By BEN CAMERON
LABOR candidate for Bass Sanjay Nathan is ecstatic with a stronger than expected swing back to his party, despite Brian Paynter claiming the seat overall.
The new State Government enjoyed a more than seven per cent swing in Bass, three times the state-wide average.
The former Napthine Government held a 12.4 per cent margin leading into the election.
“I am happy that the swing that we achieved was considerably larger than the state-wide average,” Mr Nathan, a former Deer Park car salesman, said.
“The fact that 45 per cent of Bass had put their faith in me to represent the community says it all and for that I am more than humbled with such a result.
“Despite what the critics had said, I had put in every effort during the campaign to become the Member for Bass.
“Although we fell short, I think the swing reflects the commitment I had made to win.”
He is unsure of his future political plans however.
“It is too early to say what I will do in the immediate future. I have met countless of residents during the campaign and feel like I have become a part of the wider community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labor candidate for Narracan Kate Marten has vowed to be more involved with local community groups after a respectable election result over the weekend.
Marten said she was determined to raise her profile across Narracan after affecting a 3.8 per cent swing back to Labor despite a “short run” up until the election.
She told the Gazette recently she regretted joining the election race so late in the game.
“This is just the start for me,” she said.
“I’ve already told Gary (Blackwood) I’ll be yapping at his heels from now on.
“I have to make sure everybody knows who I am, build my profile a bit more.”
Mrs Marten has plans to be more involved at a grassroots level across the electorate.
She said entering politics, despite juggling a family and a full time job, had been the correct decision despite some initial doubts.
“I can doubt myself sometimes. I learnt I’m adaptable, I’m not as soft as I thought I was,” she said.
“I believe in myself more now.”
The Pakenham resident hopes to move to the Narracan electorate in coming years.
“My husband and I like Bunyip and Drouin, so we might buy land out there,” she said.
“My daughter is coming into Year 12, so there won’t be an immediate move.”
