Local Member of Parliament, Tony Piccolo has been re-elected to State Parliament to represent the people of Light, for a historic fourth term, with a significantly increased majority.
While Mr Piccolo triumphed, the local Liberals achieved their worst priMary vote in the electorate since 1943, when the first Labor Member for Light Mr Sid McHugh won the seat.
Mr Piccolo is expected to achieve a priMary vote of around 53 % and around 60% on a two party preferred basis.
Mr Piccolo said that while he remained hopeful during the campaign of holding on, he was surprised by the size of the win in the end.
“To win the election on the priMary vote is testament to the hard work of my staff, team of volunteer campaign workers and supporters,” said Mr Piccolo.
“They did a magnificent job over a long period of time.”
Mr Piccolo thanked the people of the electorate for putting their trust in him to represent them in State Parliament for the next four years.
“Sometimes, the English language doesn't have the words to convey the full emotion, so the best words I have for my community is to say a big " THANK YOU" and I look forward to representing them to the best of my abilities,” Mr Piccolo said.
“To receive such huge support is both humbling and challenging, as I now need to live up to the people’s expectations.”
“I pray and hope that I will do justice to the trust they have placed in me.”
“And if I don't, they should tell me.”
“While to win Light was a great result for my magnificent campaign team and supporters, it was tinged with a sense of sadness, that I will not be part of the team in Government.”
“That said, I look forward to my new role as a Member of Parliament in the party in opposition, with renewed energy, drive and vigour.”
“I have the opportunity to learn more and represent the local community in a new way.”
“While my key role will be to be an active and effective advocate for the people in my community, I will also ensure the Liberal Party keep their promises in the local region”
“I will rightly hold them accountable if they start breaking their promises.”
Asked why he believed he did so well, Mr Piccolo said that he focussed on the issues that were important to the community.
“Having lived in the area since 1963 I have been able to gain a great understanding of those matters that the community cares about.”
“On a number of occasions the Liberal Party tried to bait me to debate issues that were important to them, but not the people.”
“I thought it was much more important to listen, rather than telling people what they should think.”
“Over the coming days and weeks I will be going through all the feedback I received and working out how to address the issues raised by the people in the electorate.”
“I look forward to continuing working with the people in the community over the next four years to strengthen our communities and build a better society.”