QLD: Beattie claims victory in Mulgrave = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-1998
QLD: Beattie claims victory in Mulgrave = 2

"This is not only an endorsement of the government but its also a confirmation of our win
back in June (at the general election)," Mr Beattie said on ABC radio.

Despite Mr Beatties victory claim, the result appears as though it could take days to
finalise with the National Party saying it will go down to the wire.

At the close of counting tonight, Mr Pitt had polled 8,697 votes (42.37 per cent) ahead of
National Party candidate Naomi Wilson with 7,827 (38.13 percent).

Opposition leader Rob Borbidge said Ms Wilson would wait until the final vote had been
processed.

"Its going to go right down to the wire, right down to the last votes," Mr Borbidge said.

The by-election proved a disaster for One Nation candidate Peter Boniface, who was trying
to retain the seat for his party after MP Charles Rappolt resigned last month for health
reasons.

Mr Boniface polled just under 16 per cent of the primary vote compared to Mr Rappolts 31
per cent at the June state election.

Mr Borbidge criticised One Nation for not directing preferences today, which he claims
worked against Ms Wilson.

"There will never be a conservative government while One Nation continues to play a
spoiling role," Mr Borbidge said.

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KEYWORD: MULGRAVE N/L 2 BRISBANE

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