Andrew Wallace wins fourth term representing Fisher despite national swing shake up of political landscape
By Sonia Isaacs
RE-ELECTED Liberal National Party MP, Andrew Wallace, has thanked voters in Fisher after securing a fourth term in the federal seat, despite a national swing against the Coalition and a spirited challenge from a community-backed Independent.
Speaking after the result was confirmed, Mr Wallace said he was “deeply honoured and humbled” by the support of the electorate, which delivered a smaller-than-expected 1.8 per cent swing against him—bucking the national trend of a 5 per cent swing to Labor.
“Your vote is a testament to our shared vision for a stronger, more prosperous Fisher,” Mr Wallace said in his address to supporters.
“I am committed to being your voice in Canberra, advocating tirelessly for the needs and aspirations of our community.”
The result in Fisher came amid a broader defeat for the Liberal Party nationwide, particularly across metropolitan seats, where Labor made significant inroads.
Mr Wallace acknowledged the Coalition’s loss and extended congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party on forming government.
“This was a tough loss for the Liberal Party—one that has seen many talented MPs lose their seats and their loyal staff also,” he said.
“We must identify our mistakes and shortcomings, and we must learn from them.”
He credited hundreds of Liberal National Party and community volunteers for the success of his re-election bid, saying it was their grassroots efforts that made the result possible.
“From door knocking and installing signs to countless hours spent working on polling booths in heat and rain, this is real grassroots political work—something the LNP has always lived and breathed,” he said.
Mr Wallace also signalled a desire for internal reform within the party, calling for an end to “messianic politics” and a return to traditional Westminster cabinet-style governance.
“We cannot continue to look to a particular leader as being the Messiah,” he told GC&M News.
“An alternative government must demonstrate depth beyond a front-facing individual.”
He said greater collaboration was needed on policy development and argued the party must modernise its message while staying true to its philosophical principles.
“I am confident we can re-establish the branding of the Liberal Party,” he said.
“We must listen and learn first, then rebuild.”
Mr Wallace also took aim at the Albanese Government’s handling of community funding, warning that many local organisations were being left behind.
“Community groups are closing their doors because they can’t pay public liability insurance,” he said.
“We’ve got girls changing behind sheds because they lack proper facilities.
This is unacceptable.”
Following the Coalition’s national loss, local community groups on the Sunshine Coast now face an uncertain future, with key infrastructure grants promised by the LNP during the campaign left in limbo.
Mr Wallace confirmed the federal defeat meant he could no longer deliver the $10 million in community funding he had pledged.
“I’m sorry we didn’t win nationally,” Mr Wallace said.
“Those commitments can’t be fulfilled because we’re not in charge of the Treasury benches.”
The proposed grants included infrastructure and facility upgrades for local sporting venues including Glass House Mountains Sports Club, Norris House and Beerwah Golf Club.
Mr Wallace said he would continue to pressure the Labor government to support community organisations, which he described as essential to social cohesion and local development.
Despite his return to office, the race in Fisher was closer than in previous elections, with Independent challenger Keryn Jones mounting a significant grassroots campaign that altered the electoral dynamics of the traditionally safe LNP seat.
“What we’ve achieved together over the past few months is nothing short of remarkable,” Ms Jones said.
“We’ve shaken up a so-called safe seat, made it competitive, and inspired thousands of people to vote for a new kind of politics.”
Ms Jones, supported by more than 200 volunteers and funding from the Climate 200 movement, said the campaign had sparked lasting change in the region.
“This campaign was powered by people who care deeply about our community and believe we can do better,” she said.
While the Australian Electoral Commission has yet to complete the full distribution of preferences, Ms Jones said she had called Mr Wallace last week to offer her congratulations.
“The full picture won’t be visible until after May 16, when postal votes are finalised,” she said.
“But the momentum we’ve built isn’t going away.”
Ms Jones criticised the current voting system, saying it was difficult to determine how preferences flowed when Independents like herself were excluded from the two-candidate-preferred count.
“We’ve consistently advocated for a three-candidate-preferred count, but been denied,” she said.
“Until then, we simply won’t know my final position for certain.”
Nonetheless, she described the campaign as a major achievement in civic engagement and political renewal.
“Even on current numbers, we’ve done exceptionally well,” she said.
“Time and again, our volunteers showed up with grace, calm, and fierce commitment to our shared values.
That speaks volumes about the type of leadership this community is hungry for.”
Labor candidate Morrison Lakey, who joined the contest late, also welcomed the electorate’s shift in sentiment despite falling short.
“I’m very proud of what we achieved, considering our limited resources and volunteer capacity,” Mr Lakey said.
“To pick up a swing to Labor in one of the most traditionally blue-ribbon seats in Queensland is no small feat.”
Mr Lakey said Labor’s national result delivered a decisive mandate for reform.
“Six months ago, most pundits predicted a hung parliament or minority government,” he said.
“Instead, Labor has a strong mandate—from strengthening Medicare and expanding childcare to revitalising Australian manufacturing.”
A first-time candidate, Mr Lakey said he was committed to staying in politics.
“I’ve lived in this community all my life.
It would be an honour to one day be elected to serve it,” he said.
The seat of Fisher, which covers much of the southern Sunshine Coast, has historically been a Liberal National stronghold.
However, the 2025 federal election exposed shifting voter concerns, particularly around cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure delivery, energy policy, and community services.
Mr Wallace, who first entered parliament in 2016, said he was looking forward to continuing his work representing the region.
“It has been an incredible journey serving this community so far, but I have lots more work to do,” he said.
“I’m eager to continue working hard for Fisher.”
sonia@gcnews.com.au
