Voters in one of the LNP's safest federal seats feel disconnected from the political process, according to a new representative group in the region.
In November 2020, Garth Hamilton claimed the seat of Groom with 67 per cent of the two candidate preferred vote in a by-election, after the resignation of Dr John McVeigh two months earlier.
The seat encompasses Toowoomba and nearby rural communities, with the city a major agricultural, educational and health care hub. It is also the second-largest refugee settlement location in Queensland.
In order to increase representation of the diverse region, non-partisan organisation Voices of Groom has sprung up. The group of 50 has been conducting a survey and 'kitchen table conversations' to identify the region's big issues.
Spokeswoman Suzie Holt said many felt disconnected from the political process and were concerned that Groom was a safe seat, which they believed was a disadvantage in the political process.
"We have been asking the people of Groom what they value about where they live, what they would like to see in the future, and how they would like their federal member to represent them," Ms Holt said.
"We are still talking to people and collecting ideas, but the biggest thing to emerge is that they want their federal member to listen to and engage with them, and act in their best interest."
- Visit voicesofgroom.com.au for more information
