Queensland election results 2017: Greens Queensland win an ‘historic moment’

LABOR is not conceding in Maiwar and might still ask for a recount despite Greens candidate Michael Berkman this morning claiming an historic victory in the inner-west Brisbane seat.

LABOR is not conceding in Maiwar and might still ask for a recount despite Greens candidate Michael Berkman this morning claiming an historic victory in the inner-west Brisbane seat.

“There were quite a few issues with the count and I really believe the people who live in Maiwar need to be 100 per cent sure of the result,’’ Labor candidate for the seat, Ali King, said this morning.

However Ms King said it was up to the Labor Party to decide if they would formally write to the Electoral Commission Queensland asking for a recount.

Labor's Maiwar candidate Ali King. Picture: Adam Head

She also conceded Mr Berkman appeared to be in a strong position as of yesterday’s numbers, which had him about 1300 votes ahead once preferences were factored in, and that a recount might not change those numbers significantly.

But she said it was important voters had full confidence in the result.

Mr Berkman meanwhile declined to be drawn on how he would act should he hold the balance of power.

While Labor was very likely to form government in its own right, that would be with a margin of two seats - at best - leaving it vulnerable to defections, expulsions or by-elections.

Michael Berkman, with his partner Daile Kelleher. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

The Greens have, at a federal level, previously shown they could be relied upon to support Labor governments on supply.

“What we would do if we held the balance of power is up to the party. It’s a democratic process in the Greens,’’ Mr Berkman said.

“However we made it clear during the election that there are a number of issues important to us.’’

Those issues included stopping the Adani coal mine, ending corporate political donations, improving the wait list for public housing and making it more affordable, and universal childcare.

Locally, Mr Berkman said he was concerned about overcrowding in Maiwar schools, transport and public input into development decisions.

Simon Ingram, from lobby group Bridge 4 Bellbowrie, said his organisation would push the Greens to hold them to their election promise of a rail bridge with dedicated train service connecting Bellbowrie-Moggill to Wacol train station.

At the moment the only connection between those areas is via the Moggill ferry.

Originally published as Queensland election results 2017: Greens Queensland win an ‘historic moment’