Nichole Overall concedes defeat in Monaro

Ousted Nationals MP Nichole Overall has taken to Facebook to concede defeat and thank her supporters. Here’s what she said.

Nichole Overall has conceded defeat in the seat of Monaro. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Former Nationals MP for Monaro Nichole Overall has taken to Facebook to concede defeat.

In a statement posted to the Nichole Overall MP Facebook page on Thursday Mrs Overall said she “just made the call to acknowledge that Labor has won Monaro”.

“It has been a tough challenge all the way but since my preselection 15 months ago and over the year I’ve been the Member, I’ve worked as hard as I could every day to do as much as I could” she said.

Monaro MP Nichole Overall with husband Tim Overall and son Nick Overall at Queanbeyan South Public School. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

“That the primary vote favoured me is something I’m very grateful for.

“Thank you to all those who have supported and backed me in so many ways and I hope Monaro’s priorities will continue to be the focus over the next four years.

“And thank you for the honour to have represented you in this capacity – it certainly won’t be a time I’ll forget.”

ACT Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee commented on Mrs Overall’s post thanking the former MP for her service to the people of Monaro.

“(It’s) a sorely disappointing result for your constituency and our community to lose you in NSW parliament,” Ms Lee said.

Nichole Overall buys a democracy sausage at Queanbeyan South Public School on election Day. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Mrs Overall was elected as the first female member for Monaro in February 2022 during a by-election sparked by the resignation of former Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

While the count continues, as of Friday ABC reports only 1,921 votes after preferences separates Mrs Overall from soon-to-be Labor MP Steve Whan.

The NSW Electoral Commissions' tally room reports Mr Whan received 38.80 per cent of first preference votes while Mrs Overall received 39.41 per cent of first preference votes.

The tally room reports after preferences Mr Whan received 52.37 per cent of the vote while Mrs Overall received 47.63 per cent of the vote after preferences.