The new federal member for Calare Andrew Gee has described his victory as a coming home. Voters in Wellington and Geurie gave the former state member for Orange strong support despite a swing to Labor’s Jess Jennings of 2.87 per cent.
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‘’I am humbled and grateful. It's good to be back. I received a very warm reception throughout the electorate,’’ he said.
At Wellington’s two booths Wellington Public School (763-433) and the Scout Hall (614-424) Mr Gee won the overall vote In Geurie the Orange based politican took the polling over his nearest rival 235-100.
‘’I am excited to be again representing the people of the Wellington area. I know there is a lot we can achieve together. It is a coming home after I represented the area as a state member,’’
Mr Gee said he wanted to get on with providing money he pledged for the redevelopment of Kennard park. Wellington’s premier rugby league and union ground which is in a state of disrepair.
‘’Its one of many projects we can do together.’’ he said.
But on an extraordinary night across the nation Mr Gee did lose booths in Lithgow but his overall vote stayed strong enough across the vast electorate from Hartley to Geurie and Yeoval to ensure he would continue the recent tradition of National Party members.
He will replace John Cobb who retired.
Long lines of voters waited at the Wellington Public School where 1,623 voters decided the future of the electorate. At the Scout hall 1,368 people voted.
In Stuart Town Mr Gee won the vote by 37 votes, In Mumbil 29 and Yeoval 137.
Labor candidate Jess Jennings said he was delighted with the swing against Mr Gee. He thanked voters for their support and congratulated Mr Gee on his victory. He hoped Mr Gee would help the electorate which he said badly needed support.
Australians were still waiting on Tuesday to learn who would claim government.
Associate Professor in political science in the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dominic O'Sullivan commented that if neither of the big parties enjoyed a clear majority, it's only by the people's considered choice.
"There is just enough between the two major parties for the Coalition to form government, perhaps on its own, but quite likely only with the support of the Nick Xenophon Team and perhaps one or more independents.
