Josh Burns safely returned in Macnamara

Incumbent Labor MP for Macnamara Josh Burns has been returned to the federal seat representing Southbank for a third consecutive term after recording a near three per cent swing in his favour.

Mr Burns joins Labor’s increased majority in the House of Representatives after the party recorded a landslide victory over the Coalition at the May 3 Federal Election, where the Liberal Party recorded its worst-ever primary vote.

The Macnamara MP comfortably won the primary vote count over his nearest rival Benson Saulo, who was running in his first federal election for the Liberal Party. At the time of publishing, Mr Burns was well ahead of Mr Saulo by more than 20,000 primary votes and comfortably reclaimed the seat on Greens preferences.

While Macnamara has been considered a three-way contest in previous elections, the Greens had a disappointing night with its candidate Sonya Semmens suffering a two per cent swing against.

Mr Burns thanked voters across the electorate and said representing his community for another three years was “truly an honour”.

He also graciously acknowledged his main competitors in Mr Saulo and Ms Semmens, paying testament to what was a “passionate, hard-working and respectful” tone throughout the campaign.

“It was a reflection of these two quality people, Benson and Sonya, who led their teams with intelligence and class,” Mr Burns said. “I admire them both, and all of the volunteers who showed up and worked so hard.”

No matter who you voted for in Macnamara, my faith in the people of our community, and in our democracy has never been higher.

“I wish them [Mr Saulo and Ms Semmens] both only good things for the future and for their families.”

Chief among Mr Burns’ policies for the local area in Southbank and South Melbourne was a $4 million commitment from his government to work with the City of Melbourne to revitalise the Kings Way undercroft into new open space.

His government has also worked with the council to deliver a new community battery for Southbank, which will soon be unveiled at the Boyd Community Hub, allowing apartment residents to tap into renewable energy. •