Brodtmann, Leigh win ACT preselections

Economics professor Andrew Leigh and businesswoman Gai Brodtmann have taken the
spoils in two hotly contested Labor preselection battles in the ACT.
Labor holds the seats of Canberra and Fraser by comfortable margins, ensuring a hard
fought battle for preselection on Saturday.
The seats opened up following the retirements of sitting MPs Annette Ellis and
former Keating minister Bob McMullan, who both indicated they would step down at the
next election.
Canberra was the closest call, with Ms Brodtmann securing just four more primary
votes than government adviser Mary Wood before the final distribution gave her a 123
to 109 advantage.
In Fraser, Mr Leigh, a professor at Canberra's Australian National University, had
barely more than half the primary votes Nick Martin had accrued.
Mr Martin, Labor's assistant national secretary, was considered a frontrunner in a
campaign marred by factional infighting.
But in an eight-horse race, the independents gave Mr Leigh a winning boost by
sending their preferences his way, securing the 37-year-old's win by 144 votes to
96.
Mr Leigh said he felt extraordinarily lucky and humbled by the support.
He paid tribute to his fellow candidates, saying it was terrific battle, fought on
"a discussion of big ideas about the future of Australia and what we want to achieve
for the country".
His research lies in poverty and disadvantage.
Ms Brodtmann, who runs a communications consultancy business in Canberra with her
husband, ABC political journalist Chris Uhlmann, was equally humbled by the victory.
"I'm exhausted and I'm really excited," she told AAP, attributing the win to her
experience across politics, the local community and the public service.
The 46-year-old, a former government adviser to Mr McMullen, also sits on the board
of a Canberra-based health charity.
Neither she nor Mr Leigh are taking the road to federal politics for granted.
Canberra is held by an 11.8 per cent margin and Fraser by 15.1 per cent.
"There's a lot of hard work ahead," Ms Brodtmann said.
She has lived in Canberra for the past 20 years, while Sydney-born Mr Leigh moved
there in 1997 to work as an associate for former High Court judge Michael Kirby.
He has the rare delight of having his wife, an American who will be made an
Australian citizen in June, vote for him in her first Australian election - or at
least he hopes.
"Well I hope I get her vote, I won't count on it," he said with a laugh.
Mr McMullan and Ms Ellis, who have repeatedly doused rumours they were pushed to
make way for new blood, have both endorsed the new candidates.