Election 2022: Andrew Constance claims ‘strong grounds’ for recount as ceremony postponed

Only hours before a Labor event announcing the Australian Electoral Commission’s decision in Gilmore was due to be held, the ceremony was postponed following calls by the Liberal party for a recount.

Only hours before a Labor event announcing the Australian Electoral Commission’s decision in Gilmore was due to be held, the ceremony has been postponed following calls by the Liberal party for a recount.

The marginal electorate is one of the last seats in the House of Representatives yet to be confirmed by the AEC who announced on Tuesday the official deceleration would be “deferred” for an unknown period of time.

According to an AEC spokesperson, the electoral body will have to determine whether to proceed with an application lodged by Liberal candidate Andrew Constance to have the ballots recounted.

“As counting progressed over the last couple of weeks, my scrutineers have raised concerns in relation to certain aspects of the process, particularly the scrutiny of informal votes,” Mr Constance said.

“Given the close result, I believe there are strong grounds for a recount and I have submitted a request to the Australian Electoral Commission.

Liberal candidate for Gilmore Andrew Constance at the Sanctuary Point public school. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

“I will not be providing any further comment at this time while the Commissioner considers the request.”

Mr Constance had benefited from a substantial swing towards the Liberals on election day, but had lost his lead to incumbent candidate Fiona Phillips during the counting of declaration and out-of-town ballots.

In a Facebook post, Labor candidate Fiona Phillips said she would be seeking further details.

That morning, Ms Phillips had thanked her supporters ahead of the planned determination of her victory at a press ceremony in Port Kembla. NSW Labor had previously called the ballot in her favour.

“It’s sure been a long three weeks since election day, but today the result becomes official with the AEC declaration of the poll for Gilmore,” Ms Phillips said.

Midnight Oil lead singer Peter Garrett supporting Labor's incumbent in Gilmore Fiona Phillips on Election Day. May 21, 2022. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

“Thanks to everyone for your unwavering support, kind words and messages everywhere I went, and for staying along on this wild ride with me.”

The deferral comes after tight races across the region were officially called by the electoral body in recent days, including in the ACT where Liberal senator Zed Seselja lost his long-held seat.

While the ballot might still be uncertain, Mr Constance's campaign office in Nowra had already shuttered.

The Junction St office was strewn with leaves on Tuesday, with packing boxes and dismantled chairs and tables visible from outside of the premises.