COKER TAKES CORANGAMITE

THE fight for Corangamite is over, with incumbent Liberal MP Sarah Henderson conceding victory to Labor challenger Libby Coker last night.

With 81 per cent of votes counted in the extremely marginal seat, Ms Coker leads Ms Henderson by 2,206 votes.

Ms Henderson won Corangamite at the previous election with a narrow 50.03 per cent of the two-party preferred vote ahead of Ms Coker, and the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) recent redistribution that excluded Colac made the seat notionally Labor.

Ms Coker was ahead at the end of election night, but Ms Henderson was hoping enough postal votes would come in during the following days to swing the seat back in her favour.

Ms Coker said she was humbled to have received the confidence of the people of Corangamite.

“I would like to acknowledge Sarah Henderson and the role she has played in advocating for our region for the past six years.

“I am determined to ensure that every commitment made by Ms Henderson and the Liberals during the campaign is honoured in this term of government.

“I would like to thank all of my volunteers who worked tirelessly and with such passion throughout the campaign.

“I am proud to represent a party that believes in a fair go.

“I’m looking forward to standing up for our communities in the parliament, and fighting for the things that help people to get ahead.”

Ms Henderson said she was delighted the Morrison Liberal Government had been re-elected with an increased majority, but it had become clear over the course of postal votes being counted that she would not be able to close the margin.

“From Leopold to Queenscliff to Apollo Bay, from Grovedale to Bannockburn to Birregurra, I love our region and the many towns, suburbs and hamlets which make up the electorate.

“It has been an incredible honour to serve the people of Corangamite since 2013. I am so proud of all that we have achieved.

Working together, we have delivered major infrastructure projects such as the Princes Highway duplication between Winchelsea and Colac, the Great Ocean Road safety upgrade and a new international terminal for Avalon Airport.

“On so many issues, it has been an honour to stand up and fight for the people I have proudly represented with determination and integrity.”

She congratulated Ms Coker and Labor on winning Corangamite.

“This was a tough campaign and while I am obviously disappointed, I know that the people of Corangamite will benefit for years to come from the commitments I secured which will be delivered by a re-elected Morrison Liberal Government,” she said.

“This was a seat that many people had written off just a few months ago and yet we have come so close.

“We ran a strong campaign and one of which I am extremely proud. We didn’t play dirty, we focused on policy not personality and we never forgot that every community matters.”

For the latest updates on the Corangamite count from the AEC, head to https://tallyroom.aec.gov.au/HouseDivisionPage-24310-207.htm