Independent candidate Nicolette Boele has claimed victory in the Sydney electorate of Bradfield, unseating the Liberal Party after a close race and full recount. This marks her second attempt at winning the seat.
Boele holds a narrow 27-vote lead in the two-candidate preferred count, though a small number of ballots still require final review, which could slightly alter the margin.
Bradfield, traditionally a safe Liberal seat on Sydney’s upper north shore and previously held by former minister Paul Fletcher, is now part of a shifting political landscape.
With Bradfield settled, Labor holds 94 seats, the Coalition 43, and the crossbench 13 members in the House of Representatives.
The Liberal Party has 40 days from the return of the writs to decide whether to challenge the result in the Court of Disputed Returns.
Other Key Political and Economic Developments:
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the private sector is now driving growth, as the public sector scales back. The March quarter saw GDP grow by 0.2%, or 1.3% over the year.
- Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy criticized the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), saying its latest report on defence spending lacks balance and suggests bias against the current government.
- Aged Care Reforms Delayed: The federal government has pushed back implementation of the new Aged Care Act to November 1, following sector feedback. The delay is seen as a win by providers, who say they need more time to prepare.
- Health Minister Mark Butler rejected NSW Premier Chris Minns’ proposal to lower tobacco excise, saying doing so would only increase smoking and fail to curb the illicit trade.
- Dorinda Cox Joins Labor: The Greens-turned-Labor senator has been welcomed into the ALP despite past staff complaints, which she denies. Labor says all caucus members are expected to follow party decisions.
- Sussan Ley Urges US to Drop Tariffs: The opposition is calling on the US to remove new steel tariffs against Australia, saying they undermine a long-standing alliance.
- Military Strategy Shift: Defence Chief Admiral David Johnston warned that Australia may need to prepare for combat operations originating from its own soil, citing lessons from Ukraine.
- Prime Minister Albanese supports using influencers in political campaigns, arguing it helps reach diverse audiences and modernizes engagement beyond traditional media.
- Superannuation Tax Fight: The Coalition is strongly opposing Labor’s proposed super tax changes, particularly plans to tax unrealized capital gains on high-balance accounts.
