Dave Sharma conceded defeat, congratulating independent Allegra Spender on his victory in Wentworth’s chair.
On Monday morning, Mr Sharma issued a statement saying that while about 40,000 votes still needed to be counted, he expected Ms Spender’s current leadership to change significantly.
“It has been an honor for us to serve the Wentworth people these last three years as a federal Member of Parliament, and I want to thank the people of Wentworth for the opportunity to do so,” he said.
At the national level, Mr Sharma said he was pleased to play a role in Australia’s adoption of the 2050 zero-emission target by promoting the AUKUS agreement, supporting the ratification of free trade agreements and helping to shape policy towards China.
“I nominated myself for an elective post after a career in public service because I passionately believe in Australia and all that we stand for, and because I am committed to making us a better nation in every way. It is a commitment and that faith remains unchanged.” .
“Today, Australia faces a more complex global worldview than we have seen for generations, and in the face of such challenges, the quality of our political and national leadership will be paramount. Myopia and complacency in our national political discourse is a luxury we can no longer. afford it ”.
Pauline Hanson is fighting for a Senate seat
As the count continues, One Nation founder Pauline Hanson could cling to her seat in the Senate.
After a major turnaround for the Greens in Queensland, an early count seemed to show that Ms. Hanson would lose her seat, and the party garnered just 7.8% of the vote in the state Senate.
But while she has not won a seat on her own, she now seems to be benefiting from other minor party preferences.
Ms. Hanson spent election day in isolation after receiving a positive COVID-19 test. She was not vaccinated.
Liberals weigh the options of the party leader
Earlier Monday morning, Tasmanian Liberal Brigitte Bridget Archer said she would consider raising her hand as deputy leader to prevent the party from moving to the right, amid speculation that Peter Datton would be the leader.
Ms. Archer, first elected in 2019 and expected to retain her ultra-marginal Bass seat, told RN Breakfast on ABC that she supports “traditional values”.
Bass liberal member Bridget Archer at a press conference during the 2022 federal election campaign in Mowbray, Tasmania. Source: AAP / MICK TICCAS / AAPIMAGE
Asked whether she would consider inclination in the deputy seat, she answered “potentially”.
“I’ve seen some early comments around some idea that the party should move further to the right, and I will certainly resist any effort to make that happen,” she said.
“We need to bring the party back to the center.”
Mr Dathan is expected to become the leader of the opposition, although other names have been named, including former Home Secretary and Queensland resident Karen Andrews and former Trade Minister and Victorian Dan Taehan.
Former Environment Minister Susan Leigh has been named a potential deputy head of state.
–With AAP
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/dave-sharma-concedes-in-wentworth-as-pauline-hanson-fights-to-retain-senate-seat/qnmeyrbgx
