By ERWIN CHLANDA
There is no Federal election result yet in the sprawling seat of Lingiari – all of the Territory except Darwin.
With 68% of the vote counted and 63 of the 71 polling places in hand, sitting Member Warren Snowdon (Labor) and Tina MacFarlane (Country Liberals) are neck and neck with 21,268 and 20,088 votes, respectively.
Mr Snowdon’s vote is down 2.27% on the last election, and the Greens (Barbara Shaw) are down nearly 5%, on present figures.
The remaining booths are from remote areas where the Labor vote declined in last year’s Territory election and where Aboriginal Territory Parliamentarians campaigned for Ms MacFarlane.
Also, about half of the postal votes, 1175, are yet to be processed. These are likely to favour Ms MacFarlane.
There was a swing in against Mr Snowdon in all Alice Springs booths. The available two-candidate preferred results are:-
Civic Centre: Snowdon 577 (-4.5%), MacFarlane 537.
Braitling School: MacFarlane 547, Snowdon 484 (-7.94%).
Sadadeen: Snowdon 829 (-1.54%), MacFarlane 608.
Yirara College: MacFarlane 217, Snowdon 138 (-11.99%).
Results for the Tourism Central Australia booth are not yet available.
PHOTO: MacFarlane supporters in Alice Springs reacting to an announcement on the ABC that Ms Macfarlane had won in Lingiari, but in the end of the night round-up the ABC’s expert election commentator Antony Green said the result could not yet be called. Those present included sitting MLAs Bess Price (third from left) and Alison Anderson (at rear with one arm raised). The candidate was not there.
A new day for Australia. A real Australian way has begun. We are so happy I only have one more thing to say. We won.
What a basket case the Greens have become in the Territory. While Green / Indigenous policy and representation play well in the leafy suburbs, somewhat like Warren’s marathon runners and the preselection of Nova Perris, Aboriginal issues are abundantly represented by other parties. Meanwhile they distract from core Green policies that could be promoted to a Territory audience.
Warren’s hold on Lingiari is beginning to resemble Charlton Heston’s hold on his rifle.
The Country Liberals (CL) would have removed Warren from his seat but for one person Terry Mills.
It was Terry Mills who came out against his own party to destroy the credibility and reputation of Leo Abbott. And in doing that ensured that the Liberal Party lost the last federal election. FACT!
It was Terry Mills who after the election that the CL won decided to start on a program to destroy any and all credibility of the party and its elected members. Thus ensuring that when Henderson resigned and a by election was run the CL failed to win the seat.
And by continuing with Labor socialist destruction policies that continue to impact on the Territory and its people you have again ensured that Warren Snowdon may have retained this seat again.
Don’t get me wrong I am liberal all the way. But when the CL members follow blindly to Labor standards and participate in the their game with their rules I will speak out. Tina’s loss was the result of the CL party and its failure to adhere to conservative values and morals.
The CL should have come into power and encourage growth by spending to ensure Kilgarif started asap.
Removed all the red tape that has stifled private money. Ignore the department heads that have contributed to the decline of the Territory and implement or remove policies and procedures to ensure the territory is rebuilt and we grow fast.
To make money first you have to spend it in areas that produce revenue and increase your bank account.
I like our new prime ministers closing speech. We are under new management and open for business. Come on, Adam, you are the Chief Minister Lead! Direct and ensure that the CL win the next Territory election.
Adhere to strong conservative values and you can never go wrong. Conservative governments govern for the entire population and its prosperity.
It offers opportunities and real jobs. It offers real growth in the middle class. That is small business. Labor is about rich and poor and no room for the middle class. Now is the time to show real leadership and ensure the CL are elected next time also.
Let’s hope Warren gets the job. He is the best man for the job!