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The re-elected LNP Member for the Far North Queensland seat of Leichhardt says he's got plenty of goals to achieve over the next three years, before he retires at the 2025 election.
Despite a slight swing against him, MP Warren Entsch retained the seat with 52.81 per cent of the vote after preferences, as counting of postal votes continues.
Apart from one term, Mr Entsch has been Leichhardt MP since 1996.
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He's told Tropic Now that far from taking a backseat as an opposition MP, he's determined to see many of his plans and goals through.
"I’m looking forward to it with a great deal of enthusiasm and confidence," Mr Entsch said.
"It’s going to give me a chance to bed the reinsurance pool in and expand it to a natural disaster one rather than just focusing on cyclones.
"I'm also looking forward on turning on the lights for the Daintree Microgrid in 2024."
New projects are also expected to keep the MP busy.
Hundreds of millions of dollars were thrown at the electorate by both Labor's candidate Elida Faith and Mr Entsch in the lead-up to polling day.
There was bipartisan support for $50 million in funding for a new CQUniversity campus in the Cairns CBD, as well as $107.5-million for new infrastructure to secure the city’s drinking water supply into the medium term.
The major parties also each pledged $25 million for an additional 20 Commonwealth Supported Medical Training Places at James Cook University in Cairns.
"They’re committed on both sides, so I’m confident we will get those through," Mr Entsch said.
What he would like to change is Labor's $150 million promise to expand the Cairns Marine Precinct project and the $210 million it put on the table for safety and resilience upgrades on the Kuranda Range Road.
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"With the Common User Facility at the Marine Precinct, it’s not ready yet - the costings haven’t been released and my understanding is that in the confidential briefings they're talking a figure of between $350 and $400 million," Mr Entsch explained.
"The masterplan for the Port Authority is yet to be released which will identify and secure the land.
"That $150 million is not going to be spent for quite a long time and the reality is that up to $300 million might be required.
"Let's take $24 million out of that and finish the marine precinct – and the hard stand for the wharf, then the Common User Facility will be an add on to the existing precinct."
"With the Kuranda Range, $210 million is not going to fix the problem - they’re not going to build a new bridge with it," Mr Entsch said.
"I understand why they did it but let’s look at the practical situation here.
"The solution is an alternative route.
"Let’s have a proper engineering and costings plan for an alternative route and let’s get it done before the 2025 election so both parties can go in asking for a commitment to start work.
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Results from the polling booths show there was a swing against Labor, as more minor parties entered the race.
Elida Faith conceded defeat yesterday morning by calling Mr Entsch.
"It is clear we did not get there, but I am proud of the campaign that has knocked the safe label off this seat," Ms Faith said.
"We will never be taken for granted again.
"I am thrilled to see that our nation has chosen a better future, and I look forward to seeing the immeasurable difference an Anthony Albanese Labor Government will make to the country."
Development and economic advocacy group Advance Cairns said despite the local Member now being in opposition, there is an expectation Labor will fulfil its promises.
"Campaign commitments came thick and fast from both sides over the past six weeks, and Tropical North Queensland can now look forward to almost $700m in investment off the back of the ALP victory," said Executive Chairman Nick Trompf.
"Although the ALP failed to win Leichhardt at the election, Advance Cairns will be strongly advocating for it to deliver during the next term of government its key promises."
In the seat of Kennedy, incumbent Bob Katter has increased his popularity with a swing of just over a per cent in his favour as counting continues.
Mr Katter has so far secured almost 64 per cent of the vote after preferences to easily defeat the LNP's Bryce Macdonald, who received around 27 per cent of the primary vote.
Jennifer Cox recorded a swing in the Greens' favour, while there was a swing against the United Australia Party.
This morning, Anthony Albanese was sworn in in an interim capacity as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, allowing him to head to the Quad meeting in Tokyo with new Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Richard Marles was also sworn in as Employment Minister and Deputy Leader and will act as Prime Minister while Mr Albanese is overseas.
Jim Chalmers was sworn is as Treasurer.
The Liberal Party is yet to meet to elect a leader to replace Scott Morrison, who has resigned.
Peter Dutton is the frontrunner for the position.
Main points
- Warren Entsch has retained the seat of Leichhardt
- Bob Katter has been re-elected in Kennedy
- Anthony Albanese has been sworn in as Prime Minister
