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Cheering Daniel Andrews clenches his fists and declares ‘vaccines work!’ as he scores a historic third term win while proclaiming his controversial lockdowns and ‘unpopular’ policies – despite costing Victoria BILLIONS
- Dan Andrews has won a historic third term in Victoria’s state election
- ABC election analyst Antony Green predicted that Labor will win the majority government
- Mr Andrews divided Australia over its tough Covid policies
- Walked on the platform of a free kindergarten and a state-run renewable energy company
- However, he declared that ‘vaccines work’ in a cheering victory speech in Melbourne
A jubilant Daniel Andrews clenched his fists and declared that ‘vaccines work’ as he celebrated his historic third term win on Saturday night.
Mr Andrews, whose party was expected to win 49 seats and an outright majority, took the stage with his family at a party at his Mulgrave seat in Melbourne.
In a triumphant victory speech, he trumpeted his controversial Covid policies, which included a 263-day lockdown, the longest in the world.
He said, “Friends, the past few years have been incredibly challenging. We’ve had to make some very tough decisions, some very tough decisions, and Victorian families and businesses across our state have had a really tough time.
“This was an event that happens once every 100 years. And because of the tough decisions we made, and… the fact that Victorians stuck together… we went out and got vaccinated. Because vaccines work.
“As a community we were not, as some would say, divided. Instead, we were united in our belief in science.
Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews celebrates during his Labor party victory speech
Mr Andrews arrives with his wife and children to deliver a victory speech after winning a third term as Victoria’s Prime Minister
“That sense of friendliness, that sense of belonging… was confirmed today. Friends, hope always beats hate.’
At around 10:50 p.m. on Saturday, Matthew Guy finally gave a concession speech.
“After this election we are coming together because Victorians know that the best in our state should be in front of us, not behind us,” he told party believers in Doncaster on Saturday night.
“There have been really great swings on our side of politics in the north and west of Melbourne, swings from over 15 per cent to almost 20 per cent in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.”
The major networks – ABC, Sky, Seven and Nine – all called the race in favor of Mr Andrews shortly after 8pm.
Prime Minister Daniel Andrews trumpeted his controversial Covid policies, including a 263-day lockdown, the longest in the world
His government will retain its majority, with ABC election analyst Antony Green calling for at least 48 seats for the ALP.
“The Andrews administration will be returned,” he said.
“Congratulations @DanielAndrewsMP what a great win,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted shortly after the result was announced.
The result drew cheers from Labor supporters gathered at the party’s election party at Mulgrave’s prime ministerial seat in south-east Melbourne.