Andrew Barr celebrating the 2024 election win with his family. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
UPDATE 11 pm: Barr claims victory
A triumphant Chief Minister Andrew Barr has claimed victory for Labor in today’s ACT election, vowing that there would not be any backing away from climate action and his government would press on with extending light rail to Woden.
The win gives Labor a seventh term and 27 years in power.
Although the situation remains fluid in a couple of the seats, Labor looks likely to govern with the support of the Greens, although Mr Barr expressly included other independent crossbenchers in his victory speech, saying there were progressive candidates that would support a Labor government.
“There’s a little bit of counting to go, but it does look like the crossbench will be five, and five people who hold progressive values, and whose natural partner would be a Labor government,” he said.
Mr Barr said Canberrans had again voted to extend light rail.
“A strong public transport system that connects south of Lake Burley Griffin into the National Triangle, where 50,000 people work and 5 million tourists a year visit, is the right decision for Canberra’s transport future,” he said.
“So too is electrifying our bus fleet and electrifying our city. We will not take a backward step on climate action.”
Mr Barr said Labor took a progressive agenda supporting economic growth, climate action and investment in public services to the people of Canberra.
“We will take the progressive, practical and proven policies we’ve taken this election and enact them in government with the support, I hope, of a progressive crossbench that sees value in investing in public housing, in public health and public education,” he said.
Mr Barr acknowledged Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee and the Canberra Liberals, and stressed the importance of a strong Opposition.
“Elizabeth rang me a little while ago in what is the hardest phone call to make in politics,” he said.
“It was graceful, short, but understandably, she and her team have worked incredibly hard and diligently and have received reasonable support across the community.
“We should acknowledge that and acknowledge the contribution that the Liberal Party make to our democracy. It is important that there is a strong opposition, and I congratulated Elizabeth.”
Mr Barr said it was a flawless campaign and thanked party officials, members and his staff, who made a hard job so much easier.
He also thanked his family, especially partner of 25 years and husband, Anthony Toms, who was on stage with Mr Barr.
“And lastly, the man who has been my rock and my strength for 25 years, we met at the very first Canberra Spring Out Pride event on the 13th of November 1999, 25, years nearly.
“Anthony, I love you. And this, this is the moment that does tend to attract a little bit of national attention.”
They embraced and kissed.
Elizabeth Lee’s husband, Nathan, Elizabeth Lee and Leanne Castley. Photo: Michelle Kroll.UPDATE 10:30 pm: Kikkert fails in Ginninderra
Expelled Canberra Liberal Elizabeth Kikkert could not convert her 2020 following to a win tonight in Ginninderra, only polling 1662 votes.
The ultra-conservative Ms Kikkert joined Family First after being booted from the Liberal ticket over alleged bullying of party staff and electoral irregularities, which she has denied.
It seems newcomer Chiaka Barry will take a second Liberal seat in the Belconnen-based seat.
Liberals Ed Cocks and Amardeep Singh are locked in a tight battle for the party’s second seat in Murrumbidgee.
In Yerrabi, Labor’s Suzanne Orr has been returned and the Greens’ Andrew Braddock is hanging on, despite a strong showing by IFC’s David Pollard.
The situation in Brindabella is changing as the margins tighten.
Mick Gentleman is just behind Taimus Werner-Gibbings, and IFC’s Vanessa Picker is closing on the Liberals’ James Daniels.
That could have ramifications for post-poll bargaining if IFC increases its representation at the expense of the Greens.
But the Greens’ Laura Nuttall may still have a chance.
The Liberal swing is now 4.5 per cent in Brindabella; Labor is down 6.5 per cent.
UPDATE 9:30 pm: Lee concedes defeat
Labor has been returned to government for a seventh term and will govern with Green support after the Liberal surge fizzled as polling day votes saw their swing disappear.
Labor has taken a hit but the biggest beneficiary appears to be the Independents for Canberra movement and Fiona Carrick.
The likely numbers will be Labor 10, Liberal 10, Greens 3, IFC 1 and Fiona Carrick 1.
Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee insisted that Canberra had voted for change despite falling short in her bid to overturn 23 years of Labor and Labor/Green rule.
Soon after the ABC called the election for Labor, Ms Lee fronted her supporters at the Services Club in Barton to concede.
“A few moments ago, I made the call, the hardest call, and the call that I wish that I did not have to make. But today the people of the Australian Capital Territory have spoken. They have voted for change but perhaps not quite enough to get us there,” Ms Lee said.
She said Andrew Barr and Shane Rattenbury appear to have cemented themselves in the history books as they embark perhaps on another coalition government.
“And despite our political differences, I do believe that we had a fairly cordial working relationship and I know that I’ve probably been a bit of a pain in their arses, but I promise it was to make them work.
“So I wish them both all the very best as they embark on this new term.”
Ms Lee took full responsibility for the defeat but insisted the Liberals were the better team.
“We have what it takes to deliver the refresh for the ACT that is sorely needed,” she said.
“And while it was not meant to be, I think that we can be proud of our efforts because we really did take it to Labor, and we closed the gap between the Labor and Liberal vote and we have gained two seats, one in Brindabella and one in Gininderra.”
Ms Lee said it was a missed opportunity, but the party should focus on its achievements.
“We put forward a strong positive plan and I’m very proud of being able to take that to Canberra,” she said.
Ms Lee thanked all the candidates, the party and her family.
“I know that I probably haven’t been the most present mother, sister, daughter or friend. I’m very grateful for the incredible support that they have given me.
“My parents and their unwavering support, Don and Cecilia, who took a leap of faith in 1986 moving from the country they know, the family they left behind to start this new life in Australia so that my sister and I could have a better life.”
Ms Lee would not say what the future held for her.
With 71.4 per cent of the vote counted, Labor suffered a swing of 3.2 per cent but the Liberals are now in negative territory at – 0.6 per cent. The Greens vote is now down 1.2 per cent.
Fiona Carrick and Marea Fatseas on the campaign. Photo: Supplied.
UPDATE 9:20 pm: Carrick claims a seat, wants ‘good community outcomes’
Likely new MLA for Murrumbidgee Independent Fiona Carrick had thanked her team, including running mates Marea Fatseas and Bruce Paine.
The strategy was to be visible in the community and discuss the issues.
“I have been working in the community for eight years, Maria for over 10 years,” she told the ABC.
“And we did decide that name recognition was the best way to go and it hopefully has paid off.”
She said the major issues would be housing, public housing and affordable housing.
“I’ve got ideas on those sorts of things we need to attract and retain our front-line services,” she said.
“Our health workers, our teachers, our police, so those are fundamental issues. So I will be looking at those, but also we want integrity. We want transparency.
“We want to have genuine conversations about what goes on in our election.”
Ms Carrick said she was prepared to work with all MLAs in the Assembly.
“I’m not really into ideology anymore,” she said. “I just want good community outcomes.”
But she remains unconvinced about light rail.
“Until the government can be transparent and tell us how many times people have to change, how long their journey time will be and whether it will be an attractive service to the whole of Canberra south, we don’t have the information to make an informed decision.”
Mark Parton on election day 2024. Photo: Mark Parton Facebook.
UPDATE 8:50 pm: Parton says the Liberals ‘aren’t out of it yet’
The Liberal vote is up 1 per cent, at this stage, but it’s not enough to win government.
The swing against Labor is 3.9 per cent but Labor appears to have leaked a lot of votes to independents, particularly IFC, and their preferences will be crucial.
Labor is confident that as booth totals come in from today its position will strengthen.
But Liberal Mark Parton remains upbeat, saying the fifth seats will go down to the wire.
“We’re not out of it yet,” he told the ABC.
With 54.7 per cent of the vote counted, Labor is polling 34 per cent, Liberals 34.9. Greens 11.7 and IFC 8.5 per cent.
Rebecca Vassarotti won’t be returning to the Assembly. Photo: Region.
UPDATE 8:26 pm: Greens lose three seats but likely still be kingmakers
The mood is upbeat at the Labor event at the Mercure Belconnen.
“We did a lot of door knocking, handing out and worked hard, it looks like it’s paid off. Looks like we’ll be in power for an Australian record, so we must be doing something right,” volunteer Aiden Hamilton said.
Yvette Berry said she was honoured to be re-elected and satisfied that the party looks as if it will retain all their seats.
The Greens are hanging on to three seats – Leader Shane Rattenbury in Kurrajong, Jo Clay in Ginninderra and Andrew Braddock in Yerrabi.
This is crucial because it means Labor with the Greens would achieve a majority and be returned to government.
But they have lost Emma Davidson in Murrumbidgee, Rebecca Vassarotti in Kurrajong and Laura Nuttall in Brindabella.
The Greens are still polling at 11.7 per cent, only down 1.8 per cent, but they have lost half their representation so far.
Senator David Pocock embraced his ACT counterpart this evening as he arrived to the group’s event at Dickson Taphouse.
Mr Pocock said the turn out is marvellous to see and shows that Canberrans are ready for more accountability to be provided in the next term of government.
The first independent senator ever elected to the Territory said he was incredibly proud of the largely self-driven efforts made by the independent candidates and its leader Thomas Emerson. He added that tonight’s already promising votes could see the ‘teal’ wave of influence continue across the country to every jurisdiction
Independents for Canberra Kurrajong candidate Thomas Emerson looks likely to be elected. Photo: Supplied.
UPDATE 8:11 pm: Independents for Canberra likely to win a seat; Mick Gentleman in for a fight
The mood is ‘jubilant’ in the Dickson Taphouse this evening where Independents for Canberra have taken up half the venue to watch the election.
Leader Thomas Emerson has been taking centre stage for the ABC’s live election coverage but has been coy about where his preferences will lie if he is called on to decide the next Chief Minister.
Ben Johnston, one of their candidates, has kindly offered his very own venue to host a crowd of about 60 supporters and observers that have swung by their local for a Saturday night schooner.
The group of independents has been ecstatic to see their votes rise throughout the early evening. ‘From little things big things grow’ is playing on the speaker outside, a motto the group here is certainly living up to.
The early swing against Labor is abating as today’s votes come in, with the gap between the two major parties narrowing to 0.6 per cent.
Labor is now polling 34.3 per cent, Liberal 34.9, the Greens 11.6 per cent and IFC 8.2 per cent.
On that basis, it is looking harder for the Liberals to win government.
At this stage, the new Assembly appears to be Labor 10, Liberals 10, Greens 3, IFC 1, and Fiona Carrick.
UPDATE 7:50 pm: In Ginninderra, Labor’s Tara Cheyne and Yvette Berry, and the Liberals’ Peter Cain look to return to the Assembly.
In Brindabella, the Liberals’ Mark Parton is polling the most, and Deborah Morris and James Daniels will be new MLAs.
Labor’s Mick Gentleman is in trouble, which means Brindabella could have two new Labor MLAs in Caitlin Tough and Taimus Werner-Gibbings.
In Kurrajong, Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee will return, as will Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, but Green Rebecca Vassarotti appears to have lost her seat.
Independents for Canberra’s Thomas Emerson is also polling strongly and looks set for a seat.
In Yerrabi, Deputy Liberal leader Leanne Castley has been returned along with James Milligan.
Labor’s Michael Petterson is also going back to the Assembly.
In Murrumbidgee, Independent Fiona Carrick appears to have broken through in her bid.
Labor’s Chris Steel and Dr Marisa Paterson are also headed back, while Liberal Jeremy Hanson will join them.
Fiona Carrick is polling at almost double her 2020 results. Photo: Region.
UPDATE 7:05 pm: Early counting shows swing against Labor, Greens
Early results are showing a 1.9 per cent swing to the Canberra Liberals, with Labor suffering a 3.6 per cent loss overall and the Green vote down 2.4 per cent.
The Liberals have 35.7 per cent of the vote, Labor 34.6 per cent and the Greens 11.1 per cent. Independents for Canberra have so far garnered 8.2 per cent. Independent Fiona Carrick in Murrumbidgee is poling 12.4 per cent.
The most significant swing to the Liberals is occurring in Brindabella at 7.8 per cent, but it is much tighter elsewhere.
At this stage nine Labor, eight Canberra Liberals and one Green have been called across the ACT.
Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee votes today in Kurrajong. Photo: Elizabeth Lee Facebook.
UPDATE 6:41 pm: Count begins in close ACT election
Polls have closed across the ACT and counting has begun to decide who will govern the Territory for the next four years.
About half the electorate had already voted before today and this means an early large dump of data should provide a good indication of where the night is headed.
However, the large number of independents will complicate the count, and some of the fifth seats in each electorate, in particular, may not be decided tonight.
The Canberra Liberals are confident that the hiccups in the campaign, especially Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee’s now notorious finger, will not deter voters from embracing their large program.
But Labor believes they can defend their 10 seats and are even eyeing seats in Ginninderra and Brindabella.
The Greens may be struggling to retain their record six seats but hope their ambitious platform will keep them as a force in the Legislative Assembly.
But independents, particularly the Independents for Canberra movement, are the wild card and could end up being kingmakers.
No one knows where their preferences will flow and who successful candidates will support from the cross benches.
More to come.
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