Independents triumph over Liberal candidates
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has most likely lost his seat in this year’s Federal election while Tim Wilson and Jason Falinski, who sat on the House of Representatives standing economics committee, have lost out.
All three members were overtaken by ‘teal’ independent candidates in closely-fought battles.
Frydenberg, who had not yet conceded, would most likely lose his seat in Kooyong, Victoria to independent candidate Monique Ryan.
He had been Treasurer since August 2018 and MP for Kooyong since 2010 and was tipped to be the next leader of the Liberals after Scott Morrison.
Reacting, Senator Jane Hume, said: “As a Victorian, and a Treasury Minister, I would like to acknowledge Josh Frydenberg. No one in politics worked harder. Assisting in drafting the equivalent of four budgets in as many months in 2020, I saw first-hand his dedication to the people of Australia. The economic reforms, tax cuts, and economic recovery post Covid are legacies Australians will be the beneficiaries of for many years to come.”
It was expected the next Liberal leader would be minister for defence, Peter Dutton.
Meanwhile, Jason Falinski, chair of the House of Representatives standing committee on economics, lost his seat in Mackellar, New South Wales to independent Sophie Scamps after six years.
Tim Wilson, who chaired the same committee from June 2018-October 2021, lost his seat in Goldstein, Victoria after six years to independent Zoe Daniel. His electorate was a close race with Wilson not conceding defeat until Sunday evening.
The Federal election was won by the Labor party with Anthony Albanese succeeding Morrison as Prime Minister and Jim Chalmers as Treasurer.
AUTHOR
Laura Dew
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