a lot of speculation” about her future and said he did not believe she had seriously considered moving. Mr Miles said he was confident she could win the seat.

The Queensland Redistribution Commission released its review in June, setting out significant changes to Gaven’s boundaries. The commission said it had to make substantial changes because the electorate was below quota and was projected to fall further below quota. Ms Scanlon reclaimed Gaven at the 2024 election with a margin of less than one per cent, narrowly defeating LNP candidate Bianca Stone.

Ms Scanlon, Labor’s only MP on the Gold Coast, said she was committed to remaining in the electorate where she grew up. First elected to Gaven in 2017, she served as environment minister and housing minister in the Palaszczuk and Miles governments. “I’ve been underestimated every time I’ve run,” she said. “I don’t give up when things get tough, I’m going to stay and fight.”

Ms Stone, now chief of staff in police minister Dan Purdie’s office, said she had not turned her mind to the next election and was happy in her current role. Former Labor MP and political analyst John Mickel said Ms Scanlon’s decision signalled that Labor was serious about the Gold Coast, particularly its northern end.