NSW: Woods retains Clarence

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-1999
NSW: Woods retains Clarence

By Krystyna Rudzki

SYDNEY, April 5 AAP - The Minister for Regional Development, Harry Woods, has retained his
seat of Clarence in the north coast of New South Wales despite a big swing against him.

Returning officer for Clarence, Ray Endean, told AAP preferential counting of votes from
the March 27 election that finished late tonight in Grafton had Mr Woods retaining his seat by
just 143 votes.

Mr Endean said the final figures had Mr Woods with 16,467 votes while National Party
challenger Steve Cansdell finished with 16,324 votes.

Mr Endean said his staff of 21 had spent yesterday recounting the primary votes, which had
Mr Woods with 37 per cent of the vote, well below the 50 per cent needed for outright victory.

They then worked 12 hours today allocating the preferences of Clarence's 40,000
constituents, who had voted for 11 candidates.

Support for Mr Woods has suffered a severe dent since he took the seat off the Nationals
after a 1996 by-election. A swing of over five per cent was needed to oust him from the seat.

Mr Woods said he felt privileged to be re-elected.

"It's an honour to be elected to serve the people of Clarence for another term," Mr Woods
said.

"I welcome the opportunity to continue working for the community - helping create jobs and
supporting industry growth."

Labor now holds seven country seats - up from four last term. Two other seats, Monaro and
Burrinjuck are still in question.

Labor now holds Clarence, Tweed, Maitland, Murray-Darling, Bathurst, Cessnock and South
Coast.

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AAP knr/was

KEYWORD: POLLNSW CLARENCE SECOND NIGHTLEAD

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