By Oscar Parry
Voters across Melton and Moorabool largely backed Labor at the ballot box this election, with the party retaining the seats of both Hawke and Gorton.
In Gorton, Labor’s Alice Jordon-Baird was elected as the new MP, taking the seat from retiring Labor MP Brendan O’Connor.
Created in 2004, Gorton covers Melton and Brimbank – with the electorate including suburbs Caroline Springs, Burnside, Hillside, Fraser Rise, Taylors Hill, Albanvale, Deer Park, Kings Park, Delahey, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Keilor.
Mr O’Connor had held the seat since its creation in 2004.
According to the Australian Electoral Commission, Ms Jordan-Baird secured 60.40 per cent of votes on a two-party basis, over Liberal candidate John Fletcher – who had received 39.60 per cent.
In a statement to Star Weekly, Ms Jordan-Baird said that it is “the greatest honour of my life to have been elected to represent the federal seat of Gorton”.
“I’m ready to get to work with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver for our community here in the west – for families, for workers and for everyone,” Ms Jordan-Baird said.
Transport was a key topic focused on in both the Labor and Liberal party campaigns in the electorate this election, with Labor revealing budget funding for both upgrades to the Western Freeway and Calder Park Drive.
The Liberal Party matched the commitment to deliver both projects if elected.
Labor’s Sam Rae held on to the seat of Hawke in the electorate’s second term of existence, attracting a small swing of votes.
On the two-party preferred count, Mr Rae drew 57.64 per cent of votes, with Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom receiving 42.36 per cent.
This represents a 0.02 per cent swing to Labor, with a margin of 12,704 votes.
Created in 2022 after a boundary distribution, Hawke covers 1986 square kilometres and includes Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, and Sunbury.
In a Facebook post, Mr Rae said that he was “honoured to continue representing our wonderful community. “
“No matter how you voted, I’m here to fight for our community to get what we deserve,” Mr Rae said.
