PRU Goward’s nail biting race to the finish in the 2007 election seemed like a dim distant memory on Saturday when she tripled her margin in the seat of Goulburn.
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The MP said yesterday the Coalition’s comprehensive win in the State election was undoubtedly the highlight of her four-year political career.
“Nothing so wonderful has happened to me and I thank my many helpers and volunteers for their support,” she said.
Ms Goward stretched her margin from 8.3 per cent to 26.6pc and captured 61pc of the primary vote on election night. On Saturday night she declared to the ABC that: “tribal Labor was dead”.
Her sweeping victory, in which she captured every booth, has even drawn praise from local Labor party officials. Although a senior portfolio is almost a certainty, Ms Goward’s not counting her chickens just yet.
“It’s entirely up to the Premier and I can’t anticipate anything,” she said.
“I’ve loved the Community Services role, but it will be the Premier’s prerogative... I’d be grateful for anything.”
Asked whether she would still have time for the seat if given a minister’s post, Ms Goward said she’d be making sure she was available in the electorate at least on weekends.
The MP has drawn criticism for not having an office in Goulburn. Yesterday she promised to talk to the government about establishing at least a part time office here.
“If I can get the State to agree to a secure premises here, we’ll see what we can do,” she said. Ms Goward closed the local office, explaining she could not ensure staff security.
On Saturday night the MP shared victory celebrations with about 100 supporters at Eling Forest winery, Sutton Forest. On election night she captured 62pc of first preference votes, ahead of Labor’s Crystal Validakis on 14.7pc, independent Rob Parker on 11.38pc, The Greens Maree Byrne on 9.22pc and the Christian Democrats Adrian Van Der Byl 3.51pc.
On a two candidate preferred basis, by yesterday Ms Goward was expected to claim 76.6pc of the vote to Labor’s 23.4pc.
With declaration votes, including absentees, institutions and postals still to be counted this week, Ms Goward’s lead could grow.
The Labor result astounded candidates and voters alike for the fact Miss Validakis, a Sydney university student, was absent from the election throughout the campaign and did not respond to media questions. Ms Goward said this annoyed her given that Mrs Byrne and Mr Parker had “worked so hard”.
“But here someone walks in and gets 23pc of the vote without visiting the electorate,” she said.
“It says there is a strong Labor vote here and that there are two well established parties in this country that have loyalties and a following.”
Mr Parker preferred to call them “rusted on Labor voters”.
He noted that the Labor vote was stronger in Goulburn where Miss Validakis beat him in every local booth. Country Labor’s Goulburn branch president Roger Lucas told the Post yesterday that voters were unlikely to see another student candidate “for a very long time.” (See separate story).
“I’m not overly concerned about the huge margin because victory has gone to a decent person who works hard,” he said.
“Labor will rebuild statewide and in Goulburn.” Meantime, Ms Goward has named transport, particularly train services, and regional development as key priorities in the seat. The cabinet line-up is expected to be announced after several meetings this week.
For more election stories, including an article on the Coalition bus, a Vox Pop at the polling booths and the related editorial, please see the print edition of Monday’s . Further election coverage will appear in Wednesday’s Post.
The count so far
Pru Goward (Liberal) - 24,236
Rob Parker (Independent) – 4,105
Maree Byrne (The Greens)- 3,629
Crystal Validakis (Labor)- 5,871
Adrian Van Der Byl (CDP) - 1,377
Voters: 50,057.
Informal: 848.
* Figures sourced from Goulburn returning office yesterday, including pre-polls.
