Australia news live: teal’s lead jumps to more than 20 in battle for Bradfield; number of Australian billionaires doubles in a decade
For Bradfield, the recount continues. Boele is now up by more than 20 votes.
Exactly one month after the 3 May election, the NSW seat of Bradfield is yet to be called. A recount is under way, with Independent Nicolette Boele currently up by 28 votes over her Liberal challenger, Gisele Kapterian.
The Australian Electoral Commission has until 9 July to declare a result, but it could take some time. Election-watcher Kevin Bonham notes the average difference from the first-vote tally found during a recount comes out to 22 votes, although in once case, the Tasmanian seat of Bass in 1998, the recount found a 64-vote difference.
Boele recently thanked supporters working as scrutineers and the volunteers cooking them hot lunches, writing on Facebook yesterday:
This is what community looks like. And it’s been the heartbeat of this campaign from day one. No matter what happens, it is such a joy to be part of this community.
Good morning, Nick Visser here to take you through today’s breaking news. For now:
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The race for the NSW seat of Bradfield remains neck-and-neck, with independent Nicolette Boele currently leading Liberal Gisele Kapterian by more than 20 votes. It’s still too early to call the seat, as a painstaking – and polite – recount remains under way. The federal election took place exactly one month ago.
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The number of Australia billionaires has more than doubled over the past decade. In 2015, there were 74. There are now 161, according to Oxfam Australia. Billionaire wealth grew on average by more than $137m per day.
Stick with us for all the twists and turns the day has to offer.
