THE red wave of the Australian Labor Party has once again proven its dominance in Queensland’s growing western corridor, recording a resounding victory across the Ipswich region in the 2025 Federal Election.
The party held firm in its traditional strongholds of Blair and Oxley, with incumbents Shayne Neumann and Milton Dick re-elected.
The results reflect strong local support for Labor’s focus on cost-of-living relief, health, and infrastructure investment – key issues for Ipswich’s rapidly expanding communities.
Despite minor swings to the Greens in some urban booths, Labor’s grip on the west remained unshaken, reinforcing its position as the region’s party of choice heading into a second term of Federal Government.
Veteran MP Shayne Neumann has retained the seat of Blair for Labor for a seventh term, fending off challenges from the Liberal National Party and the Greens.
With 72.1 per cent of the vote counted, Neumann led by 11,560 votes.
Neumann, who has held the seat since 2007, secured over 55 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, reaffirming his strong support in the Ipswich region.
“People in Blair want fairness, better health services, and strong support for families. I’m honoured they’ve entrusted me again to deliver on those values,” Neumann said.
While Labor’s margin held firm overall, the Greens recorded a swing of approximately 5 per cent in central Ipswich and Brassall, reflecting growing youth and environmental engagement. However, these gains were not enough to challenge Neumann’s entrenched support across the broader electorate.
In neighbouring Oxley, Milton Dick, who served as Speaker of the House in the previous term, was also re-elected with a commanding majority. The Labor stalwart retained more than 60 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, cementing Oxley’s status as one of Labor’s safest seats in the country.
With 73.2 per cent of the vote counted, Dick led by 34,248 votes.
“This is a win for working people, for local schools, and for the future of the west,” Dick told supporters.
“We’ve got more work to do, and I’m ready to keep delivering.”
The Liberal National Party struggled to gain traction in both electorates, despite a concerted campaign around cost-of-living pressures.
Minor parties, including the Greens and independents, made inroads, particularly in urban fringe suburbs like Springfield and Goodna, but failed to convert support into serious contention.
The re-election of Neumann and Dick provides continuity for the rapidly growing Ipswich corridor, a region grappling with infrastructure needs, housing pressure, and youth employment.
Both MPs have pledged to prioritise funding for local schools, hospitals, and transport upgrades.
As Ipswich continues to expand, the 2025 election results affirm Labor’s enduring connection with working-class voters in Queensland’s booming west – at least for now.
FIRST PREFERENCE VOTES – BLAIR
Labor Party (Shayne Neumann, MP)
Vote: 37.2% (35,650 votes)
Swing: +2.2%
Liberal National Party (Carl Mutzelburg)
Vote: 27.2% (26,000 votes)
Swing: -1.7%
FIRST PREFERENCE VOTES – OXLEY
Labor Party (Milton Dick, MP)
Vote: 53.7% (46,322 votes)
Swing: +7.8%
Liberal National Party (Kevin Burns)
Vote: 21.1% (18,173 votes)
Swing: -7.6%
