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Off to school for new Curtin MHR Celia Hammond

Jon BassettWestern Suburbs Weekly

CURTIN MHR-elect Celia Hammond wants to “learn the ropes” before tackling any potential ministerial position.

Professor Hammond has extensive education experience that included a vice-chancellorship of Fremantle’s Notre Dame University.

“I want to get my feet under the desk, and get out into the electorate because over the duration of campaign I’ve found it to be larger and with a broader and more diverse demographic than it is often perceived to be,” Prof Hammond said, when the Western Suburbs Weekly asked if she wanted the ministry of education in Scott Morrison’s new Liberal government on Saturday.

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“I have interests in youth and mental health issues too.”

Curtin MHR-elect Celia Hammond thanked Liberal Party supporters, with (l-r) son Josh King and husband Simon King. Jon Bassett.
Camera IconCurtin MHR-elect Celia Hammond thanked Liberal Party supporters, with (l-r) son Josh King and husband Simon King. Jon Bassett. Credit: Supplied/Jon Bassett.

She will take over the western suburbs seat left by former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop earlier this year.

After 72 per cent of votes were counted, Prof Hammond had 64.5 per cent of the two-party preferred vote after a 6.2 per cent swing to Labor.

At her Cottesloe Beach Hotel election party, a visibly buoyant and relieved Prof Hammond thanked Ms Bishop for her energy representing the electorate.

“I want to follow in her footsteps, because she was just such a passionate advocate for her constituency,” Prof Hammond said.

Curtin MHR-elect Celia Hammond, with husband Simon King and (l-r) sons Sam and Josh, thanked Liberal Party supporters. Jon Bassett.
Camera IconCurtin MHR-elect Celia Hammond, with husband Simon King and (l-r) sons Sam and Josh, thanked Liberal Party supporters. Jon Bassett. Credit: Supplied/Jon Bassett.

When voting at Mount Claremont Primary School earlier, she said her Liberal Party had dealt with leadership destabilisation by ensuring an elected prime minister could not be removed, and that its policies would deal with climate change.

During the campaign, initial Labor candidate Melissa Parke resigned after her comments about Palestine and Independent Louise Stewart was embroiled in allegations of a fake poll.

This morning, Ms Stewart had 8.2 per cent of the primary vote, Labor’s Rob Meecham had 17.5 per cent, and the Green’s Cameron Pidgeon had 15.2 per cent.

Andrew Mangano (WA Party) had 1.4 per cent, Joan Lever (United Australia Party) 1.1 per cent, Bill Edgar (One Nation) one per cent and DeonneKingsford (Australian Christians) 0.92 per cent.