In the recent election, the Coalition had aimed to secure government by winning critical seats in Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW). However, the results showcased resilience from Labor, as marginal seats that were feared to be at risk were retained with enhanced margins, ultimately turning NSW red once more.
As Australia’s most populated state, NSW hosts 46 electoral districts, including three held by teal independents from the previous election, amidst key contests that captured national attention. Notably, Jerome Laxale successfully maintained his position in the Bennelong seat for Labor, defying a redistribution that nominally favoured the Liberals. Laxale celebrated a significant swing of over 10% and claimed victory, interpreting the result as a rejection of the Liberal Party’s negative strategies, particularly under Peter Dutton.
In another pivotal seat, Gilmore, Labor MP Fiona Phillips managed to hold onto her position despite closely contested races in the past. This region also shifted in favour of Labor, with more than a 7% swing as votes came in.
The Hunter electorate is particularly emblematic of Labor stronghold, having been dominated by the Fitzgibbon family for decades. Dan Repacholi, a former Olympian, stood firm against challengers, reinforcing Labor’s presence in an area recognised for its coal industry. Repacholi made a strong statement opposing Dutton’s proposals for nuclear reactors, underscoring the locals’ rejection of such initiatives in their recent voting patterns.
Across other key areas, Labor candidates like Sally Sitou in Reid and Andrew Charlton in Parramatta were re-elected with considerable swings in their favour. The bellwether Robertson seat also witnessed a shift towards Labor, while the once-secure Liberal seat of Banks saw David Coleman ousted by Zhi Soon from Labor.
Independents fared well too, with Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender, and Zali Steggall retaining their positions in Mackellar, Wentworth, and Warringah, respectively. As the night progressed, a few seats remained undecided, including Bradfield, which belonged to retiring Liberal frontbencher Paul Fletcher.
Overall, the election results signified a substantial shift in voter sentiment across NSW, reflecting a desire for change amidst a backdrop of contested national issues. The outcomes serve as a critical indicator of the political landscape as challenges and sentiments evolve in the face of broader national concerns.