2009 Higgins by-election

Background

Costello first won the seat of Higgins at the 1990 federal election, and retained the seat in the six subsequent elections. At the 2007 federal election, the opposition Kevin Rudd-led Labor Party defeated the incumbent John Howard-led Liberal-National coalition government. This marked the first change of government in over 11 years. Costello was deputy Liberal leader since 1994, firstly under Alexander Downer and then under John Howard, and was treasurer in the Howard government from its formation in 1996. On the defeat of the Howard government in 2007, Costello declined to become Liberal leader and a position in the shadow ministry and returned to the backbenches. Costello had initially indicated (15 June 2009) he would stay as the member until the next election, at which time he would retire from parliament. However, on 7 October 2009, Costello announced he would be resigning from Parliament when it resumed later in the month. He resigned on 19 October 2009.

Campaign

The Labor Party did not nominate a candidate for the by-election.

The Higgins and Bradfield by-election campaigns were overshadowed by Liberal infighting over Labor Party government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, culminating in the replacement of Malcolm Turnbull with Tony Abbott as Liberal leader. Although fairly safe on paper, some commentators including Malcolm Mackerras tipped the Greens to defeat the Liberals in Higgins, and force the Liberals to preferences in Bradfield.

Liberal Party candidate Kelly O'Dwyer focussed her campaigning on local issues and attempted to distance herself from federal affairs, whereas the Greens Clive Hamilton campaigned primarily for stronger action on climate change.

Candidates

The following table is the order and party affiliation of each candidate that has nominated to contest the seat of Higgins. Candidates are placed in the order of the ballot paper.

The Australian Labor Party did not stand a candidate.

Results

The Liberal Party easily retained the seat.

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References

References

1. [https://web.archive.org/web/20091028182036/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/26/2724484.htm Higgins, Bradfield by-elections announced], [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]], 26 October 2009.
2. "Peter Costello to resign from federal Parliament: The Australian 7/10/2009". [[The Australian]].
3. (8 June 2007). "Candidates for Higgins (Vic) 2009 by-election (Saturday 5 December)". AEC.
4. "Costello won't stand". The Sydney Morning Herald.
5. "The Hon Peter Costello MP". aph.gov.au.
6. (3 December 2009). "Mackerras predicts boilover in Higgins: The Australian 3 December 2009". The Australian.
7. Grattan, Michelle. (4 December 2009). "A day that changed everything: SMH 4 December 2009". The Sydney Morning Herald.
8. Milanda Rout, [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/higgins-hopeful-in-climate-change-push/story-e6frg6n6-1225806772718 Higgins hopeful in climate-change push], ''The Australian'', December 2009
9. (8 June 2007). "The AEC has recently restructured our content". Aec.gov.au.
10. (7 October 2009). "Higgins by-election: December 5 – The Poll Bludger". Blogs.crikey.com.au.
11. (6 November 2009). "Parliament 'needs a sex party': The Australian 6 November 2009". News.com.au.
12. (17 September 2009). "Kelly O'Dwyer secures preselection for Peter Costello's seat of Higgins: Herald Sun 17/09/2009". Herald Sun.
13. (23 October 2009). "Greens announce candidate for Higgins: ABC News 23/10/2009". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
14. (30 October 2009). "Australian DemocratsAustralian Democrats Press Releases". Democrats.org.au.
15. Strong, Geoff. (5 November 2009). "Olympian steps up to grapple for Higgins: SMH 5 November 2009". The Sydney Morning Herald.
16. Antony Green. (5 December 2009). "Antony Green by-election commentary". ABC.
17. [http://vtr.aec.gov.au/Default.htm Virtual Tally Room: AEC] {{webarchive. link. (11 December 2009)