Julian Simmonds concedes defeat in Brisbane electorate of Ryan
Queensland MP Julian Simmonds has conceded defeat in the electorate of Ryan in Brisbane’s west, describing the past three years as a ‘privilege’.
Federal Election
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Queensland MP Julian Simmonds has conceded defeat in the electorate of Ryan, describing the last three years as an “honour” and a “privilege”.
Mr Simmonds, who will lose his seat to the Greens, successfully pushed for major subsidies for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes — a move that will save people thousands of dollars a year.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together, especially in a time of unprecedented adversity,” he said.
“And while I am disappointed that I will not be able to continue to serve you as the Member for Ryan, I am reminded of how lucky we are to live in a democracy and how important it is that we continue to defend our country, our values and our way of life.”
Mr Simmonds, in the concession speech posted to social media, said he was “unashamedly proud” of the legacy his team had would leave behind — including the commitment to fix Moggill Rd, and securing two days of bereavement leave for parents who lose a baby through miscarriage.
The single-term MP, who served in Brisbane City Council before entering federal politics, also talked about the successful push to extend subsidies for glucose monitoring devices used by Type 1 diabetics for every Australian with the condition — saving them up to $4616 a year.
Mr Simmonds, along with 12 other Liberal and LNP MPs, had been pushing for the subsidy since at least October last year with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison making the commitment during the election — which was matched by Federal Labor.
Of the 13 MPs signatory to a letter pushing for the subsidy — seen by The Courier-Mail at the time – a total of 7 have lost their seats.
“Politics is tough, especially on families. For now, I am grateful to spend time with mine, especially my wife Maddy, without whose support I could not have represented you and your family over these past three years,” Mr Ryan said.
“Thank you again for the opportunity to serve our community.”
The Australian Electoral Commission vote count shows a nearly 10 per cent swing against Mr Simmonds, cutting his primary vote share to 38.9 per cent and growing the Greens vote to 30.5 per cent.
Labor’s vote in the seat fell to 22 per cent, with those preferences set to jettison the Greens Elizabeth Watson-Brown to a clear victory.
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