VOTERS in South West Coast have rejected minor parties, parking their vote with either Liberal or Labor.
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Based on preliminary results, the Liberal Party increased its hold on outgoing Premier Denis Napthine’s electorate on a two-party preferred basis.
Dr Napthine increased his primary vote by a whopping 10 per cent with Labor candidate Roy Reekie and Greens candidate Thomas Campbell making smaller gains.
Mr Campbell said the 2014 state election was a historic poll for The Greens.
“It’s the first time we’ve won a lower house seat in Victoria and we also had an increase in our vote in South West Coast,” the university student said.
Independent candidates Michael McCluskey and Linda Smith gained a combined three per cent, lower than the non-aligned contenders at the 2010 state election.
Mr McCluskey said he had enjoyed standing for public office and would consider another run in the future. Ms Smith was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Country Alliance candidate Steve Moore picked up two per cent of the vote, based on preliminary results.
“It was disappointing that the Coalition didn’t get back in but life goes on,” the Warrnambool businessman said.