The LDP achieved 4.6% of the primary vote in the Gippsland by-election at the close of counting on 28 June. The final figure will vary a little as postal and absentee votes come in. Results can be monitored here.
That vote propels the LDP from “micro” to “minor” status on the Australian political landscape. The difference is significant, as the preferences of minor parties determine election outcomes.
National President of the LDP, Peter Whelan, in Gippsland working on the “Give Buckley a Chance” campaign, is confident that the right foundation has been laid for the LDP membership drive in Victoria.
“This is a really great result” Whelan said, “and I would like to thank the people of Gippsland who put their faith in the LDP and Ben. I would also like to thank all our supporters who helped at one quarter of the polling stations across the electorate.”
Ben Buckley worked tirelessly from the start of this long campaign, addressing community forums from Yarrum, through Sale and Heyfield, to Omeo, as well as numerous TV, radio and press interviews.
The LDP’s low cost TV campaign on free-to-air and YouTube.com was well received as it did not engage in fear politics or denigrate the other candidates. It focused on low taxes and less government interference.
The party’s next priorities are to achieve state registration in Victoria and NSW, plus the ACT Legislative Assembly election later in the year. Details on the ACT campaign are here.
June 30, 2008 at 1:01 pm |
Nice! Not that far from the Greens as thought we would be.
I was at the St Mary’s Anglican Church in Morwell. Had a chat to one guy who was really interested in LDP’s ideas and secured his vote for us. A few others were interested in their fishing rights and bush tracks.
Progress is getting there.
July 1, 2008 at 8:12 pm |
On which booths did you guys have booth workers? I’m interested to see the results. Also why do you guys think Bonang, Bruthan and Ensay were so good?
Is that close to where Buckley lives?
July 1, 2008 at 9:54 pm |
Samuel Adams. Yes, Ben Buckley is a “high country” bloke, well known to sambar deer hunters, 4WDers, forestry workers and cattlemen. Those booths were well covered by LDP (and Ben’s) helpers, whereas other areas had strong Labor/Nats/Liberal support. Labor had Melbourne people come up as far as Lakes Entrance, while Cann River, Mallacotta etc., had Liberal people come down from Canberra. Also, there are pockets of alternative lifestyle people in the region who helped get the Greens vote up.
July 3, 2008 at 4:43 pm |
Ahh cool, thanks for that mate. I have no understanding of the geography or demographics of Gippsland.
June 8, 2009 at 7:11 pm |
A good result for the LDP, yes, but “minor parties” are usually those with at least one seat somewhere.