By Ewen McRae
Local Labor MPs Brendan O’Connor and Catherine King have been returned to federal Parliament, but many of their election pledges lie in tatters following the Labor Party’s defeat.
In the seat of Gorton, Mr O’Connor experienced a 2.56 per cent swing against him on a two-party preferred basis, but still claimed the seat with more than 65 per cent of the overall vote.
More than 50 per cent of first-preference votes went to Mr O’Connor, while Liberal candidate Nathan Di Noia was the closest challenger with 25.56 per cent of first preferences.
Mr O’Connor said it was a pleasing result personally, but with Labor set for another three years in opposition, he said many local projects and services would be overlooked.
“I’m very grateful of the overwhelming support that was extended to me in the electorate,” he said.
“It was a difficult night for the party nationally, but the support locally for Labor was fantastic.
“My great disappointment is for my constituents, who are going to wait longer for surgery or be out of pocket for cancer treatments … I worry for our local schools, who are going to have less resources as a result of the decisions made nationally, not by the electorate.
“I don’t have a rich electorate and many people are doing it tough. It’s a great community, but we need better services to help those that need it.”
Mr O’Connor said all pre-election promises would now be reviewed, including funding commitments to several local sports clubs.
“We’ll review all of our commitments, but obviously we made decisions to support them if we were to win,” he said.
“Whilst we review decisions, they were well placed and are our priorities now will be up for affirmation, but right now every policy and commitment has to be reviewed.
“Locally, Rockbank Football Club lose $1.8 million, Westside Strikers will lose $1 million, and Diggers Rest Football Club will lose $60,000 – all Labor commitments the Liberal government would not match.”
In the seat of Ballarat, Catherine King had a stellar night as she enjoyed a swing of 3.68 per cent to her on a two-party preferred basis.
“It’s a real honour to be returned as the member for Ballarat and I want to thank the community for their support this weekend,” Ms King said.
“We will now listen to what the electorates have said and try to hold this government to account.
“Unfortunately, the Liberals didn’t match many of the promises that we made.
“So now my task is to write to each of the ministers to lobby to get these projects up, particularly for Bacchus Marsh and Darley. The lack of recreation space and a hugely growing population is a big issue.”
