Labor MP Susan Templeman has claimed victory in Macquarie

In the tightest contest of the Federal Election, Labor MP has claimed victory. Read her reaction.

Labor MP has reclaimed the seat of Macquarie

The final seat in the Federal Election has been won with Labor MP Susan Templeman today claiming victory in the seat of Macquarie.

With less than 500 votes left to be counted Ms Templeman is 327 votes ahead of Liberal challenger Sarah Richards, which she believes is enough to declare victory.

“I believe we are now far enough ahead to confirm that I will serve another term as the Member for Macquarie,” Ms Templeman said.

“There are lessons to be learned from this election and I look forward to working with the community, particularly those who did not vote Labor.”

Macquarie candidates Sarah Richards and Susan Templeman.

Heading into the May 18 election, Ms Templeman was heavily favoured to reclaim her seat with little challenge. Instead, the seat became the closest contest in the country thanks to a 2.02 per cent swing towards Liberal.

At the end of counting on Election Day Ms Richards held the lead and at one point during the count had a 60 vote lead, before Ms Templeman regained the lead after the counting of pre poll and postal votes.

This is the first time since 1975 that Labor has won the seat at consecutive elections. Ms Templeman will now enter her second term in opposition and says she will be doing everything she can to represent her community.

Susan Templeman and former Labor leader Bill Shorten

“I am so proud of my team for doing everything possible that an Opposition office can do to resolve problems people have faced with NBN, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and Aged Pensions, and I know they will continue to serve the community to the best of their ability.

“I believe people in our region have every right to expect to be heard and to have services delivered to them, and I will continue to work as hard as I have since 2009 to make sure we are not ignored.”

Macquarie is the final seat in doubt from the May 18 poll and the closest result, with final postal votes still being counted. The AEC cannot officially declare a result until it is mathematically impossible for the margin to be overtaken.