Angus Taylor speaks of retaining his seat, voting trends and projects in Hume

Angus Taylor has managed to retain his position in Hume despite fierce calls for change and an almost marginal seat. He says the campaign brought out the best, and worst, in people.

Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, has managed to retain his position despite fierce calls for change in the region and an almost marginal seat.

In a statement to the community, the Goulburn local thanked the 57.6 per cent of people that voted for him, with 43 per cent placing him as their first preference.

“A huge thank you to the voters of Hume for giving me another opportunity to serve you over the next three years. It’s a great privilege and responsibility,” Mr Taylor said.

Federal Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, at Tahmoor Public School polling booth on election day 2022. Picture: Niki Iliagoueva

“The tradies, the small business people, the farmers, the volunteers, the teachers and care workers, and so many other hard working people – you and your families are the backbone of our region, and I will continue to fight for your interests.”

When asked if he will be taking on the Liberal party leadership position, a spokesman for Mr Taylor said that he would not be commenting on leadership speculation.

Mr Taylor spoke of the fighting spirit of his supporters and referenced turbulence during the election campaign in Hume.

“To my supporters who worked tirelessly during the campaign – thank you. We saw some of the worst of human behaviour during this campaign, but we also saw some of the very best,” Mr Taylor said.

“Putting up signs and dealing with vicious conduct – you never stopped, and I am humbled by your positive energy and support.”

During election campaigning, the Hume region witnessed the rise of a group called Vote Angus Out, which backed Independent candidate Penny Ackery to replace Mr Taylor with someone who “better represents the electorate”.

Amazing news, we've now got 500 volunteers ready to take out Angus. We've hit nearly half our fundraising target of $50,000. AND we've sold hundreds of #VoteAngusOut hoodies, t-shirts, stubby holders and other merch. Get updates or make a donation https://t.co/SNcSU00CEopic.twitter.com/87ATSRQvpz

— Vote Angus Out (@VoteAngusOut) July 5, 2021

The group garnered a lot of support and raised $92,321 for advertising their campaign.

However due to complaints, Goulburn Mulwaree Council chose to effectively ban its residents from erecting Vote Angus Out signage across the LGA because they were not fielding a candidate.

The decision was scrutinised and Alex Murphy of Vote Angus Out issued a statement to council about their impact on “residents’ implied right of political communication”.

An open letter to Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

We are currently in the process of pursuing a freedom of information request/GIPA for all correspondence between the offices of Angus Taylor MP, Wendy Tuckerman MP, and Goulburn Council relating to these signs. 1/3#auspolpic.twitter.com/eeBZMlgNZS

— Vote Angus Out (@VoteAngusOut) May 13, 2022

A spokesman for council confirmed that approximately 350 signs were removed in the LGA since the beginning of the election campaign. They had “received dozens of complaints regarding excessive electoral signage” and believed in certain instances the number of signs “can be distracting for road users”.

In his statement, Mr Taylor acknowledged a change in political trends during this election.

A Hume candidate information breakfast at Club Menangle Trackside on May 5. Picture Niki Iliagoueva

“Labor has gained government legitimately with a 32 per cent primary vote which is unprecedented, while we saw strong support for smaller conservative parties in the suburbs and the bush.”

Labor candidate, Greg Baines, who was preferenced second for Hume at 42.4 per cent, commented on the change in primary vote.

Labor candidate, Greg Baines, who was running for Hume, attended the Goulburn Nurses and Midwives Strike earlier this year.

“We are really happy with the result. The swing to us was higher than the national average, so it can’t be dismissed. There is a clear appetite for change in Hume, and we look forward to the next election!” Mr Baines said.

Despite winning the election, Mr Taylor was on the brink of his seat being considered marginal, only scoring 1.6 per cent of votes over the line.

This will mean that at the next election, it would take a smaller number of people to switch their votes to another candidate, for that candidate to win.

“We need to recognise the fragmentation of the primary votes of the major parties across the nation,” Mr Taylor said.

What a ride. Angus will retain his seat. But we knocked more than 10% off his primary vote. In many seats, this would be his end. Our task was huge. But so was our support. And for that, we say thank you. 3000 donors. $300k raised. Immeasurable support. See you next time.

— Penny Ackery (@PennyAckery) May 23, 2022

“Many in the urban areas will focus on the shift to left-wing independents.”

Here in Hume, Independent candidate Penny Ackery also saw a boost in support, and was the third most voted in person with 15.9 per cent of people switching their first preference since the last election and voting for her.

Now that the people have spoken and Mr Taylor had been re-elected, he mentioned in the statement the projects he will be focusing on in the Hume electorate.

Angus Taylor is set to retain his seat as member for Hume. He spoke to me about the “number 1 issue” in the area that he’s been focusing on throughout his campaign. #auspolpic.twitter.com/I8jwq7Tssq

— Niki Iliagoueva (@NIliagoueva) May 21, 2022

“There is much still to do in our great region, and while my role will now change, my focus will not,” Mr Taylor said.

“It is now my job to make sure the government delivers on what we need – the new airport and local jobs, the Picton bypass, a Goulburn Medicare-funded MRI and a host of other road and communications projects, in addition to delivering on cost of living commitments.

“These are all budgeted, and I will make sure you all know if the new Government decides to change direction.”