News

Results come in for Victoria Park

12 March 2006

The results for the Victoria Park by-election have come in – and Independent candidate Andrew Owens has placed 6th in a field of 11 candidates, polling 1.4% overall – the highest independent vote and ahead of the Socialist Alliance, Daylight Saving and Family First parties – and close to 2% in the Wilson-Cannington precinct.

Owens's concerns about the declining state of public transport, health and local services in Victoria Park clearly struck a chord with enough Labor voters to deny the ALP an absolute majority of 50% of the vote in one of their safest seats. It appears that many people voted with their feet rather than their pencils, as participation was just 64%, considerably down from the 2005 general election when 87% of eligible voters placed a vote.

Of the experience, Mr Owens said today, "As an Independent, I worked hard to get the message out, using the public transport system to access all sections of the electorate throughout the campaign, meeting hundreds of voters, as well as a wide variety of community and service organisations, reaching media representatives with press releases using an Internet fax service, and all with a budget of less than $2,000 as an ordinary Australian with no public profile.

"I have been given a unique opportunity to learn about many issues in the electorate, and I hope to continue to pursue some of those local issues which I have had the chance to raise during the campaign, and ensure that the ALP does not continue to take Victoria Park for granted.

"I hope that my campaign serves as inspiration to others considering a run for Parliament as an Independent, which can only be good for democracy in Australia given the lack of ideas
coming from the major parties.

"I would like to personally thank all of the many people inside and outside the electorate who supported me with your comments, advice and thoughts during the campaign, the organisations who gave up their time to see me and to discuss their views, and most importantly, those who voted for me on polling day."

Mr Owens encourages anyone who has concerns about what is happening in their area, or who wishes to share their thoughts, to contact him directly through his confidential 'Contact' page at http://www.andrewowens.com.au.