Independent Tracee Hutchison has confirmed she will contest Nepean again at November’s Victorian state election, following Saturday’s by-election result.
Hutchison announced the move in a statement to supporters, thanking volunteers, donors and campaign backers for their work across the eight-week campaign. She said the result had strengthened her determination to continue.
I will be running again as your local, honest, independent candidate for Nepean at the State Election in November.
Campaign To Continue Into November
Hutchison said her campaign had shown there was support in Nepean for a strong independent voice, and said she would continue campaigning across the electorate between now and November.
Together, we’ve built something powerful. People across Nepean want politics done differently, and are ready for a strong, independent voice to represent them.
Hutchison said she would keep showing up across the electorate, continue local conversations, and grow her supporter and volunteer base ahead of the general election.
Key Issues Remain On Agenda
In her statement, Hutchison said she would continue campaigning on issues including the rebuilding of Rosebud Hospital, roads, affordable housing, environmental protection, tourism, creative and First Nations communities, and support for local businesses and producers.
She also said she would continue opposing inappropriate commercial development in publicly owned Arthurs Seat State Park and push to establish a Nepean Youth Council.
By-Election Result
The announcement follows the Nepean by-election, which the ABC called for Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh on Saturday night. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Liberal MP Sam Groth.
Results published by election analyst Antony Green show Marsh retained Nepean for the Liberal Party with 38.5 per cent of the first preference vote, followed by One Nation’s Darren Hercus on 24.7 per cent, Hutchison on 21.3 per cent, and Greens candidate Sianan Healy on 9.3 per cent.
On the two-candidate-preferred count between Marsh and Hutchison, Marsh led 63.5 per cent to 36.5 per cent.
Another Election Ahead
The next Victorian state election is scheduled for November, giving Hutchison less than seven months to convert her by-election campaign into a second contest for the seat.
Marsh’s win also creates a separate local consequence for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
The Victorian Electoral Commission lists Marsh as the Briars Ward councillor, and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has 11 wards with one councillor in each ward.
Under Victorian local government election rules, a by-election is held when a councillor resigns or cannot complete their term in a single-councillor ward, provided there are more than six months before the next general council election.
That means Briars Ward residents will vote for a new councillor, with ratepayers expected to meet an estimated by-election cost of about $200,000.
For Hutchison, the by-election campaign now becomes the starting point for a second run at Nepean later this year, with the independent candidate positioning November as the next test of support for a local alternative to the major parties.
