Federal election 2019 results: Adelaide electorate | Ellis bows out as Georganas moves in

Labor stalwart Steve Georganas has eased back into parliament, replacing his long-term colleague Kate Ellis in Adelaide.

Retiring MP Kate Ellis explains the voting process to sons Charlie and Sam at the Goodwood Primary School polling booth. Picture: Matt Turner

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After a 15-year career in federal politics, Kate Ellis bade farewell to the electorate of Adelaide — with two trusty sidekicks in tow.

Ms Ellis, who chose not to run for Parliament to spend more time with her family, was joined by sons Sam, 4, and Charlie, 1, who shared the emotion of her last day.

Retiring MP Kate Ellis votes despite the distraction provided by sons Charlie and Sam at the Goodwood Primary School polling booth. Picture: Matt Turner

“(Sam) keeps seeing the posters and apparently keeps saying to everyone …. these are all the people that want to do Mummy’s job,” Ms Ellis said.

“It is the first election he really understands, so we have been explaining to him what happens, showing him the ballot then explaining to him that the person we most want to do Mummy’s job we put a one next to. That was sweet.”

Ms Ellis was only 26 when she first won the seat of Adelaide in the 2004 election.

Three years later, she was a minister in Kevin Rudd’s government, becoming the youngest person to hold the position, beating Paul Keating’s record.

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Barker

Boothby

Grey

Hindmarsh

Kingston

Makin

Mayo

Spence

Sturt

After 15 years in the job, Ms Ellis said she was yet to come up with a solid plan for life after politics, but was ready for her “next exciting adventure”.

“I am really excited about what the future might hold and doing some new things,” she said.

“Most people leave these sorts of jobs because they get kicked out, get told they have to or they get sick of it, but that wasn’t the case for me. It’s hard to walk alway from, but it is really exciting because I think I have made the right choice for me and my family.”

Claiming victory in the safe Labor seat last night, Ms Ellis’ successor, Steve Georganas, said he had “great big shoes to fill”.

Steve Georganas meets 'Mulligan', who was keen for his snag at the Cowandilla Primary School. Picture: MATT TURNER.

“She was a marvellous MP and a great inspiration,” he said.

“I am going to miss her from parliament.”

Last night, Mr Georganas had 42.1 per cent of first preference votes followed by Liberal candidate Shaun Osborn (34.7 per cent) and The Greens’ Barbara Pocock (15.9 per cent).

He shifted from Hindmarsh — which he was first elected to in 2004 — to Adelaide after the abolition of the seat of Port Adelaide.

“My number one priority is to represent the electorate of Adelaide to the best of my ability and to have their views and concerns heard in parliament,” he said.