Dunstan by-election: Labor’s Cressida O’Hanlon in historic win over Liberal Anna Finizio

Labor’s candidate in the state’s most marginal seat has claimed a historic victory in the Dunstan by-election after a bitter campaign.

Labor has secured a historic Dunstan by-election win after one of the most bitter campaigns in living memory to secure former premier Steven Marshall’s seat.

The state government’s candidate Cressida O’Hanlon, 51, has secured a knife-edge victory of less than one per cent margin, and fewer than 400 votes, over Liberal opponent Anna Finizio, 37.

Businesswoman Ms O’Hanlon, a mother of four, has broken political history after becoming the first government-backed candidate to win an Opposition held seat in a by-election in more than 116 years.

While the Electoral Commission is still to confirm the result likely next week – the Liberals have conceded the result despite their candidate securing more primary support and declaration votes.

Dr Finizio called Labor candidate for Dunstan Cressida O'Hanlon to concede on Wednesday. Picture: Matt Loxton

Dr Finizio, a former political adviser, has rung Ms O’Hanlon, who also worked for a Labor MP, to concede late on Wednesday.

“This afternoon, I congratulated Cressida O’Hanlon on winning the Dunstan by-election,” she said in a statement.

“I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the people of Dunstan.

“Every minute at your doorstep, inside your small business and out with you in the community was a privilege. While this was not the outcome we had hoped for, I want to thank all my supporters and our volunteers for their incredible efforts during this campaign.”

Opposition Leader David Speirs, whose leadership has also come under intense scrutiny, has also rung Premier Peter Malinauskas to concede.

“This afternoon I rang the Premier to congratulate him on their victory in the Dunstan by-election,” Mr Speirs said.

“Dr Finizio comfortably won the primary vote but unfortunately the preference flow has ultimately seen us fall short by a few hundred votes.”

Neither Ms O’Hanlon nor Mr Malinauskas commented on Wednesday night.

While Labor’s lead was 384 votes as of Wednesday lunchtime, Labor expected that margin to tighten even further to between 200 and 250 votes.

This tightened to 345 votes on Wednesday night or a 49.2 to 50.8 margin.

Cressida O'Hanlon with Peter Malinauskas. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Ms O’Hanlon, who like lawyer Dr Finizio was embroiled in several controversies during the bitter six week campaign, won thanks to an unprecedented surge of Greens preferences.

Officials say usually 20 per cent of Greens preferences flowed to Liberal nominees but this election that had fallen to 10 per cent.

Ms O’Hanlon, who has faced questions over her links and involvement to her husband James’ business Citadel Secure, lost to Mr Marshall by 260 votes in 2022.

Mr O’Hanlon, 50, is a director.

The win means Premier Peter Malinauskas’ government will have 28 seats in parliament’s lower house compared to the Opposition’s 14.

Anna Finizio with David Speirs. Picture: Brett Hartwig

A majority 24 seats is needed from the 47 House of Assembly electorates.

Liberal officials had not ruled out legal action in the Court of Disputed Returns but this is unlikely because the margin is higher than 100 votes.

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