Federal election 2019: Michael Sukkar wins Deakin
Michael Sukkar says he will get straight to work delivering “ambitious” local projects after securing a third term as Deakin MP. They include $50 million to widen Croydon’s Dorset Rd and $30 million for carparks at Heatherdale and Heathmont stations.
Outer East
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Michael Sukkar says he will get straight to work delivering “ambitious” local projects after securing a third term as Deakin MP.
The Liberal member, elected in 2013, retained his seat in Saturday’s federal election despite losing ground to Labor’s challenger Shireen Morris.
Mr Sukkar had a 6.5 per cent margin prior to the election.
Ms Morris had secured a 3.2 per cent swing on Sunday with 64 per cent of votes counted.
Mr Sukkar claimed victory on Saturday night and celebrated with about 150 supporters at Ringwood’s Maroondah Federation Estate.
“It’s an absolute privilege to represent such a wonderful electorate and it’s even more of honour to represent the people of Deakin for a third term,” Mr Sukkar said.
“We have an ambitious agenda for local projects and work is staring today towards fulfilling all the things we promised during the campaign.”
Mr Sukkar and the Coalition’s triumph in Saturday’s poll will deliver nearly $90 million in projects promised for Deakin.
They include $50 million to widen Croydon’s Dorset Rd, $30 million for carparks at Heatherdale and Heathmont railway stations and almost $2 million for upgrades to kindergartens and scout halls.
Mr Sukkar also promised a new $3 million basketball stadium at Heathmont East, a $1.5 million expansion of Vermont South’s Sportslink and $2 million to revamp the pavilion at Mitcham’s Heatherdale Reserve.
Ms Morris was aiming to be only the third Labor MP and the first woman from either party elected in Deakin’s 82-year history.
She said on Saturday night she offered “a very clear alternative” with pledges for projects on health, the environment and the arts.
“We’ve got an amazing team, we ran a positive, factual campaign and I’m very proud of the way we’ve done this,” Ms Morris said.
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