New member for Warren-Blackwood gives insight into stunning election victory

Newly elected Warren-Blackwood MP Jane Kelsbie has opened up about the “totally nerve-racking” experience of watching the votes roll in and realising she could secure a shock victory in last month’s State election. Ms Kelsbie pulled off an unlikely triumph in Warren-Blackwood — a seat that was considered very safe for Nationals WA stalwart Terry Redman. After being announced as a candidate in February, she recorded a 14 per cent swing as Labor completed a Statewide landslide. “Watching the count on the ABC on election night was incredibly exciting and totally nerve-racking,” Ms Kelsbie said. “It’s something I’ll never forget — watching the telly with fellow volunteers and hearing Anthony Green say he thought Warren-Blackwood could be in doubt for The Nationals. We were elated to say the very least. “The days that followed were spent hitting refresh on the electoral website as the count carried on.” Ms Kelsbie said the transition from chief executive of not-for-profit WorkLink WA to politician had not been without its challenges. “At first it was a bit daunting stepping away from my day job as CEO at Worklink WA in the lead-up to the election but having the opportunity to run as the Labor candidate was just too good an opportunity to pass up,” she said. “While I loved my job at Worklink WA and I’m so incredibly proud of the work we do in the community, I think it’s important to try different things as you never know what’s possible or what doors may open for you. “I’m so proud to be the first female to represent our diverse electorate and cannot wait to get my office fully set up, my team sorted and to get out into our community and to get things done.”