Federal Labor has won an historic second term with an increased majority, and Anthony Albanese has broken the one-term PM curse that has marred 21st Century Australian politics.
Locally, not much had changed, with both Burt and Canning incumbents increasing their margins on Saturday.
“I am humbled that the people of Canning have put their confidence in me to represent them for another three years in the Australian Parliament,” Andrew Hastie said.
“The fight for Canning never stops—and I will keep working every day to deliver for our region.”
With Opposition Leader Peter Dutton losing his seat, Mr Hastie was tipped as one of the frontrunners to take his place as Liberal party leader.
But on Monday afternoon he reportedly dropped out of that race, potentially avoiding being handed a poisoned chalice.
He told The Examiner that his priorities right now are “delivering for Canning and contributing to the rebuilding of the Liberal Party”.
“The Liberal Party has traditionally been a party for all Australians—but to win government again, we need to build a bigger tent. We need to win back the hearts of all Australians no matter where they live,” he said.
“I believe we should be a party that fights for families, helps young Australians get into their first home, and a party that delivers better education for our kids. Education is how you rise in this country, regardless of your background.”
Matt Keogh has won a fourth term as Member for Burt, and a second in government.
“I am so proud to be able to represent our community, where I grew up, in our national parliament and so grateful and honoured to receive the trust of our community that I care for,” he said.
“As a representative of our community in our national Parliament I work to represent our entire community regardless of how they vote and of course our young people who can’t yet vote as well.
“I will continue working hard every day to deliver for our community by continuing to provide cost of living relief, better access to GPs and health care, fully funded schools and free TAFE, making things here in WA, and delivering much needed infrastructure investment across our community.”
But there was no answer when we asked whether Mr Keogh hoped to continue on as Minister for Veterans Affairs or be handed another portfolio this time around.
While the calm after the storm is settling in on the flats, the Battle for Bullwinkel rages on up in the hills.
Labor’s Trish Cook and the Liberals’ Matt Moran are still neck and neck. As of Wednesday morning, the AEC are reporting that with 100 percent of ballots counted from booths, there’s 50 votes in it, with Trish Cook currently ahead.
Because the AEC needs to leave 13 days after election day for postal votes to get back to them, it’s likely to be another week or so until we get a final result.
“I’m a nurse and midwife, I’m used to waiting… so while the count continues, I’m finishing my PHD,” Ms Cook said.
