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Election Upsets: Lawver Defeats Fitzhardinge, New Mayors Elected

10/20/2025

48 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Fremantle, Ben Lawver unseated incumbent Hannah Fitzhardinge by 635 votes amid controversy over union-funded ads.
Bruce Reynolds retained the Lord Mayor role in Perth.
Statewide turnout was 29.7%, slightly lower than previous elections.
In Albany, Rebecca Stephens and Tom Brough emerged as frontrunners, with counting disruptions delaying results.
In Hastings District Council, Wendy Schollum was elected mayor, with a turnout of 46%.

History

Historical Context

The 2017 local government elections in Australia, marked by a 29.7% voter turnout in Fremantle, reflected ongoing tensions between political parties and unions. This dynamic echoes the controversies of the 2013 federal elections, where union influence was similarly scrutinized. The outcomes of these elections are likely to shape future local governance strategies and party policies across Australia.

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Story summary

In Fremantle, Ben Lawver unseated incumbent Hannah Fitzhardinge by 635 votes amid controversy over union-funded ads.
Bruce Reynolds retained the Lord Mayor role in Perth.
Statewide turnout was 29.7%, slightly lower than previous elections.
In Albany, Rebecca Stephens and Tom Brough emerged as frontrunners, with counting disruptions delaying results.
In Hastings District Council, Wendy Schollum was elected mayor, with a turnout of 46%.

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