Liberal candidate Tim Wilson has tentatively claimed victory in Goldstein, narrowly outperforming sitting MP Zoe Daniel by just 128 votes, a margin of 0.06 per cent, following the first count. This close result means a recount might be on the horizon, as the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will now distribute preferences, potentially altering the outcome.
According to AEC regulations, an automatic recount will occur if the vote margin falls below 100, although candidates have the option to request one if the gap exceeds that threshold. Initially, Daniel had a strong lead on election night, but a significant shift in postal votes turned the tables in Wilson’s favour, with results showing a swing of over 60-40 towards the Liberal candidate.
Wilson announced his victory on 7 May, supported by calls from major news outlets, and he briefly considered a run for the leadership of the Liberal Party, though he later decided against it. Meanwhile, Daniel has been reluctant to concede her position, having previously ousted Wilson in the 2022 election. In the span of a week, Daniel’s lead has dramatically diminished from over 1,400 votes to the slender margin observed at the close of the first count.
The ongoing developments suggest that until the AEC finalises the distribution of preferences and any potential recount, the battle for Goldstein remains fiercely contested.