Former Liberal frontbencher Sophie Mirabella has conceded defeat in the hotly-contested poll in the Victorian electorate of Indi.

Mrs Mirabella put out a statement saying she had contacted independent Cathy McGowan to congratulate her on her win.

The count is continuing but Ms McGowan has a lead of 387 votes.

The statement came just as the new Abbott Government was being sworn in in Canberra.

Mrs Mirabella had been expected to be a member of the cabinet but withdrew when the count dragged on.

“I want to thank the electors of Indi for their support over the last decade,” Mrs Mirabella said in a statement.

“They have enriched my life and that of my family and, together, we have achieved so much for our community,” she said.

Mrs Mirabella also thanked those who voted for the Liberal Party in this election and in the four previous elections.

“This election is over and the responsibility for the outcome is mine,” she said.

“Despite the closeness of the count, I have decided not to seek a recount.

“I unreservedly accept the decision of the democratic process.”

Ms McGowan says it was a wise decision not to seek a recount.

“It’s been a tortuous couple of weeks and I think everyone will be pleased its over and the decision’s been made,” she told ABC local radio.

Ms McGowan says the election has taught her a number of lessons.

“One is that rural communities have a voice and they can use it. It’s about community,” she said.

“The second thing is that rural infrastructure really matters and needs to be made a priority.

“Many many communities are now going to say pay attention and listen to us because we want more for us than the current parties have been giving us.”

Ms McGowan says there was no magic trick to winning the seat saying it all comes down to listening to what the community says and acting on it.

“It’s called grass root community activism and I think lots and lots of parts of rural Australia will take to it like ducks to water,” she said.

Former Liberal MP Bruce Baird says others should learn a lesson from Mrs Mirabella’s loss.

“I think its a warning to everyone in a safe seat, look to your own electorate first because they’re the ones who put you in,” he said.

“If there are issues emerging or that you (are) so caught up in other issues in terms of being a shadow minister then don’t do it at the expense of your own seat because it can come at a cost.”

Publication: ABC News Australia
News Source: AAP
Date: 18 Sept 2013