IF Leanne Atkinson had known the outcome of Saturday’s election before she started the journey as Labor’s Bega candidate, she still would have “absolutely” done it again.
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The Tathra mum and self-employed community development consultant said her campaign, which began in July 2014, was a “huge sacrifice” and “very expensive”, but she had no regrets.
“Somebody asked me, being such a safe Liberal seat, ‘why do it’, and I said ‘because the community is worth it’ – and I maintain that,” she said.
“You can only do something like this if you really believe in it.
“Why would I give up work and time with my family if I didn’t absolute believe?
“I knew the chance of being elected was slim, but it was important to give a voice to people who felt they weren’t being heard.”
While Ms Atkinson was disappointed more preferences did not flow from Greens voters, she could not yet say if it would have secured her a win.
“It’s been a safe Liberal seat for 25 years; Andrew Constance has had it for 12,” she said.
“On past history, Labor has had the second highest vote.
“A person voting Greens first, can exercise their right to determine who gets their second preference.
“It’s disappointing a lot of people didn’t exercise that right.
“I was pleased we ended up on the night with effectively an 11 per cent swing against the Treasurer,” she said.
“He cannot take this seat for granted.”
Ms Atkinson, who returned to work on Monday, said she must focus on family and “normal life”.
She thanked volunteers and supporters.
“I enjoyed spending time in the electorate - it is a wonderful, diverse community,” she said.
“It is a privilege and if I had known what I know now, and had been asked to do it again, I would, absolutely.”