LIBERAL Tony Pasin has been returned for a fourth term as Member for Barker, largely bucking a nation-wide swing against his party.
As of midday today, Mr Pasin had earned well over 50 per cent of first-preference votes, meaning he had no need to rely on preferences to secure victory.
Mount Gambier-based Mr Pasin had over 41,000 of first-preference votes, with Labor’s Mark Braes the next highest on nearly 16,000 first-preference votes.
On the two-candidate preferred count, Mr Pasin was sitting on 66.74 per cent, around 2 per cent below his final 2019 figure.
The Coalition was dumped from government after a near-nationwide swing away from leader Scott Morrison’s party.
While disappointed with the overall result, Mr Pasin said he was pleased with the local numbers.
“I thank all those who have put their faith in me at the ballot box and have given me the opportunity to continue to deliver for our community,” he said today.
“Thank you to all those who have supported me in my role. I couldn’t be the member for Barker and achieve what I have for communities across the electorate without the support of my volunteers, family and staff.”
Labor leader Anthony Albanese will be sworn in as Australia’s 31st prime minister on Monday.