Fiona Phillips MP said she was honoured to be officially declared the returning Member for Gilmore by the Australian Electoral Commission today.
After winning the seat by 373 votes in 2022, making Gilmore the most marginal seat in the country at that election, the final count saw Mrs Phillips secure 55.15 per cent of votes on a two-candidate preferred basis, a swing of nearly five per cent.
At the official declaration today, Mrs Phillips thanked the community for its support, and took a moment to wish her opponents well.
“I have been absolutely humbled to represent this amazing community in our Parliament since 2019, and I’m honoured to continue working hard for the people of the South Coast,” she said.
“I am driven by my love of this community, and I am so grateful they have put their trust in me once again.”
“I would also like to sincerely thank all of my wonderful volunteers for their incredible work – we have spoken with thousands of local people throughout this long campaign, and I am grateful for their tireless efforts.”
The poll may have just been declared but, since election day, Mrs Phillips has been out and about every day, talking with people about what matters most to them.
Mrs Phillips said better local health services and cost of living relief remained the highest priorities across the community, and would be her focus into this term of government.
“I’m really thrilled to be delivering a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Nowra and expanded hours for the Batemans Bay clinic from 6am till midnight seven days a week,” she said.
“Local people deserve to have access to free health care close to home, which is why I am also proud to have secured an upgraded Nowra Medicare Mental Health Centre.”
“I’m working hard to see these projects move forward as quickly as possible,” she said.
As well as improved local health services, the new Albanese Labor Government has made clear it will slash student debt as the highest priority.
“So many local young people have told me how much the slashing of student debt will mean to them, providing cost of living and debt relief to help them build a better future,” Mrs Phillips said.
“I’m so proud the Prime Minister has made this a top priority for the new Parliament, and I am excited to help deliver this and more to support local people deal with the cost of living.”
