Fed: Tony Abbott passes first major test as Liberal leader

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2009
Fed: Tony Abbott passes first major test as Liberal leader

The Greens are celebrating their best results ever in the Liberal strongholds of Higgins
in Melbourne and Bradfield in Sydney .. but the Liberals aren't unhappy with their results
either.

The two by-elections yesterday were expected to be a big test for new opposition leader
TONY ABBOTT .. who tossed out MALCOLM TURNBULL and Labor's emissions trading scheme last
week.

But there were no surprises and the Liberal candidates won comfortably.

KELLY O'DWYER took over from PETER COSTELLO in Higgins .. with a 15 per cent margin
on a two party preferred basis .. while PAUL FLETCHER has replaced BRENDAN NELSON in Bradfield
with a two party-preferred lead of 27 per cent.

AAP RTV goc/jl/wz/crh

KEYWORD: BRADFIELD HIGGINS (CANBERRA)

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