Australia: Berejiklian Continues As An Opposition Star

BEREJIKLIAN CONTINUES AS AN OPPOSITION STAR

Mosman Daily, Australia
March 29 2007

WILLOUGHBY MP Gladys Berejiklian turned her seat from marginal to
safe Liberal after gaining 50 per cent of the primary vote.

At the 2003 election Ms Berejiklian received only 144 votes more
than Independent Pat Reilly when preferences were distributed. Now
she holds the seat with a 14 per cent, two-party preferred margin.

Having proved herself with a number of shadow portfolios, Ms
Berejiklian is expected to continue as an Opposition star.

Currently shadow transport minister, she said: "I will work hard in
whatever portfolio is given to me.

"I will work towards the future of a Liberal government."

While votes are still being counted and an Opposition leadership
tussle is in full swing, Ms Berejiklian said she did not know which
shadow portfolio she would be given.

"I am happy to continue in transport and I am proud of what we have
achieved in that area."

Transport is one of the main local issues, and Ms Berejiklian said
former Independent Manly MP David Barr had paid the price for the
plan to widen Spit Bridge.

"Now it’s time for us to see a real solution to the traffic problem,
a holistic approach," she said.

Celebrating her win on election night at the Armenian Club at
Chatswood, Ms Berejiklian thanked the community for their support
and said voters could see she was a hard-working community-based
local member.