By Rowan Forster
Labor is set to seize the Bass electorate for the first time ever, ousting incumbent Brian Paynter in one of the biggest upsets of Victoria’s state election.
Jordan Crugnale has surged ahead of Mr Paynter by more than 1700 votes, securing 52 per cent of the two candidate party vote.
While the Liberal MP has narrowly racked up more first votes, candidate preferences will likely propel Ms Crugnale into parliament.
Ms Crugnale — a former Mayor of Bass Coast Shire — has received a staggering 11.2 per cent swing in her favour.
Speaking with the Gazette on Tuesday, Ms Crugnale said she was “beyond thrilled” with the mammoth swing towards her party.
“It would be historical to have a Labor member in Bass alongside a Labor Government, for the first time ever,” she said.
“The swing has been incredible and it shows that people as a collective have gone with a positive, progressive government.
“If I get this gig, I will be proud to represent Bass.”
However, she did not want to relish in the victory until the results of absentee and postal votes have been tallied.
“State-wide (it’s) a great result and whilst I wait for all votes to be counted and the Victorian Electoral Commission to formally declare the seat next week, it is great news for Bass regardless and we will see a continuation of investment here for sure,” she said.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the voters, the many people that have shared their personal story, their challenges, their priorities and ideas with me over this last year.”
In a gracious address to her future constituents, Ms Crugnale added: “I am proud of you all – you have run a positive forward thinking campaign, listened intently, told our story well and brought all your conversations with people to the table for change for the better.”
“Work has started already and together as a collective we can achieve great things.”
Mr Paynter, independent Clare Le Serve and Greens candidate David Arnaut all suffered from Labor’s gains, plunging in popularity compared to 2014’s election.
Across the board, The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers notched 1553 votes, or 3.83 per cent, with almost half of their votes coming from Wonthaggi North, Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang and Pakenham Springs.
Independent Ron Bauer only secured 534 votes, with most coming from Phillip Island.
In polling by suburb, Wonthaggi, Pakenham and Clyde hurled support behind Labor, while Kooweerup, Lang Lang, Bayles and San Remo backed Mr Paynter.
Labor’s big ticket item for Bass is the 2.8 kilometre Skyrail, which will eliminate all of Pakenham’s level crossings.
While some residents were vehemently opposed to the proposal, it appears the majority of the suburb is on board with the rail-above-road solution.
In a brief statement, Mr Paynter said: “I’m disappointed with my outcome and the statewide result, but life goes on.”
