Election Roundup: Voters Have Spoken?

By Josh Kerwick

The Blue ribbon seats in the Hills and Hawkesbury are a little thinner after the State Election delivered a minority Labor government with 45 seats, making Chris Minns New South Wales’ 47th Premier.

Liberal candidates kept many electorates in our region like Castle Hill and Hawkesbury, as well as securing newly named electorates such as Kellyville and Winston Hills. However, Labor did gain the safe Liberal seat of Riverstone for the first time in 12 years.

The reshuffled Castle Hill electorate was won by Liberal Hills Shire Councillor and Deputy Mayor Mark Hodges, who secured 61.3% of the preference votes in the area, despite an 11.1% swing to Labor’s Tina Cartwright with 38.7% of votes.

Mr Hodges said: “I have experience serving my community, first as a police officer and now as Councillor and Deputy Mayor. I’m looking forward to continuing the Liberal Party’s record of delivery and being a strong voice for the people of Castle Hill in the New South Wales Parliament.”

Hawkesbury’s eight-candidate race yielded similar results, with current MP Robyn Preston securing 60.3% of votes through preference, though Amanda Kotlash and Labor took 39.7% of votes with a positive 6.3% swing. This is Ms Preston’s second term as MP, having first been elected in 2019.

Ms Preston thanked those who supported her in the run-up to the election, stating that it was a privilege to be re-elected in the Hawkesbury. “I am here for everyone in Hawkesbury and will work tirelessly for our community. I want to acknowledge your effort and belief that we could bring it home,” she said.

The new seat of Kellyville took over much of the old Castle Hill electorate, bringing with it a majority of its voter base. The Liberal Party’s Ray Williams took home the new electorate with 61.1% of the preference votes, while Labor’s Alex Karki secured 38.9% with a 12.0% swing.

Mr Williams said: “I will continue to represent the area as I have done previously, continuing to advocate for important services and infrastructure that our growing area deserves.” He hopes to see the delivery of Rouse Hill Hospital and the completion of Memorial Avenue in his term.

Winston Hills was also a new electorate this year, replacing Seven Hills while gaining Glenwood and parts of Lalor Park. Previous Seven Hills Liberal MP Mark Taylor won the Winston Hills race, taking 52.2% from preferential votes while Labor candidate Sameer Pandey took home 47.8% of the votes.

On running for a new electorate, Mr Taylor said that he was fortunate to have made many meaningful connections in the area before it was formed and is excited to make and strengthen more in the growing community. “I will continue to be the voice of our community and ensure the current Government does not neglect the hard-working residents of the Winston Hills electorate.”

Labor’s Warren Kirby won the safe Liberal seat of Riverstone after long-time MP Kevin Conolly retired from the position with 53.5% of the preferential votes and a 9.7% swing. Mohit Kumar, who aimed to succeed Conolly, earned 46.5% of the votes. Though once a safe Labor seat, it had since become a safe Liberal seat for three terms before Mr Kirby’s victory.

Mr Kirby was quick to show his appreciation to Riverstone for placing their trust in him. “There is much to be done but before we roll up our sleeves I just want to take the time to acknowledge my supporters, and say thank you,” he said.“I am here for everyone in Hawkesbury and will work tirelessly for our community. I want to acknowledge your effort and belief that we could bring it home,”“I will continue to represent the area as I have done previously, continuing to advocate for important services and infrastructure that our growing area deserves.”“There is much to be done but before we roll up our sleeves I just want to take the time to acknowledge my supporters, and say thank you.”“I have experience serving my community, first as a police officer and now as Councillor and Deputy Mayor. I’m looking forward to continuing the Liberal Party’s record of delivery and being a strong voice for the people of Castle Hill in the New South Wales Parliament.”“I will continue to be the voice of our community and ensure the current Government does not neglect the hard-working residents of the Winston Hills electorate.”