“The election result was a triumph for Labor policies that put people at the front of what we do,’’ says Anne Stanley, who has won a fourth term as the federal member for Werriwa.
“It was about child care, about the 20 percent cut in HECS debt and about keeping Medicare free,’’ Ms Stanley told the South West Voice earlier today.
“While you never take any election for granted, I am happy with the result and feel humbled and privileged to get the opportunity to represent the people of Werriwa for another three years.
“Now it’s back to work and to make sure promises made are delivered.’’
The result in Werriwa mirrored that of the 2022 election, which was also against the same Liberal Party candidate, Sam Kayal.
After preferences, Ms Stanley has 55.3 percent of the vote, and Mr Kayal 44.6, which represents a swing of less than one percent towards Ms Stanley.
In Macarthur, which is based around Campbelltown, Dr Mike Freelander won every booth in the electorate, a remarkable result.
He also recorded a six percent swing to him and Labor to end up with 65 percent of the two party preferred vote – historically a huge margin in Macarthur.
Liberal candidate Binod Paudel, who was having a second go in Macarthur, went backwards this election, suffering a six percent swing against him.
“This was a great result for Macarthur, a unified result, with every booth giving Labor a majority,’’ Dr Freelander said.
“Divisive voices did not come to pass, and the result is a mandate for social policy to help those who need it the most.’’
Dr Freelander said he will be going to Canberra to fight for what Macarthur needs the most.
“We have to get the infrastructure, especially a rail link to the new airport,’’ he said.
On his area of expertise, health, Dr Freelander said he would be pushing for better outpatient services in local hospitals, and two more urgent care centres in his electorate.
But he will also be a big supporter of any push to include free dental in Medicare.
“I have been a supporter of this for many years he said.
“It is so important on so many levels; for young people, lack of dental care could seriously affect their overall health later in life,’’ Dr Freelander said.
In Hume, the seat of the shadow treasurer and potentially next Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor, he improved his majority by 1.3 percent after preferences.
The seat contains parts of the Camden area, on the western side.
Liberal Jenny Ware is in big trouble in Hughes, the other seat with Campbelltown residents within its boundaries in Glenfield, Macquarie Fields and Ingleburn.
Labor candidate David Moncrieff recorded a six percent swing on the primary vote and an 11 percent swing (two party preferred) and is almost certain to claim it for the Albanese Government.
