As votes from the New South Wales State Election flowed in, it became more and more clear that Liberal incumbent Wendy Tuckerman would retain the seat of Goulburn, with Labor’s candidate for Goulburn Michael Pilbrow conceding the seat on Friday, March 31st.
With 86.4% of the votes counted as of Monday afternoon, April 3rd, Tuckerman lead by 1,073 votes, holding a 51.3% to 48.7% preference over Pilbrow. A particularly tight contest and one that puts the Liberals on notice for the next election. Labor won booths that they had never won before.
Pilbrow released a statement that afternoon conceding the election.
“As counting continues, it’s clear NSW Labor will not win the seat of Goulburn,” Pilbrow said.
Yass local and Labor’s Candidate for the seat of Goulburn – Michael Pilbrow
“While I am disappointed, I am also incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to run as the Labor candidate for Goulburn and am humbled by all of the support I received throughout our campaign.
“I’m particularly proud of the commitments secured for our community which will be delivered under a Minns Labor government, including security for Yass water, an upgraded Moss Vale fire station and a path to reopening Wakefield Park.
“While we did not get across the line in Goulburn, I am heartened that the people of NSW have voted for a Labor government and a fresh start for our state.
“Thank you to the other candidates, Gregory John Olsen Esq and Andy Wood. I appreciated your camaraderie on the campaign trail and admired your passion.
“Thanks too to my family, friends, volunteers and supporters who made this campaign so active, engaging and enjoyable.
“While the campaign is over my commitment to the Goulburn electorate is not. I will continue to be an advocate for our community and the people in it.
“For now, after a whirlwind campaign, I look forward to spending time with my family.”
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain, who had been working closely with Pilbrow during his campaign, praised the Labor Candidate for Goulburn on his efforts.
“Michael Pilbrow is obviously a passionate local advocate who has been on the ground now for months working really hard door-knocking in the electorate, coming up with policies and election commitments that really appealed to the people of the Goulburn electorate,” McBain said.
“I’ve no doubt that he’ll continue to serve his community in a number of different capacities and perhaps we’ll see him back again in four years, challenging again for the seat of Goulburn.”
Labor received strong swings in Yass Valley voting booths this election, winning all booths except for Binalong.
Labor made big swings in their favour at Yass High School (+3.7%), Bowning Community Hall (+14.4%), Yass Memorial Hall (+5.9%), Murrumbateman Community Church (+4.4%), Gundaroo Public School (+6.7%), Sutton Public School (+10.9%), and Bowning Community Hall (+14.4%).
Tim Warren
