Family guy: Andrew Katos and wife Vicky with children Evan, Jack, Zac and Christian.
Kim Waters and Erin Pearson
THE LIBERALS were clinging to hope of a surprise win in the electorate of Bellarine after discovering of an uncounted box of pre-poll votes on Wednesday, according to liberal candidate Kurt Reiter.
Mr Reiter said the discovery had renewed his enthusiasm for a “game-changing result” in the Labor-held state seat.
“We’re still behind, so let’s not get too excited,” he said.
“This is indeed great news but anything can happen with the remaining uncounted pre-poll and postal votes.”
Labor incumbent Lisa Neville held a 720-vote lead on Mr Reiter with about 3000 votes left to count when the Independent went to press on Wednesday.
A Victorian Electoral Commission spokesperson confirmed the discovery of the uncounted pre-poll votes.
“Bellarine is still going through a re-check,” the spokesperson said.
New member-elect for South Barwon Andrew Katos said he was preparing to move into his new office in Belmont’s High Street after defeating Labor’s Michael Crutchfield.
“This should happen in the next four weeks because I have to give Michael (Crutchfield) the opportunity to pack up,” he said.
“I’ll be heading into meetings with Surf Coast Shire and others this week and getting on top of things straight away.”
Mr Crutchfield lost his seat three days shy of qualifying for Victoria’s parliamentary pension, which would have paid him around $2000 a week tax-free.
However, a Melbourne newspaper reported this week that he would qualify for an unspecified lump-sum payment for MPs who failed to reach the parliamentary pension minimum of eight years service.
Mr Katos said he would step down from his role as a City of Greater Geelong councillor this Friday.
Former state and council election candidate Angelo Kakouros put his hand up for the Deakin ward by-election to replace Mr Katos.
The businessman and Liberal party stalwart said he would nominate for the vacancy to keep Geelong’s southern suburbs “vibrant and prosperous”.
