A loss in Bennelong would have plunged Malcolm Turnbull's government into a parliamentary minority, forcing it to rely on independent lawmakers to complete its agenda. A loss in Bennelong would have plunged his government into a parliamentary minority, forcing it to rely on independent lawmakers to complete its agenda. Turnbull campaigned personally for Alexander in the electorate both in the run-up to the vote and on the day of the poll. The race tightened in recent days amid a diplomatic spat between Australia and China, sparked when Turnbull accused Beijing of improper interference in Canberra. One in five Bennelong voters has Chinese heritage, raising fears of a backlash.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 16, 2017 19:18 UTC