Fiona Phillips has been returned to the Federal Parliament for the Seat of Gilmore with a swing towards her of almost 5% of the two party preferred votes and 39,503 first preference votes.

Fiona said “I’m absolutely thrilled with the result and look forward to continuing to represent the people of Gilmore. It’s a real honour and a privilege and I thank everyone for putting their faith in me for another three years.

I look forward to rolling out the Albanese Labor Government’s extensive suite of cost-of-living relief measures like cheaper medicines, free TAFE and cutting student debt by 20 per cent.

And I’m so pleased that the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic hours will be extended from 6am to midnight as this is something that I know is really important to people.”

Despite a strongly visible campaign from Liberal Andrew Constance, (35,977 first preference votes), voters followed the trend of the nation in rejecting the Liberal Party’s policies.

Locally it was hard to miss the hoards of young recruits in blue shirts jumping around on the weekends and there were many reports of aggressive behaviour.

The conflation of the State health issue of the Batemans Bay ED closure with the Federal campaign took up a lot of media air but failed to help Mr Constance’ campaign.

Independent Kate Dezarnaulds ran a professional campaign and said: “We lit a fire in Gilmore — and it’s not going out.” Kate gained 7,890 first preference votes.

Kate thanked the thousands of locals who backed the Kate 4 Gilmore campaign — saying the passion and purpose behind the movement is only just beginning.

While the campaign did not direct preferences, around 80% of Kate 4 Gilmore voters chose Labor second — a decisive factor in unseating the Liberal Party in one of the country’s most marginal electorates.

“The Liberals didn’t lose this seat because of us — they lost it because their fear-based politics, priorities and negative tone were completely out of step with what this community values,” said Kate. “People here are ready for solutions, not spin.”

Kate also congratulated Fiona Phillips on her re-election. “Fiona and I share a deep commitment to this region, and I sincerely wish her well in the work ahead. Our community deserves strong representation — and I’ll be there, alongside many others, to make sure it gets just that.”

Greens candidate Debbie Killian (6,987 first preference votes) gave a heartfelt thank you to her supporters.

“This was a hard-fought campaign with the Liberals spending big and a well-funded smear and fear campaign by right-wing lobby groups determined to destroy the Greens. To all those who supported our campaign – whether you volunteered, donated, helped spread the positive Greens message or voted for us – thank you and see you soon!”