THE National Party’s Sam Birrell has been elected as the Federal Member for Nicholls, winning the seat with 54 percent of the two-party preferred vote. He will join the elected Labor Government in Canberra, representing a marginal seat and participating as part of the opposition.
He said that campaign had been an emotional rollercoaster.
“Nationally there was a swing away from the major parties that reflects people’s anger and frustration with the pandemic and that was reflected here where we had a strong independent,” he said, reflecting that Rob’s primary result was higher than he thought.
“In the end the result was expected, and we held on pretty well in Shepparton.”
“I’m ready to hold the Government to account and my long-term aim is to get the Coalition back into government where can continue getting thing things done.”
Independent Rob Priestly was a strong runner up, attracting 25.7 percent of the vote, followed by Liberal’s Steve Brooks with 17.9 percent.
Despite having come in next best, Rob is sure that the electorate is changing, and that Nicholls will continue to be highly contestable.
“I was in it to win it. I’m a little disappointed how close we came, but not close enough,” said Rob who thanked his supporters and offered best wishes to Sam. “I personally met so many fantastic people and that has deepened my respect for the great things that happen in this community.”
“I had a great time running. I feel lucky to have run in the Federal election and to have received so much support,” Steve said. “I didn’t appreciate some of the frustrations people had towards the party and I don’t think I was able to transcend that negativity.”
“I joined this race because I wanted to make a difference on local issues that affect our community, like the 450g/l, not to comment on broader political issues,” he said.
Party politics aside, Steve expressed worry over how water policy will play out under a Labor Government.
There’s no bad blood between the three candidates. After polls closed at 6pm Saturday, Steve invited Rob and Sam to the Terminus Hotel for a beer.
“There were some frustrations on the campaign trail but all three of us were standing for the right reasons. We had the same vision but different ways of getting there,” said Steve.
“This is such a unique and tough experience that not many people get to be a part of. Running in a country seat, inviting them out for a beer seemed like the right thing to do, and a very country thing to do,” he said.
