Tasmanian Labor staffer Rebecca White has won the party’s second seat in Lyons, knocking Labor veteran David Llewellyn out of State Parliament.
The Electoral Commission announced Ms White’s victory this afternoon.
With only a handful of preferences to be counted the 27 year old has an unassailable lead of about 650 votes.
The Labor staffer caused a stir during the election campaign when she subtly mocked Mr Llewellyn and fellow veteran Michael Polley in her advertising.
The result ends Mr Llewellyn’s 24-year career in State Parliament during which he held several ministries and was Deputy Premier.
ABC Online HERE, with a great pic
And, Hello Brian, Bye Scott in Bass, and Hello Basil, Bye Brett in Braddon (likely):
Details on the TEC website HERE
And, TT’s pre-eminent psephologist, Dr Kevin Bonham was right again: voters take a dim view of pollies standing after doubts about whether they will see out their full term:
Dr Kevin Bonham, HERE
Reaction:
Media Release
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Our Common Ground welcomes Lyons election outcome
Our Common Ground welcomed the decision taken by voters of Lyons, where former Forest Minister David Llewellyn was defeated by party colleague Rebecca White.
The result reinforces Our Common Ground’s position, that Tasmanians want renewal in government.
Ms White’s victory shows that Labor’s own voters rejected the old-style political thinking and failed forestry policies that Mr Llewellyn represented.
Our Common Ground spokesman, Peter Skillern said the result shows that even rusted-on Labor voters were sick and tired of the old approach.
“Mr Llewellyn oversaw the logging of hundreds of thousands of hectares of native forests, including old-growth forests and rainforests.
“Through her victory, we hope Ms White has clearly heard the loud call for change within her party’s own supporters.
“The world’s markets, its bankers and investors have all rejected Tasmania’s approach to forestry, and they have now been joined by a significant proportion of the ALP’s support base. And we welcome this outcome”, said Mr Skillern.
And,
MEDIA RELEASE – 31 March 2010
Forest Minister loses his seat as voters reject advocates of old-style native-forest logging
Several supporters of native-forest logging and Gunns’ proposed pulp mill have failed to be elected in the recent state election, signaling an end to old-style politics which put the interests of big businesses above those of the community and the environment, according to the Wilderness Society.
Forestry Minister David Llewellyn has lost his seat to newcomer Rebecca White, who campaigned on the slogan of ‘renewal’. Daniel Hulme and Graeme Sturges, both vocal supporters of the logging industry and the pulp mill, also failed to be re-elected, and forestry union official Scott McLean was rejected by voters.
“The Tasmanian public has sent a strong message that they do not support old-style thinking when it comes to logging by rejecting high profile candidates who vocally advocate for the continuation of native-forest logging,” said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for the Wilderness Society.
“Forestry Minister Llewellyn has been the most vocal supporter of native-forest logging policies and the pulp mill, but the loss of his seat shows that Tasmania is looking for a new approach to these issues.”
As Forestry Minister, Mr Llewellyn has administered policies that continued the controversial logging of native forests, including oldgrowth and rainforests. Meanwhile the logging industry has fallen into crisis, with job losses, massive levels of public subsidy, a rejection of Tasmanian forest products overseas and a general inability to keep up with changing world demands.
“Labor voters should be congratulated for demanding a new approach and rejecting old-style thinking.
“Newly elected politicians should embrace the public’s mood for change. Voters want to see their forests properly protected and the timber industry transformed into one which all Tasmanians can be proud of,” concluded Mr Bayley.
