The already safe Labor seats of Fraser and Gellibrand are even more secure after Saturday’s election, with both sitting members returned with increased margins.
In Fraser, Dr Daniel Mulino was re-elected on 60.8 per cent two party preferred after winning a 42 per cent share of primary votes, a swing of 0.76 per cent compared to 2022.
He finished well ahead of the Greens Huong Truong on 39 per cent who leapfrogged the Liberals into second place, with a six per cent swing towards her, winning 25 per cent of primary votes,
As with the rest of the country, support for the Liberal Party crashed, with candidate Satish Patel suffering a 7 per cent swing against him, coming third on 16 per cent.
Victorian Socialists Jasmine Duff (6 per cent), One Nation’s George Rozario and Rob Rancie of Family First (both 4 per cent) had swings towards them.
“I’m genuinely humbled by the support I’ve received from the people of Fraser at this election,” said Dr Mulino of his victory.
“I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to serve this electorate. Fraser is the face of modern Australia. Our community is hardworking, vibrant, optimistic and diverse – and importantly, it’s also very generous.”
In Gellibrand, Tim Watts recorded a swing of almost four per cent towards him to win on 65 per cent two-party preferred, ahead of the Liberals Party’s Ben Reeson on 35 per cent.
The Greens Ponraj Krishna Pandi came third on 16 per cent, while One Nation’s Stephen Bennett won 5 per cent of the vote to finish fourth ahead of Family First’s Jo Garcia, despite having no visible presence in the electorate during the campaign.
“Thank you, Gellibrand!” said Mr Watts after being re-elected for another term.
“On Saturday, Australia rejected the politics of division and Australians embraced the fact that the things we have in common as Australians are far bigger than our differences.
“I’m especially proud of how our local Labor campaign in Gellibrand looked like our community – bringing people from all possible backgrounds together in pursuit of a common cause to build Australia’s future.”
