Coker holdsCorangamite

LIBBY Coker has claimed victory in the seat of Corangamite, securing a third consecutive term as the Albanese Government surged to a historic win.

Ms Coker declared victory over Liberal challenger Darcy Dunstan on election night, after a campaign that saw Labor sweep to victory on a wave of national support.

“It’s an amazing privilege to be able to serve the communities of Corangamite for a third term – our Labor volunteers did such an awesome job, walking with me in the rain, heat and gale-force winds to knock on doors, stand at street stalls, and on the pre-poll line,” she said.

“What was humbling was the number of people on the pre-poll line who stopped to thank my team and I for helping them in fundamental ways, like reinstatement of their childcare subsidy or help with veterans’ payments, assisting people with NDIS plans or working to ensure locals could return home during COVID – to be able to support people like this is why I do what I do.

“But there’s also the big picture – the policies that Labor will deliver to help the growing communities of our region, like Urgent Care Clinics, investing in government schools to ensure all students get the best education, and continuing to build the infrastructure we need, whether it’s roads, rail, or sporting and community infrastructure.”

At the time of going to print, Ms Coker had received 58.05 per cent of the two-party preferred vote ahead of Mr Dunstan.

While Corangamite followed the national trend in many ways, local issues also strongly resonated with voters.

A Surfrider Foundation ‘Vote for the Coast’ campaign sought to capitalise on huge protests seen up and down the Surf Coast and Bellarine against seismic blasting in the Southern Ocean.

“I know just how important the environment is to the people of Corangamite and I will always work with the community to get the best outcomes,” Ms Coker said.

Labor’s election campaign focused on economic stability and cost-of-living relief, while attacking Coalition policies on nuclear

energy and rolling back the practice of working from home.

“I’m proud of Labor’s plan to create more opportunities for people through Free TAFE, HECS debt relief, health investments and housing programs,” Ms Coker said.

“Now the hard work begins again, and I’m up for the challenge.”