The results are not official but Ali Cupper has conceded defeat in the fight to retain the seat of Mildura.
The independent has taken to social media saying her team did remarkably well, and while they were ahead of primary votes, they’re behind two-candidate preferred.
She’s congratulated Nationals candidate Jade Benham on her win, but says the Mallee needs results not talk and it is okay to yell and make a noise as an MP.
Ali’s Facebook post:
“Attention Gamechangers:
The ballot has not been officially declared, but at the time of writing, the National Party was around 1000 votes ahead in preferences.
That means they will win. But they had to fight for it …
We are around 3000 votes ahead on primary votes, with the primary distribution roughly as follows …
AC on 34%
Nats on 25%
Libs on 19%
Against massive political headwinds, including a global pandemic, angry opponents, and a million dollar+ big-party war chest, we did remarkably well.
Earlier today I called the National Party candidate, Jade Benham, to concede the seat and congratulate her on her win.
When we spoke, I was kind but clear:
The Mallee doesn’t need rhetoric, it needs results.
As an MP, you can yell and make a noise.
You can tell the Government it sucks.
You can project people’s grievances back at them and scream into the void.
But that counts for nothing if you can’t deliver.
People voted for the National Party for a new hospital and cheap flights. Tick tock. They’re waiting.
In the meantime, I want to thank everyone for their love and support throughout this extraordinary term, and in the sad days since the election.
To our pre-poll and election day volunteers, thank you.
To my extended family, especially my parents, thank you.
To Team AC, whose loyalty knows no bounds, thank you.
And to my favourite boys, Ben and Jed, who are the loves of my life – thank you so much.
Finally, I want to thank the Mallee …
It has been an honour to represent this beautiful, isolated, unique, determined, gritty, head strong and fiercely independent region in the far-flung Victorian desert.
You have my heart, always.”
Image: Ali Cupper
