Independent MP Andrew Wilkie re-elected to Clark in 2019 Tasmanian election

UPDATED: Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he is grateful to have been re-elected and has emphatically ruled out doing deals with the federal government to help it cement its hold on power.

UPDATE: INDEPENDENT MP for Clark Andrew Wilkie says he is grateful to have been re-elected and has emphatically ruled out doing deals with the federal government to help it cement its hold on power.

Mr Wilkie was returned to federal parliament in Saturday night’s poll, with an increased majority.

Independent member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie celebrates his win with fiance Doctor Clare Ballingall at the Tasmanian Inn in Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

His primary vote increased by 6.3 percentage points, to win the seat outright. On a two-candidate preferred basis, Mr Wilkie took 72.1 per cent of the vote.

Speaking to the media this morning, Mr Wilkie said he made his “no deals” policy plain.

“I just want to remind everyone the policy I took to the election was and remains that I don’t do deals with anyone,” Mr Wilkie told reporters.

“If the government should need my support on any issue or a motion — or the opposition might need my support in the chamber — I will weigh it up and vote on its merits.

And he said the practice of spending big in marginal electorates — which paid off handsomely for the Liberal Party in Bass and Braddon was a shortsighted policy.

“I think the direct beneficiaries sometimes like being pork barrelled, but I think as a broad community and as a nation we don’t like it,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Pork barrelling seats you want to hold or seats you want to win, it’s not in the public interest and frankly it’s a misuse of public funds.

“The party that gets that and understands it’s about governing for all Australians between elections and funding community needs on merit — that government will be rewarded at the following election.”

Mr Wilkie said he was gratified by his increased margin.

“You know if I had to explain why I did well at this election its because I reckon I’ve be doing my job for the last three years and I wasn’t counting on standing in a shopping centre in the last month handing out leaflets,” he said.

“I wish governments would understand that at the national level if they just do their job effectively and govern for all Australians and provide funds for any and all electorates according to need that government will be rewarded at the next election.”

EARLIER: INDEPENDENT MP Andrew Wilkie has maintained his firm hold on the central Hobart seat of Clark.

“I’m thrilled to be re-elected,” he said.

Mr Wilkie was streaks ahead of all rivals before 8pm, winning 50 per cent of first preference votes.

He was also projected to take 72 per cent of the two-candidate-preferred vote, ahead of closest rival, Labor’s Ben McGregor.

Mr Wilkie said his commitment to social justice struck a chord with the electorate.

“My call for greater fairness and action on many key issues has resonated in the greater Hobart community,” he said.

“I commit to continue to work hard and to honour the trust that’s been placed in me.”

Independent member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie with fiance Dr Clare Ballingall voting at the polling booth at Glenorchy Primary School. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The former intelligence officer and Iraq War whistleblower was widely tipped to hold on to the seat, having seen off all challengers since being first elected in 2010.

As an astute cross bench negotiator, Mr Wilkie managed to make the most of his share of the balance of power and could do the same again if a hung parliament is the outcome of this federal election.

In his campaigning in the lead-up to the election, Mr Wilkie said he was committed to social justice.

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“My focus is, and will remain, core issues like health, education, jobs and getting a fair deal for people that need government support,” he told the Mercury last week.

Formerly Denison, this election was the first time the name of Clark has been used for the seat.

The electorate is the most compact in Tasmania, centred around Hobart and extending from Kingston to the Bridgewater bridge.

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