Historic result for indies

GROOM’S two independents have recorded historic results at the federal election, but they were not enough to shift the safe conservative seat to marginal status.

Suzie Holt (9.06 per cent) and Kirstie Smolenski (7.6 per cent) achieved the best and second-best results for an independent in Groom since the seat was formed in 1983, beating the previous record of 7.5 per cent by Vincent Burke at the 1988 by-election.

The pair had hoped to build on the sentiment away from the major parties.

Ms Holt, who had run a coordinated campaign and attracted significant media attention, said the election result highlighted voters’ shifting opinions on the LNP.

“With the drastic reduction in the LNP margin, it is clear the people of Groom wanted change,” she said.

Ms Smolenski, who sank $35,000 of her own money into the campaign, said she was proud of her efforts.

“My aim was to shake the safe seat status, and I’m hoping that this has started to change that narrative,” she said.