Federal Election 2019: Josh Wilson looks to future after retaining Fremantle seat

JOSH Wilson has retained his seat in the Fremantle electorate.

With 74 per cent of the votes counted at the time of going to print, the Labor politician had received 42,752 votes, 58.13 per cent of the two party preferred vote.

Liberal candidate Nicole Robins received 30,798 votes with a 0.61 per cent swing against her.

Mr Wilson said he was grateful to have been trusted with the responsibility for the Fremantle electorate.

“I am looking forward to putting all my energy and efforts into it,” he said.

“The (national) results was surprising to many people, but that’s our democracy and I respect the result.

“I would say it was a positive and respectful campaign and I acknowledge the other candidates who participated.

“We made an argument to the community and it’s always heartening that Australia has a healthy democratic process.

“I look forward to my work in the parliament as a member of a vigorous opposition that’s constructive and that seeks to hold the government to account.”

Mr Wilson said he was focused on the work as it comes.

“I will also continue to be a strong advocate for Fremantle investment and Fremantle projects,” he said.

“I was successful getting commitment matched on both sides for the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, the largest infrastructure investment in my lifetime.”

He said the Australian Labor Party had to make a decision about the party’s leadership.

“We are not sure who the candidates in the leadership contest will be yet,” he said.

“I am looking forward to participating in that process, it is a democratic process involving the caucus and the membership of the party.”