Green edge to voter swing

SWINGS against both major parties were recorded in the electorates of La Trobe and McMillan this week.
While McMillan’s incumbent MP Russell Broadbent retained his seat, fellow Liberal Jason Wood looks to be ousted from La Trobe, the seat he has held for six years.
Labor’s Laura Smyth will take his place.
Swings against both the ALP and Liberal Party were recorded in both electorates, while Greens candidate Jim Reiher picked up a 3.54 per cent swing in La Trobe – helping Ms Smyth over the line – and Malcolm McKelvie achieved a 3.33 per cent swing in McMillan.
Mr Reiher congratulated Ms Smyth on her win and wished Mr Wood all the best.
“We have no personal beef against Jason,” he said.
“But the Greens of course would prefer to see a Gillard Government rather than an Abbott Government – we didn’t want to be the seat that put Abbott in power.”
Ms Smyth said she would soon meet with constituents and community groups.
“Over coming weeks I’ll map out what is achievable. Green issues are significant in the area and I’ll be very mindful of that.”
Mr Wood said it had been a ‘great honour’ to be the member for La Trobe, and he planned to now look to another field.
Mr Broadbent said Pakenham was key to his win, and spent most of election day in the town.
“It is a great relief to win for the fourth time,” he said.
“It is a very difficult seat to hold, it has always been volatile, and that is why we ran a very strong campaign.”