By DANNY BUTTLER
BASS has moved into notionally marginal territory after a big swing against the Liberals.
Pakenham accountant Brian Paynter won the seat that had been held by the retiring Liberal Ken Smith since 2002.
With counting yet to be completed, Mr Paynter snared 45 per cent of the primary vote, compared to just under 30 per cent for his nearest rival, Labor’s Sanjay Nathan.
After preferences, the Liberal candidate has 54.72 per cent of the votes, a swing of 7.7 per cent from the 2010 result.
It was still a comfortable win for Mr Paynter, who said it was both emotional and humbling when it became apparent that he was the likely victor.
“Fantastic, I couldn‘t be prouder to be in the position I am in,“ he said.
“It was a touch emotional when we walked into the room full of supporters and family.
“You look up and realise its importance and that it is a real achievement.“
The work will begin straight away for the parliamentary rookie, who will head straight back out into the community to listen to what voters are telling him.
“It‘s important I get out and reacquaint myself with people in the electorate,“ he said.
Mr Paynter‘s moment of triumph has been soured to some extent by the loss of the one-term Baillieu/Napthine Government.
He listed major redevelopments of the Wonthaggi Hospital and secondary college as two Coalition promises that are now in limbo, while Pakenham Secondary College could also miss out on promised funds.
“I‘ll have to work with the Labor Government to see what can be done,“ he said.
The good news for Bass residents could be the closer margin which may see more attention paid to the seat by both major parties.
While no doubt uncomfortable with the reduced Liberal buffer, Mr Paynter thought it could prove to be a silver lining for the electorate.
“There’s an argument that says that is probably the case.”
