Labor’s David Smith remains the federal Member for Bean, but with a drastically reduced margin. Photo: Region.
Labor has retained the seat of Bean after more than a week of counting that made it too close to call until Monday afternoon (12 May).
Incumbent David Smith has presided over an annihilation of his margin, going from almost 13 per cent to less than 1 per cent in a federal election that everywhere else across the nation saw Labor significantly increase its vote in a landslide victory.
Mr Smith noted he received the largest share of the primary vote at 41 per cent.
After the distribution of preferences, however, he barely got home with a margin of 0.3 per cent.
Independent challenger Jessie Price said the result means Labor is now very much on notice that constituents in Bean will not be taken for granted.
She has also vowed to take another tilt at the seat.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved in this campaign,” Ms Price told Region.
“Labor is saying they got the same vote in Bean as they did last time, but that’s in the context of a national increase in Labor’s vote.
“Here, Labor has held the seat by its fingernails.
“Bean will continue to hold Labor to account, and if the community wants, I will be putting my hand up again if the community wants me to, in order to give this seat some proper representation in the Federal Parliament.”
Mr Smith released a statement, thanking his supporters, acknowledging the closeness of the race and promising to work hard for the electorate over the coming term.
“Firstly, congratulations again to PM Albanese and the Labor government. This was a critical election for our community, and I am proud to see the people of Bean and Australia have elected a government that values public service and will tackle the issues facing our nation with a positive plan,” he said.
“Congratulations to other members of the ACT Labor team, Katy [Gallagher], Andrew [Leigh] and Alicia [Payne] should all be proud of the results. I know we will all work together to keep delivering for our region. I very much look forward to Parliament’s return and continuing to be part of the Labor caucus.
“I would like to acknowledge the other candidates who stood for election in Bean – David Lamerton, Jessie Price and Sam Carter. Standing for election is a trying and difficult thing, not just for the candidates but also for their families.
“I acknowledge that each participant in this election has come to this contest with good intentions …
“I am pleased that I received the largest share of the primary vote at 41 per cent, similar to the 2022 election, and I thank the people of Bean for their ongoing support.
“I acknowledge the closeness of this result, and commit to working hard for all the people of Bean, and delivering our positive plan.”
Independent candidate for Bean Jessie Price has turned the electorate into a marginal seat. Photo: Region.
Ms Price issued her own statement saying she had congratulated Mr Smith on his win.
She also stressed once more how close the vote was and thanked her supporters and the Australian Electoral Commission.
“We may not have won the election, but we have well and truly put our community on the map. Let there be no mistake: Bean is no longer a safe Labor seat,” she said.
“We have turned one of the safest seats in the country into one of the most marginal. Across the country, Labor increased their margin – but not here in Bean.
“After years of neglect and being taken for granted, we’ve made Labor stand up and pay attention.
“We’ve already seen a sudden influx of big funding commitments for health and recreation facilities in Bean. We made this happen. Together, we revitalised and strengthened democracy for Bean.
“This is a grassroots community movement that we built together. Here in Bean, we have shown the country that there is no such thing as a safe seat.
“We will rest and regroup, and we will hold Labor to account this term. We will be here and ready for the next election to keep pushing the government to do better.
“Labor is on notice, and I can guarantee you, because of our efforts together, Bean will never be taken for granted again.
“I thank the AEC for their diligent and professional work, and I also thank the scrutineers from both camps.
“Everyone worked together to ensure the transparency and accuracy of our democratic processes, and for that reason, I will not be requesting a recount.”
