Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Dunkley by-election

Chris CREWTHER (Mornington) (09:57): I want to speak on the Dunkley by-election and congratulate everyone that was involved, from members through to volunteers, the community and voters. This by-election was brought on by their tragic passing of Peta Murphy, who I knew well, particularly from having stood against her twice, in 2016 and 2019. I know the member for Frankston knew her very well as well. While we had many disagreements of course, she was a person who was loved by the community and put her best efforts in at all times.

I would like to congratulate Nathan Conroy and his wife Steffie on all their efforts and congratulate them as well on their second baby on the way. While they did not win, they had a swing of over 3.5 ‍per cent, which is a good swing, and if that is replicated at the federal election in the right seats, it could well mean a change of government.

I would also like to congratulate Jodie Belyea on her win, and I look forward to working with her particularly in our overlapping areas of Mount Eliza. I note that there were big swings in particular booths as well. The booth that Nathan Conroy was at had a swing on two-party preferred of over 11 ‍per cent; the booth that I was at, at Mount Eliza North, had a swing of over 10 per cent on two-party preferred – so it shows voters are willing to make a change.

I would like to work on a commitment that was made for Mount Eliza Secondary College. I understand that that is an amount of $7 million. I will be working to ensure that that is followed through to ensure that that is delivered not only for now but for the future for the school.