LABOR’S Ursula Stephens and a few hungry comrades tucked in to a hearty brekky at the Paragon yesterday right opposite Pru Goward’s office.
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Whether it was an act of defiance, or a display of sheer pride, the symbolism remains.
Dr Stephens’ effort at Saturday’s election was “mission accomplished”.
“The flag’s still flying,” she said.
“I think this is the first time is six months it’s been flying outside her office.”
The former Labor senator awoke at 4am yesterday knowing she wouldn’t be able to haul back Ms Goward’s lead after Saturday night’s count.
Even after pre-polling preferences are processed this week, and postal votes are counted, the incumbent will assume a third term.
But the damage Dr Stephens and her Labor team inflicted on the Liberals’ tenure – before and after the election - is telling.
Ms Goward’s 26 per cent margin will be more like six or seven per cent.
“A 20 per cent swing against a sitting cabinet minister is certainly nothing to be sneezed at,” Dr Stephens said.
“At this stage I think it’s the biggest swing against any cabinet minister and that should send a salutary message to her that she has a lot of trust and relationships to rebuild.”
Dr Stephens polled strongly in Goulburn, topping several booths, including the Scout Hall, the third largest in the electorate.
Ms Goward’s eight-year profile as local member gave her a decided advantage in the northern part of the electorate, where she dominated Moss Vale, Bundanoon, Berrima and Robertson.
Out west, it was even stevens… Dr Stephens winning Yass High and within a whisker of claiming Yass Memorial Hall.
However, Ms Goward enjoys big buffers at Murrumbateman and Boorowa.
“After eight years, you have a profile … incumbency is a big advantage and I don’t begrudge her incumbency,” Dr Stephens said.
“She proved herself a formidable opponent and I know she worked really hard in these past few weeks when she realised she was under threat.”
Dr Stephens said it won’t be just her and her party who will be keeping Ms Goward honest over the next four years.
“It’s mission accomplished. This seat won’t be ignored again,” she said.
“There has been a lot of attention in recent elections about Monaro, well, here in Goulburn it’s pretty interesting too, and just as volatile.
“The entire electorate will expect Ms Goward to deliver on her promises: $130 million for Goulburn Base Hospital, $15m for the Barton Highway, $11.7m for Yass Health Services, $600,000 for the Goulburn walking trail, money for the Anglican cathedral …. money that’s just sprouted in these past few weeks.
“But there have been no promises about rail and nothing about TAFE.
“She will be held to account for the consolidation of closure of local services which are making really tough for people.
“The community will be watching.”
Dr Stephens paid tribute to her team.
“We had more than 140 volunteers on the ground yesterday… they have been magnificent throughout the campaign,” she said.
“And what we have done is built a campaign structure that will service us well in the federal and local government campaigns coming up.”
At the 2019 State Election, Dr Stephens said it would be a “whole new ball game” with Ms Goward likely to retire.
“We would expect a threecornered contest,” she said.