Brown sweeps to easy win

KIAMA MP Matt Brown defied a swing against his party and the uncertainty of a redistributed seat to power to victory in Saturday"s election.

Despite a statewide swing of three per cent against the ALP and a major redistribution of Kiama"s boundaries, Mr Brown was returned with an increased margin of five per cent.

Mr Brown celebrated the win with nearly 100 ALP faithful at Kiama Bowling Club on Saturday.

He secured 49.8 per cent of the primary vote, which translated to 56.7 per cent after preferences were distributed.

Mr Brown was buoyant when the results came in on Saturday night.

"I am overwhelmed by the support I have received," he said.

"I know it"s my responsibility to do the right thing by the people of Kiama."

Encumbered with the twin millstones of an unpopular government and a redistribution in which Kiama lost strong ALP booths, Mr Brown faced a dicey campaign.

"You would have to be stupid or arrogant not to be worried and I have always known that the support I have received has been on loan," he said.

"I have never taken anything for granted in the past, even though Kiama has been a safe seat.

"I think the community has rewarded me for my style and hard work and I will pay them back in spades.

"I think I was re-elected for my sheer dedication and love of the town I grew up in, hard work and vision for the future."

Despite his powerhouse result, Mr Brown said the 2007 campaign was the toughest yet.

"No one person can deliver everything no matter how hard they try," Mr Brown said.

"I knew I couldn"t have worked harder or be able to deliver more , sometimes the community"s need is insatiable.

"I have certainly enjoyed the challenges and the community obviously wants me to continue.

"It is a difficult job balancing the needs of a division the size of Kiama."

According to the voters, he passed , with flying colours.

Mr Brown won 56.5 per cent of the primary vote at Kiama Downs, 52.8 per cent at Kiama South and 51.9 per cent at Minnamurra.

He also won booths at Gerringong, where he polled 44.3 per cent of the primary vote, Jamberoo (38.6 per cent), Kiama (46.5 per cent) and Werri Beach (41.5 per cent).

The booths of Berry, Shoalhaven Heads, Kangaroo Valley and Robertson also went to the ALP after the distribution of preferences.

Mr Brown secured massive wins at traditional ALP strongholds in Albion Park, Albion Park Rail and Albion Park South and Mt Terry.

Most pleasing to the ALP camp would be the results in the new booths absorbed in the redistribution.

After distribution of preferences, Mr Brown won the booths of Bomaderry and Bomaderry South and Nowra North.

The only major booths he surrendered were Illaroo and Cambewarra.

Mr Brown congratulated Liberal Ann Sudmalis and other rival candidates on their campaigns.

" What do you think about Matt Brown"s re-election? SMS the editor on 0420 847 990 or send a letter to news@kiamaindependent.com.au or 51-55 Shoalhaven St, Kiama, 2533.

Liberal candidate for Kiama Ann Sudmalis said she could see more value in $250,000 for the Aerial Patrol then a relatively similar amount obtained by Mr Brown to repaint Kiama Lighthouse.

"It"s far better to have this thing (than a lighthouse painted)," she said.

"Yes, we do need to have the lighthouse fixed up, but I believe the priority is in this piece of equipment.

"This will save lives."

But Mr Brown said the Liberal Party"s announcement was "the Liberals again promising everything to everyone".

"It just another promise in addition to the $28 billion in promises they"ve made to date.

"I certainly won"t be making policy on the run, but I give my strong support to marine rescue, as I have been in the past eight years since I was elected.

I will continually fight for funds to make sure that our rescue services are well provided for."

Mr Mitchell, meanwhile, fears for the future of the search and rescue service.

He said planes from Brisbane or Melbourne could take up to two hours to arrive on our coastline, whereas the aerial patrol could be in the air in 30 minutes.

"The proper solution requires merely sensible co-operation between the two governments," he said.

"After all, the bottom line is our collective responsibility to public safety in what are regarded the most populated waterways in the nation.

"It would indeed be unfortunate if these considerations ever form the basis of a coronial inquiry should a tragedy occur in waters of the Greater Sydney Basin.

"But my conscience is clear. I have lobbied as hard as I can."

Mr Brown said his conscience, too, was clear.

"My conscience will be the same," he said. "This matter does not have to be decided today.

"Harry Mitchell wants funding for his private business enterprise, he"s got every right to do it, and I think his service is doing quite well.

"You"ve got to work out how you can get the best bang for you taxpayer buck."