Albert Jacob and his wife Cecylia.
Camera IconAlbert Jacob and his wife Cecylia. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Former Ocean Reef MLA Jacob to ‘reconnect with family’ after losing seat

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

FORMER Ocean Reef MLA Albert Jacob will spend time camping and reconnecting with his family after losing his seat in this month’s State Election.

Packing up his electorate office in Currambine last week, Mr Jacob said he, wife Cecylia and their sons, Joshua (6) and Daniel (4), would head down south with their caravan.

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the family,” he said.

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Having conceded to Labor’s Mark Folkard the day after the election, Mr Jacob said he had “no plan B”.

“I had still hoped to continue as State MP,” he said.

“Almost 10,000 people still voted for me; most of my community still stand with me so I’m still encouraged by that.

“There was a real nasty element to this campaign but I don’t see my Labor opponent had anything to do with it.”

Elected to State Parliament in September 2008 after three years as a City of Joondalup councillor, Mr Jacob was appointed environment and heritage minister when re-elected in March 2013.

“Nobody gets to be MP for life but while you are there, it is a huge privilege,” he said.

“I’m genuinely grateful to have been elected as a 28-year-old and have had eight-and-a-half years.

“I’ve gotten to meet so many people that I wouldn’t have otherwise met.

“We get to influence people’s lives for the better.”

Mr Jacob said highlights of his terms included working on the Mitchell Freeway extension project and completion of the Mirror Park skate facility in Ocean Reef.

While he has not decided what to do next, or whether to return to politics, the father-of-two said he would continue to be a part of the community.

“This is still my home; you are still going to see me out living my life here,” he said.

The final tally of results after preferences saw Mr Folkard win 12,400 votes compared to 11,207 for Mr Jacob.