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NSW Election 2023: Coogee, Vaucluse and Maroubra key seats as eastern suburbs head to ballot box

Incumbent Coogee MP Dr Marjorie O’Neill fought back tears as she said it was “an absolute privilege to be re-elected” to represent the eastern suburbs community.

Bianca Healey and Aymon Bertah
12 min read
March 25, 2023 - 10:31PM
NewsLocal
Eastern suburbs candidates. ​
Eastern suburbs candidates. ​

Incumbent Coogee MP Dr Marjorie O’Neill fought back tears as she said it was “an absolute privilege to be re-elected” to represent the eastern suburbs community, as Labor’s Michael Daley has been returned for a sixth term.

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane, replacing the outgoing Gabrielle Upton, has defied the red wave taking over the state to retain the blue ribbon eastern suburbs seat.

‘Blue stripes across the east’: Libs lock in Vaucluse

Kellie Sloane has claimed the seat of Vaucluse.
Kellie Sloane has claimed the seat of Vaucluse.

A raucous chant of “Kellie, Kellie” has erupted at the eastern suburbs Liberals ecstatic campaign event amid a sombre night for the NSW Liberals.

While several outlets have projected Labor will form a majority government, Kellie Sloane is on-track to race to victory with 48.57 per cent of the Vaucluse vote in her favour.

Ms Sloane said while many of their colleagues had lost their jobs tonight, Vaucluse’s residents delivered a strong message.

“The community in very credible and large numbers have said they want blue stripes across the eastern suburbs,” Ms Sloane said.

“I am proud to be wearing blue stripes, I am so proud to be representing a community like Vaucluse. A community I love so much and that I cherish,” she said.

She said if the expected Liberal loss eventuated, she was excited to represent the seat from opposition.

“I can think of no greater priveledge to make a long contribution - as long as you have Gabrielle - to this community and to the state of NSW.

“I hope I will be your next member for Vaucluse and it feels so good.”

Emotions roll as Labor wins Coogee and Maroubra

Incumbent Coogee MP Dr Marjorie O’Neill fought back tears as she said it was “an absolute privilege to be re-elected” to represent the eastern suburbs community.

As the emotion of realising she had the faith of the people of Coogee, Dr O’Neill remembered her late father who died on the day she won the seat, four years ago.

“It brings up a lot of emotions ... it’s a huge honour [to be re-elected] and to have such a swing towards us, it is such a testament to the hard work, not just of me, but the entire team that has been working over the last four years to support our community.”

Marjorie O'Neill during her winning speech.
Marjorie O'Neill during her winning speech.

While feeling the support at the polling booths, Dr O’Neill said she didn’t want to take that for granted.

“To see a swing like this ... it’s also in protest ... to what’s been happening to us, the privatisation of our buses, the cuts to our healthcare ... education, the people of the eastern suburbs know that only a Labor government is going to support them.”

Jubilant mood as Liberals retain blue ribbon stronghold

Picture: Renee Nowytarger
Picture: Renee Nowytarger

Rose Bay’s Woollahra Golf Club feels a long way from The Hilton Hotel, where the Liberal Party event is being held tonight.

With a 50 per cent share of votes counted so far going to Liberal candidate Kellie Sloane, the mood is positive with kids racing around the well-attended event space.

Minutes after the an expert projection that Labor would either form minority or majority government, Woollahra mayor Susan Wynne thanked the jubilant crowd for their tireless efforts in keeping one of the state’s safest Liberal strongholds defiantly blue.

“I just want to thank everyone for voting for Kellie Sloane and keeping Vaucluse Liberal,” Ms Sloane said.

Outgoing member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton, who held the seat for 11 years before announcing her retirement last year, said she was “gratified” her seat would likely be filled by another Liberal woman.

“I wanted to see a woman succeed me,” Ms Upton said. “I met Kelly and encouraged her to get involved in the Liberal Party. We had a long, strong relationship for the last three years.”

Ms Upton said she believed the seat was in good hands.

“I’ve had 12 years serving my local community, which has been such a privilege, and hopefully creating something for which she’s now able to build upon,” Ms Upton said.

“Congratulations to her.”

Labor has called Coogee and Maroubra

- 8pm

In what was supposed to be a close battle, Labor has called the seat of Coogee for incumbent MP Marjorie O’Neill before 8pm.

It comes after Dr O’Neill won the seat from the Liberal party by a 2.3 per cent margin in the last election.

And the feeling at Labor’s event at Club Randwick has followed suit, with people out of their chairs, cheering on each Labor-won seat.

A supporter of Maroubra’s incumbent MP Michael Daley said he was confident of a significant Labor swing in the eastern suburbs.

Labor has also called the win for Michael Daley, with a 17 per cent swing reported.

‘Really challenging’: Teals could make gains in east

Independent candidate for Vaucluse Karen Freyer remained tight-lipped on tonight’s outcome but said it was far from certain the seat’s almost 20 per cent margin would remain by the end of the night.

Ms Freyer said she was proud her campaign, which ran on a small target of overdevelopment and integrity in politics, “stuck to our guns”.

“We’ve never compromised on our values,” she said. “And while it’s really challenging running as an independent on so many different levels, one thing we’ve had is our integrity, and I can say moving out of this campaign, none of us have had to sacrifice anything.

“We’ve stuck to our guns”.

Lia Turner, who voted at Bondi Beach this morning said her perspective on the state election was influenced by teal candidates running across Sydney.

The mum is based in the North Shore, where several teal independents have run strong campaigns.

Climate 200-backed independent Victoria Davidson is hoping to unseat planning minister and senior Liberal Anthony Roberts in Lane Cove, and Jacqui Scruby who is running in the affluent northern beaches seat of Pittwater.

“They are about a lot of the local issues, rather than political issues as a whole,” Ms Turner said. “It’s more for the locals”.

She said she listened to what independent candidates had to say ahead of the state election “because they’re local residents, they’re not professional politicians”.

Another voter who said he voted for the independent candidate at Bellevue Hill Public School said he “wasn’t interested” in the two major parties.

“I voted for the independent. She seemed to be presenting more [policies] towards my kids’ future,” he said. “Schooling, transport, sustainability, climate action.”

He said “there’s not much of a difference between the two major parties at the moment”.

“But then the independent seems to be speaking to young parents like myself”.

Anne Lumley, a volunteer for Karen Freyer. Picture: Bianca Healey.
Anne Lumley, a volunteer for Karen Freyer. Picture: Bianca Healey.

Eastern suburbs resident Anne Lumley volunteered for Allegra Spender’s successful Climate 200-backed campaign to snatch Wentworth from Liberal Dave Sharma in may 2022.

Ms Lumley said she was delighted to have an integrity and climate-focused independent candidate to get behind at the state level.

“I’ve learned from the Allegra campaign that people from the community – even though we felt a little bit powerless before – we feel like we can actually have a say,” she said.

“Karen wants to do that, listen, too. She feels genuine.”

Ms Lumley said while the campaign knew they were the underdogs, “that doesn’t mean we can’t get a say”.

“Maybe the Liberals will be listening a bit more”.

Liberal’s Coogee candidate ‘won’t be distracted’ after vandalised poster

The Liberal candidate for Coogee has spoken on the “appalling act” after one of her election posters was vandalised.

“It just shows a lack of respect that we should have for each other,” Kylie von Muenster told this publication.

Grafitti'd posters for coogee candidate Kylie von Muenster in Coogee on NSW Election day. Picture: Twitter
Grafitti'd posters for coogee candidate Kylie von Muenster in Coogee on NSW Election day. Picture: Twitter
Grafitti'd posters for coogee candidate Kylie von Muenster in Coogee on NSW Election day. Picture: Twitter
Grafitti'd posters for coogee candidate Kylie von Muenster in Coogee on NSW Election day. Picture: Twitter

“But I won’t be distracted, I’m focused on talking to people about the important decision they’ll be making today for our families and our future, and keep NSW moving forward”.

It appears the corflutes were vandalised overnight, with the word “scum” spray painted over Ms von Muenster’s photograph.

Member for Coogee won’t ‘take anything for granted’ in marginal seat

Incumbent Coogee Labor MP Dr Marjorie O’Neill spoke outside South Coogee Public School as she warned voters about the NSW Liberal government’s plans “to sell Sydney Water”.

“They’ve commissioned a plan to sell it, you don’t make a plan unless you have a plan [to sell it],” Dr O’Neill said.

When speaking on the major issues holding the Coogee electorate back, she explained “it was so important to restore key essential bus services which people depend on everyday”.

Dr O’Neill said it was important for a successful Labor government to “fast-track the upgrades to Randwick Girls and Randwick Boys” as well as starting the plan for a new school east of the CBD.

‘Who knows what’ll happen’: Liberal candidate in high spirits over Coogee battle

The battle for Coogee is ramping up and the Liberal candidate for Coogee, despite Dr von Muenster saying “who knows what’ll happen” she remains in high spirits.

“It’s been a really positive day, there’s been lots of people out, I’ve had lots of great conversations, [there’s] lots of dogs,” she said.

“It’s just been a really great community vibe … it’s been a wonderful day … I’ve really enjoyed the process, I’ve loved meeting with people, hearing what they want done and it’s been all around a great day.”

‘Happy to have an option’: Greens’ candidate feeling support from young voters

The Greens’ candidate for Coogee Rafaela Pandolfini said there’s “been a very, very positive vibe” as she continued to make her way around polling booths in the electorate.

When speaking with voters, the deputy mayor of Randwick Council said “people are just happy to have an option” after some have felt “disillusioned” by the Labor and Liberal parties.

“A lot of young voters … are pretty supportive of the Greens and inspired by a little bit of change … that’s my general feeling,” she said.

As for the big issues facing Coogee, Ms Pandolfini said development is a key area of discussion, explaining “good development as opposed to greedy development” is the way forward.

“The lack of arts and culture, the lack of vibrant communities in Coogee, 52 per cent of the electorate is around 37 and under and I think there’s not a lot for them around here,” she continued.

Ms Pandolfini said much like herself, voters were disappointed with Labor’s stance on pokies.

Greens’ posters vandalised in Coogee

It appears posters being vandalised in Coogee is becoming a common theme, although the tone of this graffiti was much less crude.

The two posters reading ‘MORE LIVE MUSIC, LESS POKIES’, hanging up on the corner of Arden St and Alison Rd, were marked with a large, yellow cross.

‘Safe Vaucluse seat cannot be taken for granted’: Liberal

Liberal Kellie Sloane is fighting to retain the seat of Vaucluse, which the party has held for the past 96 years. Ms Sloane was pictured outside Bellevue Hill Public School. Picture: Bianca Healey.
Liberal Kellie Sloane is fighting to retain the seat of Vaucluse, which the party has held for the past 96 years. Ms Sloane was pictured outside Bellevue Hill Public School. Picture: Bianca Healey.

The Liberal candidate fighting to retain the blue ribbon seat of Vaucluse has declined to confirm the seat was a sure bet for the party in the midst of an election “unlike anything we’ve seen before”.

Kellie Sloane is running to maintain the affluent seat as a Liberal stronghold amid a convincing challenge from community independent Karen Freyer, who hopes to ride the same teal wave which saw federal MP Allegra Spender take power in the seat of Wentworth.

Community independent Karen Freyer’s corflute at Bondi Public School. Picture: Bianca Healey.
Community independent Karen Freyer’s corflute at Bondi Public School. Picture: Bianca Healey.
Kellie Sloane and Karen Freyer hero image. Picture: Bianca Healey.
Kellie Sloane and Karen Freyer hero image. Picture: Bianca Healey.

“I’m not taking anything for granted,” Ms Sloane said, while canvassing at Bellevue Hill Public School.

“I’m working really hard. We’re seeing an election like we haven’t before, so every vote’s going to count and matter,” she said.

Ms Freyer has made fears around overdevelopment – including the loss of council powers to determine major developments – a small target focus of her campaign, along with delivering a second public high school and integrity.

Ms Sloane has maintained the strong economic stewardship of the Liberal Perrottet government has helped NSW rebound post-pandemic and said it was essential to have strong economic managers in the driver’s seat.

“We need to keep the economy moving forward,” she said. “And we know with an experienced team, a Perrottet team, we can make that happen”.


Maroubra: Michael Daley MP ‘feeling good’ ahead of election decision

Having held the seat of Maroubra since 2005, Labour candidate Michael Daley said he was “feeling good” when speaking outside the polling booth at St Mary-St Joseph Catholic Primary School.

“I’m feeling very strong for me and Labor in the area, I think a lot of the local issues like Yarra Bay and what the [Liberal] government has done to the bus services … Meriton’s overdevelopment at Little Bay, those local issues are really biting,” he said.

“I think it’s the time factor [as well], 12 years, I don’t think people are willing to give [Dominic] Perrottet 16 (years).”

‘Mood for change’: The Greens’ Maroubra candidate Kym Chapple casts her vote

“There’s a mood for change”, according to Greens’ Maroubra candidate Kym Chapple.

After casting her vote at Maroubra Bay polling booth earlier this morning, Ms Chapple said she had a “positive feeling about the reaction” The Greens were receiving from voters in the electorate.

“People particularly like the all female ticket The Greens are running,” she told this publication.

“There’s a mood for change today – people [are] wanting to use their vote to drive action on climate and cost of living, particularly urgent action on rents.”

Maroubra Liberal candidate feeling ‘pumped’ on election day

The Liberal candidate for Maroubra Bill Burst said he is “excited” and “pumped” after receiving “great feedback” from voters in the electorate.

The Randwick councillor explained he wants “to put Maroubra back on the map”.

“People are saying after 18 years of Michael [Daley], it’s time for change,” he said.

In speaking about the major issues of the electorate, Mr Burst said Yarra Bay was high on the list, however explaining “we’ve pretty much sorted [it] out”.

“High rise [is another issue] and I’m going to keep fighting it as well … it was the Liberal councillors that stopped it last time and I’m going to do it again.”

Votes roll in at Bondi Surf Life Saving Club

Bondi Surf Life Saving Club swimmers congregate next to corflutes next to iconic Bondi Beach. Picture: Bianca Healey.
Bondi Surf Life Saving Club swimmers congregate next to corflutes next to iconic Bondi Beach. Picture: Bianca Healey.

Swimmers, surfers and caffeinated locals drifted to an overcast Bondi Beach on Saturday morning, as the days’ voting kicked off to decide the candidate for the seat of Vaucluse.

While appetite for democracy sausages was strong, with a long line to nab a snag, bacon and egg roll, or dim sum (because, Bondi), it was a slower start at the polling booth.

Labor candidate Margaret Merten, canvassing at her home suburb of Bondi, said after 12 years in power, voters were looking for change.

“The Labor Party has really listened to people telling them the cost of living, the housing crisis, and the problems with healthcare are the three key issues,” Ms Merten said.

“I think it’s really important that we don’t get into an ‘us and them argument between western Sydney and the eastern suburbs,” she said.

“What I’ve been standing for is a better deal for Vaucluse and for NSW”.

Everything you need to know to vote in the eastern suburbs

The battle for electorates in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is fierce and competitive, with a number of candidates hopeful of upsetting the status quo.

Key issues across the electorates of Vaucluse, Coogee and Maroubra have been education infrastructure, cost of living and overdevelopment.

In Vaucluse, Liberal candidate Kellie Sloane is seeking to replace outgoing Liberal MP Gabrielle Upton in the blue ribbon seat, with independent Karen Freyer and Labor’s Margaret Merten seeking to take over the seat.

Coogee is a key seat for this upcoming election with incumbent MP Marjorie O’Neill holding the seat by a 2.3 per cent margin.

Having won the seat back for Labor in the last election, Ms O’Neill will be looking to keep Coogee red, as Labor looks to regain power of the state of NSW.

The seat is hotly contested with Kylie von Muenster the Liberal candidate. She holds a doctorate in speech pathology and will be looking to tip the voting in her favour.

In Maroubra, incumbent Labor MP Michael Daley will be seeking for his sixth term as MP. He has retained Maroubra since succeeding Bob Carr in a 2005 by-election and holds the seat by 8.3 per cent.

Many NSW voters have already made up their mind and cast their vote – the latest figures from the NSW Electoral Commission show, as of 9am on Friday, a record 1.2 million people had already voted at prepoll booths.

NewsLocal have done some of the legwork for you – talking to candidates across the state to learn a bit more about their stances, views and background. From the Tweed to Bega, from Sydney’s eastern suburbs to Dubbo: we’ve compiled the candidates standing in your local seat.

More Coverage

Eastern suburbs candidates talk top issues that will decide election
Bianca Healey and Aymon Bertah
‘Shameful’: Vaucluse candidate’s warning on teal threat
Bianca Healey

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/wentworth-courier/nsw-election-2023-coogee-vaucluse-and-maroubra-key-seats-as-eastern-suburbs-head-to-ballot-box/news-story/f1dc5c4837c9eaef2c5ec5a78d24c1c7