Back in business: Bass MP Ken Smith at his
By Paul Dunlop
DELIGHTED Bass MP Ken Smith was yesterday gearing up for another busy four years after a strong public vote emphasised his reputation as one of Victoria’s great political survivors.
The Liberal MP won clearly from Labor candidate John Anderson with an increased show of support that consolidated his position in what has been one of the state’s most marginal seats.
Meanwhile, Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato and Liberal challenger Simon Wildes have had to endure a nervewracking wait until counting finishes later this week.
The pair have been neck and neck throughout counting and Gembrook remained too close to call at the time of going to press.
Mr Smith, who will turn 62 on 30 December, has been an MP for 18 years.
Saturday’s victory was his fifth at an election and he had never felt more motivated, he said.
“It’s a great result, there was a good feeling all day on the booths but you can never really tell,” Mr Smith said.
“It was not until the results from Pakenham and some of the bigger booths came in that it was clear we were not only in it but we were going to win it.
“I never get overconfident but I am definitely excited about the future.”
Mr Smith held Bass by just 0.7 per cent after taking the seat from independent MP Susan Davies in 2002, but looks set to have a slightly more secure hold on it now.
He polled 45.82 per cent of the primary vote to Mr Anderson’s 35.38 per cent and the Liberals were well ahead on a twoparty preferred basis.
“It’s very pleasing, we’ve achieved what we set out to do,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s important to have a seat that’s reasonably safe but not too safe that I can become lazy.”
Mr Anderson was philosophical about the result, describing it as a good day for Victoria but a bittersweet one for him.
“That’s life on the hustings I guess,” he said.
Mr Smith said he ran a positive and proactive campaign that was aimed at achieving “realistic” results for the community.
The Liberals’ biggest splash was the $950,000 promise for the Pakenham pool but there was plenty of other money for schools, car parking upgrades and improvements to facilities such as the town hall.
Mr Smith said the overall result was somewhat disappointing but preferred to dwell on the positives.
He said Ted Baillieu’s leadership had revitalised the party which was already looking to 2010 with confidence.
“We’re already getting the goals on the board, we’ve got a great leader and we are already developing our policies.”
Mr Smith assured residents he would continue to work hard on their behalf.
Despite his veteran status, he said the winning feeling remained just as fresh after almost two decades in politics.
