Federal election 2022: Kevin Hogan celebrates win in Lismore

Nationals keep Page seat as Hogan celebrates in Lismore. Read what he said.

Labor contender Patrick Deegan failed to oust a jubilant Nationals MP Kevin Hogan for the hotly contested Page seat.

While Hogan faced the wrath of flood affected residents in recent weeks, local dissatisfaction was not enough to ply him for his seat with a slight swing back to the Nationals.

Celebrating at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club, Kevin Hogan retains the "safe seat" of Page for the Nationals in the 2022 Federal election. Picture Cath Piltz

At the Lismore Heights Bowling Club Hogan's supporters began celebrating when Hogan announced that Mr Deegan had phoned him to concede the seat to the Nationals. 

“I'm very humbled and grateful to the community for having the faith and trust in me for the next three years,” Hogan said.

In a nod to the floods, Hogan spoke about the “massive job” ahead and described the post flood win as “really personal”.

“Besides the things we do in the Federal office, every time we get elected we’re looking out for the community.

"This time, this one is personal. This one is a really personal win because we have a massive job we need to do and as I said in my speech I’ll leave no stone unturned,” he said.

Hogan, who faced criticism for the lack of supports for flood affected residents said he was committed to recovery.

Kevin Hogan announces the Labor candidate Patrick Deegan has phoned him to concede the seat of Page in the 2022 Federal election. Picture Cath Piltz

"Any government, no matter what colour they are, State or Federal, any minister, any bureaucrat, who I think is being tardy in their job getting us back into our houses and our businesses - I will leave no stone unturned,” he said

For Labor supporters the margin of defeat of Deegan was unexpected.

Lismore local John Remyse said it came as a “complete surprise” that Independent Hanabeth Luke is so close to Labor Patrick Deegan.

The Labor rival, Patrick Deegan congratulated Hogan on retaining the seat of Page.

"It was clear throughout the pre-poll period and again today that Kevin has built a very strong personal brand in the region," Deegan said. 

"While many people were unhappy with the Morrison Government, the people of Northern NSW have given Kevin strong endorsement to continue as their representative."

Deegan thanked his camp and finished the night encouraging Hogan to be a strong and persuasive advocate for the region.

Labor - “a move for change”

Patrick Deegan said the feedback from booths in Casino this morning has been “positive”.

“We’ll find out how clear it is tonight, but there’s definitely an appetite for change,” Mr Deegan said.

“We spent weeks helping people clear debris and offering them hope,” he said.

Mr Deegan intends to be the voice of hope during this difficult time for Northern Rivers residents.

“The community comes first and I’ve been in constant contact with ministers supporting disaster recovery,” he said.

He is confident if Labor form government they can “hit the ground running” to support flood affected communities – including smaller towns.

“People feel let down. Support has been too slow from the government – there’s too much red tape,” Mr Deegan said.

Patrick Deegan for the labor party said there is a "move for change" as he pushes for red in Casino.

Witnessing the flood devastation first hand, Mr Deegan said smaller communities have been neglected due to a lack of access to supports.

“The focus has been on Lismore because it impacted a larger percentage of people, but smaller communities were just as devastated and require the same support,” he said.

He mentioned Coraki, Woodburn and Broadwater among other smaller towns.

Mr Deegan hopes a labor government will streamline the process for accessing flood support.

He said a “one stop case management” system would mean people do not have to “re-tell” their stories or navigate multiple agencies to access help.

Liberal party - “People need to be confident”

Kevin Hogan said it has been a unique campaign but the community have been very strong since the floods.

“We have been through a disaster. The community has a lot of work to do,” Mr Hogan said.

He highlighted flood mitigation as the most important goal for the future.

“We can’t keep doing this. People need to be confident it won’t happen again,” he said.

Kevin Hogan at Goonellabah Public School in Lismore, said he feels disappointed by those exploiting flood assistance applications.

Mr Hogan said much more needs to happen and “quickly”, however fraudulent applications are slowing down the process.

“It’s disappointing. Fraudulent behaviour has slowed down applications,” he said.

He also addressed cost of living as a priority if he is reelected.

Independent party - “we want integrity and intelligence”

For Independent Dr Hanabeth Luke, 41, - regardless of the outcome - she said they’ve “won”.

“We’ve created an amazing community grassroots campaign,” Dr Luke said.

The Byron local said her team is made up of residents who have never been involved in politics.

“We’ve reached hundreds of volunteers in the past two weeks,” she said.

As a scientist, she said the campaign has been about integrity and intelligence.

“We want better politics and science in government to support,” she said.

Dr Hanabeth Luke (right) for the Independent Page party in Grafton.

Dr Luke said her campaign was put on hold to assist the region with airdrops and flood support.

She said it is “heartwarming” connecting to local communities and says more integrity is necessary in politics.

“I got to know more people across my community and we’re here to fight for a better future,” she said.

Dr Luke said she fears misinformation can lead to confusion.

“I met a farmer this morning who spoke about cloud seeding. As a scientist who has taught weather and climate, it’s worrying,” she said.

Dr Luke said the reality of climate change should be the main focus, and theories like cloud seeding may detract from that.

Her party encourage people to have a voice for the local community.

“People want to know they have someone who can stand up and truly represent them,” Dr Luke said.

“I can vote on all the things that matter, every legislation that reaches my desk. I can align our law making with what the communities need,” she said.

If she’s not elected, Dr Luke says she’ll continue to be a voice for Page and continue working in marine rescue doing what she loves.

“If the community want me to run again I will,” she said.