Local Labor MPs, Maree Edwards and Mary-Anne Thomas, have been re-elected to their respective seats of Bendigo West and Macedon in Labor’s return to government at Saturday’s state election.
Both seats experienced a small swing against Labor of between three and four per cent, below the state average of between five and six per cent.
The Andrews Government had won 52 of the 45 seats needed to secure the lower house (at the time of going to press yesterday) compared to the Liberal/Nationals’ 25, with 65 per cent of the vote counted.
Ms Edwards was successful in winning a fourth term in office and continues as the local member since 2010.
In the two-party preferred vote in Bendigo West, Labor recorded 65.51 per cent and the Liberals’ 34.39 per cent.
Speaking at Trades Hall Bendigo after the election win, Ms Edwards said she was honoured to be re-elected to represent the electorate for the next four years.
“Thank you to my volunteers, supporters, friends, family, team and our community,” she said.
Placing her vote on Saturday, Ms Edwards said a vote for Labor was a vote for free kinder, bringing back the SEC, making V/Line fares fair, expanding free TAFE, more investment in local schools and more action on climate.
Ms Edwards made a raft of local commitments during her election campaign including $4 million to relocate and expand Castlemaine TAFE and $100,000 funding boost to the team at the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum.
She told the Express on Monday morning that she never took any election for granted and worked hard to deliver on promises and engage with the community.
“The main part of the job is listening. I have a sign in my office that says ‘the first step to wisdom is silence and the second is listening’,” Ms Edwards said.
“I’m so grateful to the people of Bendigo West for voting for me and a huge shout out to the volunteers and all my staff who support me, I couldn’t do it without them.
“We’re back in the office this morning and back to work following up on everything we put aside for two weeks.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas was also returned for her third term representing the electorate.
In the two-party preferred vote in Macedon, Labor recorded 59.5 per cent and the Liberals’ 40.5 per cent.
Ms Thomas thanked the people of Macedon for the trust and confidence they had shown in her and her Labor values.
“I am enormously grateful to have been elected for a further four years as your representative in the Victorian parliament,” she said.
“My commitment is as always, to work hard, represent you well and serve all members of the community to the best of my ability.
“As Health Minister I will stand by our healthcare workers, boost our workforce with more nurses, ambos, doctors and allied health professionals, and deliver on our health infrastructure projects.
“I’m particularly excited by our women’s healthcare commitments. Women’s health research and services will get a huge boost.
“Each of these commitments will benefit the people of Macedon. And while I have additional responsibilities, the people I represent are always my top priority.
“I can’t wait for more netball courts and women’s change facilities in Kyneton, an upgraded skate park for Romsey kids and a new Trades Hub at Gisborne Secondary.”
Ms Thomas also thanked and congratulated Dom Bonanno for the Liberals and Marley McLeod McCrae for the Greens on their campaigns.
“Our democracy relies on a contest of ideas to stay strong,” she said.
