By NIKKI TODD
GREENS candidate Dawn Walker was celebrating this week after bucking the national trend and delivering a healthy swing towards the Greens in Richmond.
As of counting early Tuesday, Ms Walker had secured 17.53 per cent of the primary vote, or 12,938 votes, representing a 1.38 per cent swing to the Greens.
This was in defiance of the party’s showing nationally, where the Greens suffered a 3.4 per cent swing against it, dropping from 11 per cent to 8.4 per cent of the vote, with the biggest damage done in its heartland of Tasmania.
“This is an amazing result for Richmond – while the rest of the country went conservative, the people of Richmond have gone more Green,” Ms Walker said.
“We were the highest polling regional seat in NSW and only second in NSW to Grayndler in Sydney. The Greens are a growing force in Richmond.’’
Ms Walker’s preferences were a major factor in returning incumbent Labor MP Justine Elliot, with both women campaigning strongly against coal seam gas mining and exploration.
The Greens also won support for their push to reverse cuts for single parents and universities.
The party performed “extremely well’’ in the electorate’s southern booths, particularly at Upper Wilson’s Creek, Nimbin, Upper Main Arm, The Channon, Mullumbimby and Uki.
Ms Walker said the campaign had been a really positive experience for her personally.
“For me it has been an honour to be able to speak up for those who can’t; the environment and those most vulnerable,’’ she said.
“Richmond is such a wonderful community that even if people had different views I found it a really respectful campaign and I really acknowledge the other candidates for that.’’
