By DANNY BUTTLER
Government power blown away but…
BASS, Gembrook and Narracan remain in Liberal hands despite Labor‘s comprehensive victory in Saturday‘s state election.
Brian Paynter was elected in Bass for the first time, but an estimated 7.7 per cent swing against the Liberal Party could leave the formerly safe seat in the marginal category.
Brad Battin bucked the swing against the Coalition, increasing his margin in Gembrook to more than 10 per cent and perhaps securing the seat as Liberal territory for years to come.
In Narracan, which for the first time included railway towns between Pakenham and Drouin, Gary Blackwood held on easily against Labor‘s Kate Marten, although the ALP would be pleased with a 3.8 per cent swing towards it.
In the Upper House electoral region of Eastern Victoria, Edward O‘Donohue kept his seat while Liberal colleague Andrew Ronalds ended his brief time in the Legislative Council having filled a vacant seat in February after the departure of Philip Davis.
The Shooters Party looks set to win a seat, as does the National Party. Harriet Shingh from Warragul and former Casey councillor Daniel Mulino will fill the remaining positions.
Speaking on Saturday night, Mr Paynter was philosophical about winning a seat but watching his party lose power.
“Life is full of challenges… we have to lift our head and forge forward,” he said.
Mr Battin was clearly buoyed by such a strong result in Gembrook, but failed to hide his disappointment at only enjoying one term in government.
“The local result was fantastic (but) I have to say I am disappointed at the overall result, but that’s politics,“ he said.
“You just have to get over it.”
Expected strong challenges from Casey councillors Amanda Stapledon, Susan Serey and Geoff Ablett in Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South and Cranbourne respectively, failed to materialise.
The Liberal Party put strong support behind the well known local figures, but Luke Donnellan with a 0.2 per cent swing and Jude Perera with a 1.3 per cent swing, both held firm for Labor in Narre Warren North and Cranbourne.
Susan Serey managed to take 0.6 per cent of the vote off Judith Graley but fell well short of taking Narre Warren South from Labor.
More election coverage from page 12.
