The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is still counting the votes for the seat of Melton, but Labor’s Steve McGhie is expected to retain the seat.
Mr McGhie received 38.09 per cent of the primary first preference (PFP) votes, and 55.94 per cent of the two candidate preferred (2CP) vote over 44.06% for Independent candidate Dr Ian Birchall, however, the preference votes are being recounted with Liberal candidate Graham Watt as the 2CP candidate instead of Dr Birchall alongside Mr McGhie.
Mr McGhie said he is “honoured” by the prospect of another term.
“With the VEC still finalising the result it looks like the people of Melton have chosen to endorse the positive plan that the Andrew’s Labor government has for Victoria,” he said.
“I’m honoured and thankful that the voters in Melton have given me the opportunity to serve them for another term.
“This next term will be busier than ever delivering the hospital opening, upgrading and building new schools, delivering TAFE for Melton, and removing every level crossing along with all of our other commitments. I’m excited to get on with doing what matters for Melton.”
Independent Dr Birchall said he has “mixed feelings” about the election result and the “preference game” he said was played in the build up to the election.
Dr Birchall received 9.94 per cent of the PFP votes, down slightly from 10.47 per cent in 2018.
He said he doesn’t believe he will run again.
“I’m getting a bit long in the tooth for that,” he said.
Graham Watt has not conceded the seat of Melton yet, Star Weekly reached out to Mr Watt, who is holding his comment until after the recount is finished.
The VEC’s provisional leaderboard has 47 seats awarded to Labor, 15 to the Liberals, 8 for The Nationals, and 4 for the Greens on a 2CP basis.
