Fed: Brumby backs Fed Labor colleague in seat of McEwen

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2007
Fed: Brumby backs Fed Labor colleague in seat of McEwen

MELBOURNE, Dec 10 AAP - Victorian Premier John Brumby has thrown his support behind
Labor's victor in the federal seat of McEwen, Rob Mitchell, saying a recount is up to
election authorities.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) declared Mr Mitchell the winner of the seat
by seven votes over ex-tourism minister Fran Bailey on Saturday night, two weeks after
the federal poll.

But Ms Bailey has today called for a recount and claims two votes have since emerged,
casting doubt on the accuracy of the count.

Mr Brumby said that was a matter for the AEC.

"I only know what I've read in the press this morning and that is that as they've been
going through the votes they've been counting them successfully," Mr Brumby said.

"They're doing a re-check, I think, on all of the preference allocation, but any decision
on that would be a matter for the commonwealth electoral commissioner.

"Obviously it's a great thing if Labor wins that seat. Rob Mitchell will be, I think,
a great member of parliament for that region."

AAP cmb/pmu/jt/bwl

KEYWORD: POLL07 MCEWEN BRUMBY

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