Liberal Jo Palmer has been returned to the Tasmanian Legislative Council seat of Rosevears after a final distribution of preferences today confirmed her victory.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission completed counting on Tuesday afternoon, with Palmer finishing on 12,223 votes to Labor’s Ben McKinnon on 10,927.
That gave Palmer a two-candidate-preferred result of 52.80% to McKinnon’s 47.20%.
Palmer led from the outset. She took 9,820 first preferences, or 42.42% of the formal vote, well ahead of McKinnon on 5,813.
Tasmanian Greens candidate Charlene McLennan polled 3,807 first preferences and independent Susan Monson 3,710.
Both were excluded during the count, with their preferences flowing strongly enough to Palmer to seal the result.
Turnout in the northern Tamar Valley electorate reached 82.87%, with 23,150 formal votes counted from an enrolment of 28,771.
Palmer thanked supporters on social media shortly after being notified of the result.
“I’ve just been told I have been officially elected. Lots of emotions right now but above all, I am beyond grateful for you all,” she said.
“Thank you so much for your support, trust and encouragement over these last six years.”
“I truly don’t have the words to express how blessed I feel to represent you.”
Palmer, the education minister, signalled she would return to parliamentary duties immediately.
“Looking forward to catching up with everyone and saying thank you in person over the days and weeks to come but for now, it’s back to work,” she said.
