Labor Strategically Preferencings Legalise Cannabis Queensland Over Greens in State Election

In a bold move ahead of the 2024 Queensland state election, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) has strategically placed Legalise Cannabis Queensland (LCQ) ahead of the Greens in 28 of the 29 seats the minor party is contesting. This unprecedented decision has stirred significant discussion within political circles, highlighting the evolving dynamics between major and minor parties in the state’s electoral landscape.

Labor’s Preferencing Strategy: Prioritizing LCQ

The ALP’s decision to prefer LCQ over the Greens in the majority of contested seats marks a notable shift in preference patterns. This strategic placement is evident in key electorates, including those of Premier Steven Miles, Police Minister Mark Ryan, and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. The only exception to this pattern is the Ninderry seat on the Sunshine Coast, where the ALP has opted to prefer the Greens ahead of LCQ.

Key Points of Preferencing:

• Number of Seats: LCQ is preferenced ahead of the Greens in 28 out of 29 seats.
• Major Electorates: Includes seats held by Premier Steven Miles, Police Minister Mark Ryan, and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.
• Exception: Ninderry on the Sunshine Coast prefers the Greens over LCQ.
• Voting System: Preferential voting is compulsory in Queensland state elections, requiring voters to rank every ballot paper.

Craig Ellis, national secretary of the Legalise Cannabis Party, expressed his approval of the ALP’s decision. “We are pleased that Labor has preferenced us before the Greens and other minor parties,” Ellis stated. “Our party will, in turn, preference Labor before the Liberal National Party (LNP), fostering a collaborative approach to electoral success.”

Impact on ALP-Greens Relationship: A Shift Towards Rivalry

The ALP’s preferencing of LCQ over the Greens signifies a turning point in the relationship between the two parties. Political commentator Paul Williams from Griffith University observes that this move underscores a shift from a previously amicable or even competitive rivalry to a more contentious dynamic, especially in capital cities where the Greens are perceived as an existential threat to Labor’s dominance.

Analysis by Paul Williams:

• Rivalry Intensification: The preferencing strategy indicates a deliberate move to undermine the Greens’ electoral prospects.
• Strategic Targeting: Focused primarily in electorates with three-way contests between the ALP, LNP, and Greens.
• Potential Benefits: Even a small percentage of votes garnered by LCQ could bolster Labor’s chances in tightly contested seats.
• Precedent Setting: This is the most prestigious endorsement LCQ has received from a major party, setting a significant precedent in Queensland politics.

Williams notes, “The gloves are off between Labor and the Greens, particularly in capital cities. This move is strategic in seats where the ALP gains no benefit from Greens preferences, ensuring that LCQ’s votes potentially tip the balance in Labor’s favor.”

ALP’s Position on Cannabis Legislation: Diversion Over Decriminalisation

Despite preferencing LCQ, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman clarified that the ALP does not share the LCQ’s goal of decriminalising cannabis for personal use. Instead, the party emphasizes a more pragmatic approach focused on diversion within the legal system.

Fentiman’s Clarifications:

• No Support for Decriminalisation: The ALP maintains a clear stance against LCQ’s push for decriminalising cannabis.
• Focus on Diversion: Efforts are directed towards diverting individuals apprehended with small quantities of illegal substances to health providers.
• Systemic Approach: After multiple diversions, cases may escalate to the criminal justice system, ensuring a balanced approach to drug-related offenses.

Fentiman explained, “What we have done is make sure there is more diversion in the system. So if someone is apprehended because they have a small quantity of illegal substances on them, they are then diverted to a health provider… after a number of diversions they will then eventually go to the criminal justice system.”

Electoral Implications: Enhancing Labor’s Vote Share

By preferencing LCQ over the Greens, the ALP aims to strategically capture the votes that might otherwise benefit the Greens in closely contested seats. This tactic is particularly effective in electorates where a minor swing could influence the overall outcome.

Potential Electoral Benefits:

• Vote Splitting: Prevents the Greens from siphoning votes away from the ALP in multi-candidate races.
• Vote Consolidation: Encourages LCQ supporters to align with Labor, potentially increasing Labor’s vote share.
• Strategic Alliances: Enhances Labor’s position in electorates where the LCQ can act as a preference bridge.

Dr. Williams adds, “In Queensland, this is the most prestigious endorsement LCQ has received from a major party. It’s certainly a precedent in Queensland and could significantly influence the election’s outcome, especially in marginal seats.”

Future Prospects: Labor’s Search for a New Sponsor

With the termination of its controversial sponsorship with medicinal cannabis clinic Alternaleaf, the Dolphins rugby league club’s recent decision to preference LCQ over the Greens reflects broader trends in political sponsorships and alliances. As Labor continues to navigate these strategic preferences, the ongoing search for new sponsorships will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s public image and electoral strategy.

Upcoming Election Details:

• Election Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
• Voter Information: Queensland Electoral Commission’s online portal provides details on polling booths, candidates, and electorate information.
• Key Issues: Diversion programs, regulatory compliance, and the evolving dynamics between major and minor parties.

As the state election approaches, the ALP’s preferencing strategy could prove pivotal in determining the balance of power within Queensland’s political landscape. The collaboration with LCQ, despite differing legislative priorities, underscores the complex interplay of strategic alliances and electoral tactics in modern politics.