Lord Mayor Sue Hickey wins big gamble but Labor’s Madeleine Ogilvie falls out of favour
HOBART Lord Mayor Sue Hickey is set to enter state politics but sitting Labor MP Madeleine Ogilvie could be in trouble.
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HOBART Lord Mayor Sue Hickey is set to enter state politics but sitting Labor MP Madeleine Ogilvie could be in trouble with the Liberal Party likely to hold on to its two seats in Denison.
Despite the potential for the city-based electorate to record a massive swing to the state Opposition — with Labor’s pokies policy having the most potential to cut through in Denison — the Liberals have 2.16 quotas with 36 per cent of the vote.
While the 2-2-1 makeup of the electorate is set to remain the same, Denison will welcome two new members in Ms Hickey and Labor candidate Ella Haddad after the two first-time candidates were successful in entering state politics.
Despite her high-profile position as Lord Mayor, when the first votes began to trickle through Ald Hickey was behind Eric Abetz staffer Simon Behrakis but racked up votes to see her later sitting behind MP Elise Archer in the Liberal race on 5192.
“Denison is always a difficult seat because it’s such a Labor heartland but it is also quite Green so I was hoping to appeal a bit being a small ‘l’ Liberal,” she said.
The departure of Matthew Groom — who won 14,000 votes last time around — allowed Ald Hickey to take her place on the Liberal Party ticket for Denison, with many saying it was to the frustration of Ms Archer after the two publicly clashed at a Taste of Tasmania event in 2010.
However, Ms Archer, who topped the Liberal ticket with 7845 votes, was quick to reject rumours of a rift.
“I’m really humbled and really excited for the future,” she said.
“Sue and I have worked together when I was Speaker and she was Lord Mayor.
“We’ve worked together on a number of different projects and should she join me, I look forward to working with her for the community.”
But the big shock came on the Labor ticket with Ms Haddad leading Ms Ogilvie — who was under pressure and nearly 1100 votes behind shadow treasurer Scott Bacon who has 8758.
“I’m the kind of person who isn’t going to count their chickens but it is looking very positive in Denison,” Ms Haddad said.
“I think this is the strongest Labor ticket I have ever seen for Denison.”
Ms Ogilvie said she was looking forward to her personal future.
“What an incredible political system we have, that can take account of everyone’s views and deliver government for our wonderful island state,” she said.
“I’m very proud of all our Labor candidates and in particular my volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure the people of Denison are put first and foremost.”
Mr Bacon said it was a strong result for the party.
“And in particular a strong result for Rebecca White and her leadership,” he said.
“We did what we always do, we got out on the grassroots, doorknocked and talked to people face-to-face.”
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