LNP Claims Victory in Fiercely Fought Hinchinbrook By-Election

LNP candidate Wayde Chiesa and Premier David Crisafulli have claimed a historic win in the Hinchinbrook by-election, capping off the premier's first year in office with a significant political milestone.

The LNP overturned a daunting 13-point deficit to take the North Queensland seat from Katter's Australian Party (KAP). The result marks the first time since 1998 that a sitting Queensland government has captured a seat from another party in a by-election.

While the win does not change the balance of power in parliament, it delivers an emphatic boost to the LNP's standing in the regions.

The contest was unusual in that it was not a traditional LNP-versus-Labor matchup. Still, the by-election was widely viewed as a key test of the government's regional appeal, one year after sweeping to power. Voters responded with a clear show of support.

Speaking on election night, Premier Crisafulli said the result affirmed his government's direction.
"[People] have also said to us collectively as a government to keep going, to keep doing the things we’re doing," he told supporters.

Crime dominated the LNP's campaign strategy, with multiple ministers travelling to Hinchinbrook to bolster Chiesa's bid. The tightly coordinated effort paid off with a decisive swing.

Setback for KAP

The result is a major blow for KAP, reducing its representation from three seats to two. The by-election was triggered when former KAP MP Nick Dametto resigned to run for Townsville mayor.

Dametto had held Hinchinbrook comfortably, securing 46.4 per cent of the primary vote in 2024. The collapse in support suggests much of KAP's past success in the seat was tied to Dametto's personal popularity.

KAP selected former Townsville councillor and deputy mayor Mark Molachino as its candidate - a choice the LNP repeatedly targeted due to his previous membership in the Labor Party. In parliament, ministers took to labelling him "Labor's Katter candidate".

KAP leader Robbie Katter admitted the loss was tough.
"I'm feeling pretty battered," he said, though he described the party's roughly 30 per cent primary vote as "pretty solid".
"You can wax and wane in your numbers ... but I think there's a really good future for us in Queensland politics."

Labor Slumps to Fourth Place

The by-election has also raised fresh concerns for Labor's prospects in regional Queensland. Labor was never expected to win Hinchinbrook, historically a weak seat for the party, but its support fell from an already low 14 per cent in 2024 to just 8.3 per cent.

Such a single-digit primary vote is highly unusual for Labor in any electorate and leaves the party in fourth place behind the LNP, KAP and One Nation.

The result underscores the challenges Labor faces as it attempts to rebuild in regional areas where it suffered heavy defeats in 2024.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles said the party's focus remains on the 2028 state election.
"It reinforces what we have known - that Labor needs to work hard to develop policies that appeal right across Queensland," he said.