Long-serving local MPs Justine Elliot and Kevin Hogan have been officially declared winners in the May 3 Federal Election, with final vote counts confirmed last week by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

Declaration events were held at local AEC offices with both successful candidates present for the formalities.

Labor’s Justine Elliot secured a record eighth term as Member for Richmond, finishing with 69,975 votes after final distribution of preferences.  This represents a margin of 20,988 over nearest rival, Nationals candidate Kimberley Hone and a 1.77 percent swing to Labor compared to the 2022 election.

Despite running an extensive and high-profile campaign, Greens candidate Mandy Nolan achieved a more modest 1.2% swing in her favour. The result may reflect a broader national trend of reduced support for the Greens. 

In recent weeks, the Byron Bay-based comedian and activist has announced she is retiring from comedy, hinting that the occupation may not sit comfortably alongside her political aspirations. 

Still, she suggested her political journey isn’t over, writing, “Would I do it again? Absolutely. Because we didn’t just run a campaign, we created a movement.”

In a reflective piece published in the Byron Bay Echo, a publication known for its pro-Greens commentary, Ms Nolan suggested that malicious enemies had worked to undermine her campaign.

 “There have been dark forces at play to discredit me. I’ve had them trawl through my comedy, looking for snippets to put out of context and repurpose. I’ve had third-party groups funded by fossil fuels run ads on local TV — in my community. I’ve had local Facebook groups host some pretty vile content. I’ve read things about myself a person should never have to read. Some of them were very litigious. I never engaged. I will pull people out of the mud, I won’t fight in it.”

Following her win, Justine Elliot thanked voters and the AEC, stating, “Thank you to the AEC staff for your important work upholding our democracy. To the voters of Richmond, thank you for putting your trust in me for the eighth time, with a swing to Labor — you can count on me to be your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government.”

In the neighbouring seat of Page, Nationals MP Kevin Hogan was also officially declared the winner, securing 59.29% of the vote after preferences. Labor candidate Wendy Backhous achieved a 1.36 percent swing in her favour, but it was not enough to challenge Mr Hogan’s hold on the seat.

Attending the declaration at the AEC’s Grafton office (main photo), Mr Hogan thanked the community for their support. 

“Thank you to our community for putting your faith and trust in me to be your representative in Canberra again,” he said. 

“We live in a wonderful country, represented by the healthy democracy that we are. Thank you to AEC Divisional Returning Officer Luke Zorzetti and all the AEC staff. I acknowledge all the other candidates who took part in our wonderful democratic process.”