Emma Pritchard
Kevin Hogan has retained the seat of Page for The Nationals following the 2022 Federal election.
And while the Coalition he represents is now in opposition, his ongoing commitment to local communities remains strong.
Mr Hogan celebrated his election success at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club over the weekend, surrounded by his loving family, team and supporters, who cheered loudly when the Australian Labor Party candidate for the seat of Page Patrick Deegan conceded to the sitting member.
As he commences a fourth term, following previous triumphs in the 2013, 2016, and 2019 Federal elections, Mr Hogan described his most recent re-election as very humbling, adding this one is personal.
Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent earlier this week, Mr Hogan said it was quite overwhelming to be re-elected for a fourth time, with flood recovery and a continuation to deliver infrastructure and services needed by growing communities across Page remaining his top priorities.
“I will work with and push any government, State or Federal, both Coalition and Labor, and any bureaucrat to speed up our recovery,” he said.
“The task is above politics and needs continued urgency.”
Mr Hogan confidently announced being a member of the opposition will not make his job difficult as he continues to represent the communities of Page in Canberra.
As the nation moves forward under an Anthony Albanese led majority government, Mr Deegan said it is great news for the people of Australia, and the people of Page.
Despite not being a part of the new government as an MP after leading a strong 2022 Federal election campaign, Mr Deegan congratulated Mr Hogan on retaining the seat of Page and said it was clear throughout the pre-poll period and on May 21 that he had built a very strong brand in the region.
He also said while many people were unhappy with the Morrison government, Northern NSW communities have given Mr Hogan a strong endorsement to continue as their representative.
After amassing more than 43000 total votes in the 2019 Federal election, Mr Deegan had accumulated close to 38000 votes after the allocation of preferences during the 2022 Federal election at the time of publication, with counting in Page ongoing.
He said Australians had clearly voted for change when heading to the polls, adding the new Prime Minister will lead a government worthy of the people of Australia.
When asked if he would recontest the seat of Page at the next Federal election, Mr Deegan replied, “you never say never in politics.”
The 2022 Federal election has demonstrated a tectonic shift in voting with several long standing and well-respected Liberal MPs losing their seats to independents in the wake of substantial swings against the major parties.
While she was unsuccessful in her first Federal election despite polling more than 12000 first preference votes with 86.7 percent of the total vote counted at the time of publication, Independent candidate for the seat of Page Dr Hanabeth Luke spoke positively about the experience, revealing she also plans to run again.
“An incredible community effort has been underway to engage others in the things that matter to them, and to support me as their community independent,” she said.
“I would like to send out a huge thank you to every person who has supported my campaign, especially to the thousands of people who have put their faith in me in the form of their vote.
“The work of the Voices 4 Page group will continue, and I plan to run again.”
Dr Luke said it is inspiring to see the success of the new teal MPs across Australia.
“For the sake of our communities I would have loved to have joined those independents, to be our community voice on the cross-bench, but the people have made their choice and I respect that.”