Moreton

Back Bench Seat

Marginal Liberal, 2.8% (post-redistribution – previously 4.2%)

Moreton is based in the middle southern suburbs of Brisbane: Chelmer, Sherwood, Yeronga, Tarragindi, Moorooka, Coopers Plains, Sunnybank, Eight Mile Plains, Runcorn, Algester and Calamvale. Moreton has traditionally been a Liberal seat – it was held for many years by the legendary Jim Killen – but in 1990 it fell to Labor for the first time since 1906. It then reverted to the Liberals, and Gary Hardgrave has held the seat since 1996.

Moreton is second in line after Bonner among possible Labor gains in Queensland. It is not a volatile seat, but generally follows the state-wide trend – in 2004 it swung 1.6 per cent against Labor, a bit less than average. In January, Hardgrave was dropped from the Howard ministry, supposedly so he could concentrate on his campaign, but giving the impression that the Government has written the seat off. It’s hard to see Labor winning the election if it doesn’t pick up Moreton. Its candidate is Graham Perrett.

Declared Candidates