Michelle Slater
The Nationals are poised to win the seat of Morwell with numbers projecting that Martin Cameron will become the incoming Member.
Mr Cameron said Labor candidate Kate Maxfield had called him to congratulate him, but he was still waiting for votes from pre-polling and for some of the larger booths to be counted.
“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling ecstatic and humble that so many people have voted for me to represent them in parliament,” Mr Cameron told the Express.
Mr Cameron was joined by Danny O’Brien who is retaining the seat of Gippland South for The Nationals and party faithful at the election night venue at the Traralgon Football Netball Club rooms.
“It’s been a long campaign, we wanted to listen to what the people wanted so we can provide an avenue for them to see what the Nationals can bring to the seat of Morwell,” Mr Cameron said.
“This had paid-off today.”
The Traralgon plumber and former Traralgon Football Netball Club reserves coach will take the seat after it was held by former Nationals-turned-Independent Russell Northe since 2006.
“I’m a local tradie, a plumber who is now going to represent his community in Spring Street – who woulda thought that,” Mr Cameron said.
The Morwell result comes as the Andrews Labor Government is being returned in Victoria.
“It’s disappointing the Coalition has not been able to form government to reverse the decisions that will affect the Latrobe Valley, such as the timber industry and early power station closures,” Mr Cameron said.
“We will work with Labor to get the best possible outcomes for the Valley. I will be backing workers in the Valley.”
