KEY POINTS
- The Coalition will return to government in New South Wales
- It remains to be seen whether Gladys Berejiklian will head a majority government
- Labor leader Michael Daley has conceded
KEY SEATS ACROSS NORTHERN NSW
UPPER HUNTER
Almost 50 per cent counted for the 2019 state election in the Upper Hunter. Michael Johnsen sitting at 51%, Melanie Dagg at 49%, a very strong increase in Labor support this year. Going to be a long night of counting. More to come. @nbnnews
— Lauren Kempe (@laurenkempe) March 23, 2019
Currently held by the Nationals’ Michael Johnsen, the electorate was decided by less than 2,000 votes in 2015.
Labor candidate, Melanie Dagg nears as Johnsen’s closest competitor.
PORT STEPHENS
Six candidates will contest the seat of Port Stephens, which covers areas including Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace & Tea Gardens.
Currently held by Labor’s Kate Washington, who won the seat with a swing of almost 20% in 2015, it’s been a key battleground for both parties.
Jaimie Abbott is standing as the Liberal parties candidate, while the Greens have put forward Maureen Magee.
LISMORE
The retirement of long serving Nationals’ MP Thomas George, along with an expected swing to the Greens means the seat of Lismore could prove pivotal.
Austin Curtin fills the void left by the retiring 70-year-old, while Labor’s Janelle Saffin and The Greens’ Sue Higginson loom as potential contenders.
LAKE MACQUARIE
Current member Greg Piper stands to hold the seat of Lake Macquarie.
