By GARRY HOWE
SATURDAY’S result was bitter-sweet for re-elected Gembrook MP Brad Battin.
Mr Battin wanted to celebrate the fact that he was one of a handful of Liberals to gain ground in the State Election to comfortably regain the seat, but the sting in the tail is that he will be in Opposition.
He held a 6.7 per cent margin after the last election, which blew out to 8.8 per cent after a redistribution of the seat. As of yesterday afternoon, it appeared he would take a 10.11 per cent advantage into the next election.
“The local result was fantastic,” Mr Battin said. “To have that much community support is much appreciated.
“Overall I have to say I am disappointed at the overall result, but that’s politics. You just have to get over it.”
Mr Battin said he would fight to ensure his key pledges during the campaign caught the attention of the new Andrews Government, particularly the much-needed mental health facility flagged for Berwick Secondary College.
He will also continue to champion the cause of local CFA brigades and the under-resourced Emerald SES.
“It is the biggest SES unit in Victoria and is in desperate need for an upgrade,” he said.
“It has to cover 20 CFA areas, yet still works out of a tin shed.”
Mr Battin congratulated all candidates who put their hand up in Gembrook, particularly Labor’s Collin Ross and Greens candidate Michael Schilling.
“The candidates do a lot of work and all without pay,” he said.
“I thank them for running a clean campaign.”
