High-profile independent MP Andrew Wilkie has secured a a second term as the Member for Denison.
The ABC’s electoral computer predicts Mr Wilkie will consolidate his hold on the Hobart-based seat thanks to a 15 per cent swing to him after preferences.
“It’s probably the moment to say thank you to all of the people in Denison. I am truly honoured and I will pledge to live up to what their putting in me,” he said.
Mr Wilkie, who shot to national prominence after backing Julia Gillard into government after the 2010 election, has increased his primary vote.
He was holding the seat by 1.2 per cent margin.
Labor put a lot of effort into trying to regain the seat which Mr Wilkie snatched from the party in 2010, coming from third place to win on preferences.
Before 2010, Labor had held the seat for 23 years.
The Liberal Party preferenced Mr Wilkie this time around, meaning if a carve up was needed, Mr Wilkie would retain his seat.
Mr Wilkie became pivotal in the last Parliament, agreeing to back Labor in a deal with the prime minister which included $ 300 million in hospital funding for Tasmania and measures to restrict poker machines.
He fell out Labor after Julia Gillard dumped plans to overhaul the gambling industry.
He has been a vocal opponent of the major parties’ asylum seeker policies and fought against plans for a super trawler based out of Tasmania.
It remains to be seen what impact he will have in the new parliament.
Mr Wilkie is already putting the new prime minister on notice over asylum seeker issues.
“I look forward to meeting probably in the first sitting week of the new Parliament with the new prime minister and making few points abundantly clear to him.”
“People demand responsible economic and financial management but they also demand compassionate polices, policies that only make cuts where they can be afforded and look after better the people who most need it.
“There are a great many disadvantaged people in our community who still deserve a better deal both in Australia and in countries around Australia and those people who come and try to our country fleeing persecution.
“I will expect our next government to be a compassionate government and where it’s not, I will speak up very loudly and try and shine a light on it.”
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