Lucy Wicks wins Robertson
Liberal candidate Ms Lucy Wicks is set to be the new Member for Robertson having recorded 52.92 per cent of the two-party vote in the federal election held on Saturday, September 7.
After distribution of preferences, she had received 42,658 votes as of Friday, September 12.
Former Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill has conceded defeat.
At the time Peninsula News went to press, counting of postal and absentee votes for the Robertson electorate had not been finalized and the result of the poll had not been declared.
With just a 0.05 per cent increase in the Liberal party vote, Ms Wicks received 43.58 per cent of the first preference votes with a total of 35,133, which was 6574 more than Ms O'Neill received.
Ms O'Neill suffered a swing against her of 4.33 per cent and received 35.43 per cent of first preference votes or 36,578 after distribution of preferences.
Ms O'Neill, said it had "been a great honour to serve the people of Robertson for the last three years".
Ms Wicks said she was "humbled by the people of Robertson" for choosing her as their representative, and promised that the people of the electorate would no longer be taken for granted.
"That stops now and I promise to be the strong voice in parliament that the people of the Central Coast need.
"I'm proud that the first thing the Coalition government will do is scrap the carbon tax because it was the biggest issue residents raised with me.
"I'm also looking forward to working with my Liberal counterparts on delivering the Coalition's $21 million growth plan for the Central Coast.
"I'd also like to thank everyone for their support.
"I couldn't have done it without the strong Liberal community and volunteers and my family," said Ms Wicks.
However, despite the strong vote for Ms Wicks, she was the preferred candidate at only six of 16 polling places around the Peninsula.
Ms O'Neill said she has been overwhelmed with good wishes from locals.
"I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish in three years," said Ms O'Neill.
"Working to make a difference for the people on the Coast whose voices were so often silenced under the previous Coalition Government.
"We have delivered $55 million in health infrastructure for the Coast, $7 million for the GP Superclinic, $28.6 million for the Regional Cancer Centre, and $19.55 million to bring the Woy Woy Rehab back to life.
"In the last term of the previous Liberal Government, Gosford Council received only $1 million.
"Under Labor, in just three years, we have delivered $58 million for local roads, services and infrastructure.
"Our local schools also received a much needed boost of $80 million for new classrooms, libraries and vital refurbishments.
"The Labor Government of the 43rd Parliament delivered for the Central Coast.
"We as a community need to make sure that the Abbott Government deliver on the few commitments he made and deliver the promises already in the Budget.
"The F3-M2 Missing Link and the Kariong exit lane widening is already in the Budget and must be built.
"Kibbleplex is in the Budget, and must be built.
"And vague promises of a Regional Performing Arts Centre need to be clarified and fought for.
"However, John Singleton's influence is clear, by funding former Independent Lawrie McKinna, who delivered his preferences, secured the seat for the Liberal Party.
"Labor stands for a fair go for all, not just for some.
"I look forward to continuing to work for the people of the Central Coast, now and into the future.
"I once again thank everyone for their support over the last three years," said Ms O'Neill.
As of Friday, a total of 94.13 per cent of the 85,636 votes were formal with 5.87 per cent listed as informal.
About nine per cent of the votes were cast at the Woy Woy Pre-poll Voting Centre.
Website, 12 Sep 2013
Australian Electoral Commission
Media statement, 9 Sep 2013
Mary Doherty, Office of Lucy Wicks
Media statement, 9 Sep 2013
Richard Mehrtens, Office of Deborah O'Neill