Nationals candidate Jade Benham has claimed victory in the battle for the seat of Mildura, 10 days after voters went to the polls in the Victorian election.
Ms Benham claimed victory after receiving a phone call from incumbent independent member for Mildura, Ali Cupper, who conceded defeat.
The Victorian Electoral Commission is yet to declare a winner for the seat, with a recheck taking place for the district.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Ms Benham held 51.34 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote and Ms Cupper held 48.66 per cent.
Throughout her election campaign, Ms Benham promised to improve health care for the seat of Mildura, as well as discounted airfares for Mildura residents travelling to Melbourne.
Ms Benham said she still believed in the $100 flight program, but said it would be difficult to deliver the promise after the Coalition's election defeat.
"If we made government we would have been able to deliver that as a Christmas present," Ms Benham said.
"I do believe the policy is a good one, but being able to deliver these election promises is a little more challenging now we are in opposition.
"It's a great solution to connection with the capital city — I believe it will cost the taxpayer far less money than bringing back the passenger rail train.
"It will be extremely valuable and I'll be fighting hard to get it over the line."
Calls for hospital master plan
Earlier this year, the Victorian opposition pledged to spend $750 million on a new hospital in Mildura if it won the election.
Victoria's Labor government has not formally committed to building a new hospital, but a $2 million feasibility study for the project is ongoing.
Ms Benham said the government's plans for the hospital needed to be shared with the community.
"We need to see a hospital master plan, we need to see what it contains and see if it is a one-sized-fits-all solution for Victoria," Ms Benham said.
'A firm plan to be on the ballot in 2026'
In a statement on social media today, Ms Cupper said she had spoken to Ms Benham to concede the seat and congratulate her on the win.
"When we spoke, I was kind but clear," Ms Cupper wrote.
"People voted for the National Party for a new hospital and cheap flights. Tick tock. They're waiting.
"On the upside, this is me: happy, relaxed, hanging out with my boys … with a firm plan to be on the ballot in 2026."
