Webster base plan
The Nationals’ Anne Webster wants to open an electoral office in Horsham after final counting of votes formally confirms her as the new Member for Mallee.
Dr Webster, who refused early this week to claim victory for the seat until all votes were in, said she was determined to represent ‘all’ of the electorate.
“I am focused on the broader Mallee. The challenge for the new member is to ensure all in the electorate are listened to and that all of the electorate experiences support and investment by the Federal Government,” she said.
“This will be the challenge because it is such a huge electorate.
“But I’m committed to ensure that happens and my intention, if I can, will be to set up an office in Horsham and perhaps also a satellite office in Maryborough.
“The southern end of Mallee needs concrete support from the Nationals at a federal level.”
While Dr Webster, a Doctor of Philosophy with qualifications in sociology and based in Mildura, was hesitant to claim victory, 80 percent of Mallee votes counted clearly showed she would step into the seat vacated by fellow Nationals representative Andrew Broad.
Yesterday’s voting details continued to reveal she won about 30 percent of the vote, with her closest rival, Coalition offsider Serge Petrovich from the Liberals at 17.6 percent.
Wannon
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dan Tehan comfortably held Wannon for the Liberals, capturing 51 percent of the vote.
Mr Tehan, based in Hamilton, won from Labor candidate Maurice Billi of Stawell, 26.23 percent.
Independent Alex Dyson was next with 10.35 percent of the vote, reflective of more than 9200 votes.
“The important thing is that the people of Wannon have said they want good government, which is about them,” Mr Tehan said.
“This is about our community and keeping everyone strong and I thank them for putting their trust in me. I will be working hard for them and with them, and I am looking forward to the challenge of the next three years.”
Dr Webster’s hesitation on claiming victory was based on what a final count of Mallee preferences might reveal as well as her natural inclination to start from ‘a guaranteed foundation’.
“I’ll wait until the votes are all in. As a researcher I like to tick things off and I want to make sure I can start on solid ground,” she said.
Dr Webster has good reason to ensure she works hard for the overall electorate with polling booths revealing the Wimmera played a significant role in the Nationals retaining the seat.
While Mr Petrovich and Labor candidate Carole Hart, 15.10 percent, attracted votes, independent candidates Ray Kingston from Rupanyup and Jason Modica, Mildura, also polled well. Kingston captured votes throughout Yarriambiack Shire and snapped at Dr Webster’s heels in Horsham, while Modica performed strongly in Mildura.
Early figures showed a 26.45 percent swing away from the Nationals, but when combined with a positive swing to the Liberals, a swing away from the Coalition of 15.9 percent.
Dr Webster said Mallee results were far from unexpected, considering the ‘Melbourne Cup field’ of candidates.
“Votes, including preferences were always going to be all over the place. I’m a firm believer that trust is something earned, not given. I’ll be working hard over the next three years to earn Mallee’s trust and prove the Nationals are the best party for the job and that I can deliver. That’s what it’s about for me,” she said.
Dr Webster said people voting for independent candidates reflected a sense of disenfranchisement, which she was keen to address.
“Considering all that’s happened in politics it is understandable. But my personal feeling is that this feeling improved as soon as Scott Morrison settled into the Coalition leadership,” she said.
“What everyone is wanting is stability and the delivery of a strong economy that can provide services that need to be delivered.
“But we want smaller government and we don’t want red tape. I’m excited for the people of Mallee.”