Southport state by-election, 1987
Encyclopedia
A by-election was held in the Queensland Legislative Assembly
seat of Southport
on 20 June 1987. It was triggered by the death of sitting National Party
member Doug Jennings on 9 April 1987. The seat was formerly a Liberal seat until 1980, and the by-election took place in the midst of the Joh for Canberra
push. However, the campaign dwelled almost entirely on local matters.
, a rugby league identity and acknowledged Sir Joh supporter, while the Liberals selected Keith Thompson, a Gold Coast City alderman. Perennial independent candidate William Aabraham-Steer, who had contested McPherson
and Moncrieff
at various federal elections, also contested.
.
Queensland Legislative Assembly
The Queensland Legislative Assembly is the unicameral chamber of the Parliament of Queensland. Elections are held approximately once every three years. Voting is by the Optional Preferential Voting form of the Alternative Vote system...
seat of Southport
Electoral district of Southport
The district of Southport is an electoral district of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian state of Queensland.The district is based in the northern part of the Gold Coast. It is named for the suburb of Southport, and also includes the suburbs of Arundel, Ernest, Labrador, Molendinar and...
on 20 June 1987. It was triggered by the death of sitting National Party
National Party of Australia
The National Party of Australia is an Australian political party.Traditionally representing graziers, farmers and rural voters generally, it began as the The Country Party, but adopted the name The National Country Party in 1975, changed to The National Party of Australia in 1982. The party is...
member Doug Jennings on 9 April 1987. The seat was formerly a Liberal seat until 1980, and the by-election took place in the midst of the Joh for Canberra
Joh for Canberra
The Joh for Canberra or Joh for PM campaign was an attempt by the Queensland branch of the National Party of Australia to install Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen as Prime Minister of Australia....
push. However, the campaign dwelled almost entirely on local matters.
Candidates
The Nationals selected Mick VeiversMick Veivers
Mick Veivers was the Member for Southport from 1987 to 2001 and was Minister for Emergency Services and Sport in the Borbidge Government. He had previously been a Rugby League international....
, a rugby league identity and acknowledged Sir Joh supporter, while the Liberals selected Keith Thompson, a Gold Coast City alderman. Perennial independent candidate William Aabraham-Steer, who had contested McPherson
Division of McPherson
The Division of McPherson is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland. The division was created in 1948 and is named for the McPherson Range, which forms one of the divisional boundaries...
and Moncrieff
Division of Moncrieff
The Division of Moncrieff is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland. The division was created in 1984 and is named for Gladys Moncrieff, an Australian singer who resided in the area....
at various federal elections, also contested.
Results
The seat was retained by the National Party with the election of candidate and former Australian rugby league international Mick VeiversMick Veivers
Mick Veivers was the Member for Southport from 1987 to 2001 and was Minister for Emergency Services and Sport in the Borbidge Government. He had previously been a Rugby League international....
.