Federal Election 2022: Meryl Swanson seizes victory but Liberals turn Paterson into marginal seat

At the close of counting on Monday night, Ms Swanson, who declared victory late on Saturday night, had her 5 per cent margin cut by around 1.5 per cent, despite achieving a slight 0.27 swing in the primary vote.

The Labor MP's main rival, Liberal candidate Brooke Vitnell, while disappointed with the final outcome, was buoyed by the effort in securing a party swing of more than 4 per cent compared to the 2019 poll.

Both The Greens (0.31%) and United Australia (0.19%) also managed slight increases, while One Nation's Neil Turner suffered the humiliating loss of 6.29 per cent of the vote compared to three years ago.

The election campaign from the two major parties, which began in earnest around six months ago, was targeted and at times intense.

Both sides engaged in extensive use of social media and there was the ugly side, with reports of vandalised and graffitied signs and accusations of confrontation at pre-polling booths.

As for funding announcements for the seat of Paterson which takes in Port Stephens and parts of Maitland and Kurri Kurri, it was estimated that Labor pledged approximately $15.5 million while the Liberals committing an expected $28.9 million.

It is expected that Port Stephens will receive only a small share of the spoils.

During her victory speech on Saturday night at Club Maitland City, Ms Swanson said she was humbled that the people of Paterson had entrusted her to continue as their voice in Canberra for three more years.

"I will continue to work hard for out region and ensure we get the investments we need. Saturday's election result confirms one thing clearly, that the hearts and minds of the voters of Peterson cannot be bought."

Given time to reflect on her achievement on Monday, Ms Swanson said that she was both honoured and determined to continue fighting for the electorate, this time from government.

"For the people of Port Stephens, that means enduring a better future for all," she said.

"On the top of my priority list will be the $55 million required for the Williamtown Airport expansion, getting a briefing on the M1 extension and hopefully fast-tracking the project strategy, re-funding GP Access to ease the GP shortage in the region and setting up the independent review into the PFAS contamination issue."

Ms Vitnell said that she was proud of her team of supporters and the result, turning Paterson into the most marginal federal seat on the eastern seaboard between Sydney and the Tweed.

"I fought a grassroots campaign on local issues, such as roads particularly around the airport, health and the need for dialysis machine at Tomaree community hospital, advocating for more funding for youth mental health, elder abuse and family violence and fixing mobile phone blackspots at Fern Bay," she said.

Ms Vitnell was gracious in defeat.

"I wish Meryl Swanson well in her term in government and will keep a keen eye on what is delivered for our community. She is in government now so let's see what can be delivered," she said.

"Although we did not achieve the result we had hoped for, we can be proud that despite national swings across the country we took the fight to the Labor party ... no mean feat when there is a national swing and mood against a government.

"I want to thank everyone who placed their faith in me, including my wonderful volunteers both on pre-poll and election day."

Ms Vitnell said that she would be taking a well earned rest before reopening the doors to her law business in Medowie and re-joining the board of COPSY (Caring for Our Port Stephens Youth).

Asked about her political future, Ms Vitnell said: "A wise woman once told me to always play your cards close to your chest".

"No doubt the Liberal Party would need to do some soul searching and I plan to contribute to that. The party needs to listen more to the people not only in the cities, but also in regional and rural Australia. There are 132,000 voters in Paterson and they need to be heard as well."

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