Mayo by-election: MP says win or lose, Georgina Downer will also run for the 2019 federal election

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has backed Mayo’s dynastic candidate Georgina Downer to run at the federal election in 2019, regardless of the result in Saturday’s by-election.

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PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has backed Mayo’s dynastic candidate Georgina Downer to run at the federal election in 2019, regardless of the result in Saturday’s by-election.

The Mayo vote is one of five across four states, following the citizenship saga and resignation of a Perth MP.

Ms Downer – daughter of former federal Liberal leader Alexander Downer, who held the seat of Mayo for 24 years – was this week revealed to be falling well short in the polls to former Mayo incumbent, Centre Alliance candidate Rebekha Sharkie.

A Reachtel poll yesterday showed Ms Sharkie ahead 59-41 on a two-party preferred basis, replicating an Advertiser-Galaxy poll released on Monday.

Mr Turnbull told The Advertiser Ms Downer was an “outstanding candidate” for the Liberal Party, and that the federal election would be held in the “first half of next year” – a potential sign the apathy felt across the electorate towards the by-election has cut through to the party room.

Senior Liberal figure Senator Simon Birmingham joined Ms Downer yesterday in Stirling on the final day of her campaign, following appearances from a string of high-profile Coalition MPs during her 10-week campaign. Ms Downer, who plans to fight for a $40 million upgrade to the South Eastern Freeway, revealed she thought of herself as “the underdog”.

“It is always difficult when you’re running against an incumbent and it’s always difficult, history has shown, for governments to win these by-elections,” Ms Downer said.

“So, I expected this would be a difficult campaign but it’s been a really fantastic time out here in Mayo and I’ve had a great reception in the community. My intention is to run next year and hopefully as for re-election as the member for Mayo.”

Liberal candidate Georgina Downer. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Centre Alliance candidate Rebekha Sharkie. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

The Australian Electoral Commission yesterday said 16,867 people had already voted in Mayo, the second highest number of early voters after Longman in Queensland.

More than 80,000 people will today cast their vote at polling booths across the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

In a final pitch to voters, Ms Sharkie said the three biggest issues in the electorate that she would fight for were the long-term sustainability of the River Murray, inadequate resourcing for the aged care sector and energy prices.

“The community wants a bipartisan approach to the energy market that lowers prices and is committed to the transition from high-emission sources,” Ms Sharkie said.

She told The Advertiser she felt more nervous “than on her wedding day” and thanked almost 800 volunteers for their help and encouragement.

Ms Sharkie yesterday rejected repeated suggestions she is (Opposition Leader) “Bill Shorten’s candidate” as her voting record was again called into question on the final day of the by-election campaign.

She reaffirmed her position that she votes only on the interests of the electorate.

Labor candidate Reg Coutts said his “clearest message and high point of my campaign for me in Mayo is the clear endorsement of Sharkie”.

The other candidates are Major “Moogy” Sumner (Greens), Tracey-Lee Cane (Christian Democratic Party), Kelsie Harfouche (Australian People’s Party) and Liberal Democrat Stephen Humble, who said: “I would be looking to legalise cannabis to support a new cannabis product industry, including recreational and medicinal tourism to increase employment”.

But the focus for both major parties will be on the marginal seats of Braddon in Tasmania and Longman in Queensland – with Mr Shorten’s future expected to face scrutiny if losses occur in both states.

OTHER CANDIDATES

Reg Coutts, Labor

Labor candidate Reg Coutts.

The clearest message and high point of my campaign for me is the clear endorsement of Sharkie. Georgina, in contrast, is seen as an outsider brought in to continue the ‘Downer Dynasty’ with fly-in celebrities with burbles from the current government. The biggest three issues in Mayo are the inadequate infrastructure, energy and the environment. Vote for me first and then Sharkie.

 

Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner, GREENS

Greens candidate Major 'Moogy' Sumner.

The people of Mayo have an opportunity to send a message to Canberra on Saturday by voting #1 Green. A vote for the Greens will send a clear message Mayo voters want to being caring for people and the planet back to the centre of politics.

 

Tracey-Lee Cane, CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Christian Democratic Party candidate Tracey-Lee Cane.

Christian Democratic Party offers a solid alternative this by-election. Our policies align with the values of the Christian faith and we work to meet community needs as Christ taught us to. I sincerely care about your needs and seeing these needs met. For that alternative, Vote 1.

 

Stephen Humble, LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

Liberal democrat candidate Stephen Humble.

I plan to make a difference, not fill a seat. I will add critical analysis to parliamentary debate to eliminate red tape and poor legislation. Bad laws have negative consequences. Marijuana prohibition and bike helmet laws are obvious examples. I hope to restore people’s rights and freedoms.

 

Kelsie Harfouche, AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE’S PARTY

Australian People's Party candidate Kelsie Harfouche.

I come from a farming and family business background and recognise the pressure of rising costs of living being driven by rising energy prices and the culture of hegemony - a club that privileges itself at the expense of the greater good.