By LIAM DURKIN
MAKE sure the books add up.
Every vote really did count for Monash, as the race to determine the electorate’s next federal member was not officially decided until last Wednesday – almost two weeks after election day.
The Australian Electoral Commission finally put voters and candidates out of their misery by calling victory for Mary Aldred and the Liberal party.
Ms Aldred led by more than 8000 votes when the AEC announced her victory when more than 90 per cent of votes had been counted.
In what was always predicted to be a preference election, the margin was enough to tip Ms Aldred to 54.1 per cent, ahead of Labor’s Tully Fletcher (45.9).
While preferences, as expected, played a vital role in the outcome, there was little reason to think the count would go into a second week.
Ms Aldred’s had been the frontrunner for most of the count, only for preference distributions to delay the seemingly inevitable.
The AEC was forced into a recount, as an outside victory for Labor’s Tully Fletcher and Independent Deb Leonard remained a live chance.
Mr Fletcher took the admirable step of conceding defeat two days before the AEC officially declared the result.
“I called Mary to concede the seat and congratulate her on retaining Monash for the Liberal Party. I wish her well for the next three years,” he said.
“It’s been an honour to stand as Labor’s candidate in Monash, and stand up for the people and communities who made me.”
Ms Leonard also congratulated Ms Aldred on her victory.
“While the result is not what we had hoped for, I am so incredibly proud of the positive, community-driven campaign we ran together,” she said.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my amazing campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers who worked their hearts out over many months to put forward a bold vision for Monash’s future.”
The result means Monash returns as a traditional Liberal seat. Former party member Russell Broadbent served Monash as an independent following a preselection loss to Ms Aldred in 2023.
Mr Broadbent released a brief video message after it became apparent his time was up.
“It has been an honour serving you as the Member for Monash for the past 20 years,” he said.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every volunteer and supporter for their dedication and support, not only during this campaign but over the past four years.
“We fought the good fight!”
Ms Aldred’s congregation declared her victory on election night (May 3), where she was presumptively introduced as the “next Member for Monash” by long-serving Liberal and former state Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood.
Ms Aldred took in the applause of well-wishes at the Warragul Country Club, which included her mother and two brothers.
“Feeling tremendously privileged and humbled by the strong indication of support,” she said speaking to the Express on election night.
“I’ve worked every minute of every day over the last 18 months as the Liberal candidate to put my best case forward about why I deserve the trust and confidence of people in the electorate.
“We’ve run a positive and constructive campaign, focused on local issues and working as a member of a strong Coalition team nationally.”
In an especially poignant moment, Ms Aldred made mention of her late father and fellow Liberal leader, Ken Aldred, who served the party for nearly 20 years in the House of Representatives.
“It’s good to think of him tonight, I wish he could be here, I’m sure he would be smiling down,” she said.
Ms Aldred will work closely with neighbouring federal member, Darren Chester, who retained the safe seat of Gippsland for The Nationals.
“Darren is a great local member, I’m really looking forward to being able to call him a colleague,” Ms Aldred said.
“I want to also acknowledge Melina Bath (Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region) and Danny O’Brien (Nationals Member for Gippsland South) for their support during the campaign, and of course my local teammate in Narracan (Liberal Member for Narracan), Wayne Farnham.
With the result etched in stone, Ms Alred said it was time to get down to business.
“I’m keen to get to work ASAP. I’ve got a lot of groups I’m keen to engage with and get a run on being able to secure support for the priorities I’ve identified, be a strong, effective local representative,” she said.
“I love this region and I’ve dedicated 20 years of my life to serving it in different capacities. I hope now to be able to secure what this region needs to grow and thrive.
“I’m passionate about Gippsland, I’ll always put this community first.”
Local political buffs have become accustomed to recounts in recent months, with Monash following what happened during last year’s Latrobe City Council election.
The Yallourn Ward was decided by less than 10 votes, and saw current councillor Steph Morgan roll long-sitting councillor and Labor man, Graeme Middlemiss.
Interestingly, two local recounts have resulted in Labor defeat.
The party will likely make a huge push to win the seat of Morwell at next year’s state election, after narrowly losing to the Coalition in 2022 after preferences were distributed.
Federally at least, what’s old is new: Gippsland is safe Nationals territory, and Monash has a degree of safety for the Liberals.
