AS the Labor Party swept to power on Saturday night, local federal politicians were preparing to resume their positions, albeit with vastly different responsibilities.
Along with the changing of the guard comes new roles.
Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers was yesterday due to be sworn in as the country’s treasurer, meaning the purse strings of Australia and Queensland will both be managed from Wembley Road in Logan Central.
Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick is state treasurer, and now his neighbour Mr Chalmers will be regarded one of the most powerful brokers in national politics.
The risk of course, is that his local electorate gets neglected.
Mr Chalmers told national newspapers at the weekend that he would this week begin sweeping his eye through government spending line by line.
He was briefed from his home on Sunday by Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy and would aim to deliver a new federal budget in October.
“All roads lead to better spending,” he told Fairfax newspapers.
“The magnitude of spending matters, but the quality of the spending matters even more. We will be seeking to find ways we can improve the quality of spending through the budget.”
Mr Chalmers was returned with an increased majority in Rankin, bucking a national trend which saw swings against both major parties.
His primary vote was up 2.96%.
Despite losing 2.26% of his primary vote, Member for Wright Scott Buchholz also saw a more favourable result than LNP colleagues around the country who saw double-digit swings against them.
In Forde, sitting member Bert van Manen was re-elected for a fifth consecutive term, the first politician to achieve such a feat in his seat.
Both Mr van Manen (-6.97%) and Labor candidate Rowan Holzerberger (-1.14%) saw swings against them, more in line with national trends.
Mr van Manen was not speculating on his future in opposition. With experience in his most immediate role as government Whip, it could feasibly be expected he will be in the running for a portfolio in the shadow ministry.
This will be elected after a new leader is chosen.
“I believe our country faces a challenging time in the years ahead as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, and deal with issues such as rising inflation and the cost of living, and slow wage growth,” he said.
“There are also other factors beyond our control which will impact Australians, such as war in Europe, rising commodity prices, supply chain issues and regional tensions.”
Mr van Manen said his door remained open to constituents, and staff would continue to help people to resolve issues and problems.
“As always, I remain committed to this community, the place where I grew up and now have the opportunity to once again serve for the next three years,” he said.
