What was the primary purpose of the 1992 Davidson state by-election?

The 1992 Davidson state by-election was held to fill the vacancy in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly seat of Davidson. This special election occurred because the previous Member of Parliament (MP) resigned from his position.

When did the 1992 Davidson state by-election take place?

The 1992 Davidson state by-election was held on May 2, 1992.

What event triggered the 1992 Davidson state by-election?

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Terry Metherell, who had previously been a Liberal Party MP but was serving as an Independent. His resignation followed a scandal known as the 'Metherell Crisis'.

Who was the Member of Parliament for Davidson prior to the 1992 by-election, and what was his political affiliation?

The Member of Parliament for Davidson before the by-election was Dr. Terry Metherell. He was initially elected as a Liberal Party member but later became an Independent.

What was the 'Metherell Crisis' in the context of the 1992 Davidson by-election?

The 'Metherell Crisis' refers to the scandal that led to Terry Metherell's resignation from the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. This crisis was linked to charges of tax avoidance and his controversial appointment to a position within the Environment Protection Agency.

What was Terry Metherell's role in the Greiner government before his resignation?

Before his resignation, Terry Metherell served as a controversial Minister for Education during the first term of the Nick Greiner government. He had held the seat of Davidson since 1981.

How did the 1991 New South Wales state election impact Terry Metherell's political future?

Following the 1991 election, the Greiner government lost its majority and became dependent on the support of independent members. This situation significantly reduced the likelihood of Metherell returning to cabinet, contributing to his disillusionment.

When and why did Terry Metherell resign from the Liberal Party?

Terry Metherell resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1991, live on the 7:30 Report, without prior notice to his colleagues. He felt betrayed and rejected by the party.

What arrangement was made for Terry Metherell after his resignation from parliament?

After Metherell resigned from state parliament, the government created a job for him with the Environment Protection Agency. His acceptance of this position effectively engineered a vacancy in the Davidson seat, making a by-election necessary.

Did the Labor Party nominate a candidate for the 1992 Davidson by-election?

No, the Labor Party did not nominate a candidate for the 1992 Davidson by-election. This allowed a field of Independent and minor party candidates to contest the seat.

Who won the 1992 Davidson state by-election?

Andrew Humpherson of the Liberal Party won the 1992 Davidson state by-election.

Who was the main opponent of Andrew Humpherson in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

The main opponent of Andrew Humpherson was Independent candidate Julie Sutton, who was also a Warringah Councillor.

What was the outcome for the Liberal Party's primary vote in the 1992 Davidson by-election compared to previous results?

The Liberal Party experienced a significant drop in their primary vote, suffering a 16% decrease in the 1992 Davidson by-election.

What was the impact on the Liberal Party's two-party preferred vote in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

The Liberal Party also saw a 14% drop in their two-party preferred vote in the 1992 Davidson by-election, despite retaining the seat.

What was the total number of formal votes cast in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

A total of 32,143 formal votes were cast in the 1992 Davidson by-election.

How many informal votes were recorded in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

There were 1,006 informal votes recorded in the 1992 Davidson by-election. Informal votes are ballots that are improperly marked or filled out and are therefore not counted towards any candidate.

What was the overall voter turnout for the 1992 Davidson by-election?

The voter turnout for the 1992 Davidson by-election was 87.10%, with 33,149 people participating in total (formal and informal votes).

What was the final two-candidate-preferred result for the 1992 Davidson by-election?

In the two-candidate-preferred count, Andrew Humpherson (Liberal) secured 17,352 votes, representing 59.65% of the vote, while Julie Sutton (Independent) received 11,737 votes, accounting for 40.35%.

What was the swing recorded in the two-candidate-preferred vote in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

There was a swing of -13.04% recorded in the two-candidate-preferred vote for the Liberal Party in the 1992 Davidson by-election.

What was the significance of the 'Liberal hold' notation in the election results?

The notation 'Liberal hold' indicates that the Liberal Party retained the seat of Davidson in the by-election. This means the seat remained with the same political party that previously held it.

What was the primary vote percentage for Andrew Humpherson, the Liberal Party candidate, in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

Andrew Humpherson received 15,852 votes, which constituted 49.32% of the primary vote in the 1992 Davidson by-election.

What was the primary vote percentage for Julie Sutton, the Independent candidate, in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

Julie Sutton, running as an Independent, received 9,489 votes, representing 29.52% of the primary vote in the 1992 Davidson by-election.

Which minor parties or other independents contested the 1992 Davidson by-election, and what were their vote shares?

Several other candidates contested the election. These included Ross Knowles (Greens) with 3.72% of the primary vote, Edna Cunningham (Democrats) with 3.60%, Kevin Begaud (Independent) with 2.86%, Michael Evanian (Independent) with 2.65%, Bruce Coleman (Call to Australia) with 2.40%, Michael Vescio (Independent EFF) with 2.12%, Ted Roach (Independent) with 1.12%, Janet Fairlie-Cuninghame (Independent) with 1.11%, Peter Leney (Independent) with 0.59%, Steven Klinger (Independent) with 0.49%, and William Williams (Independent) with 0.33%, and Julien Droulers (Independent) with 0.11%.

What was the impact of the 1992 Davidson by-election on Premier Nick Greiner's political career?

The circumstances surrounding Terry Metherell's appointment to the Environment Protection Agency, which led to the by-election, ultimately forced Premier Nick Greiner out of politics. This occurred a few months after the by-election when the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) determined Metherell's appointment was corrupt, and the government's supporting independents threatened to bring down the government unless Greiner resigned.

What is the significance of the image caption 'Davidson boundaries'?

The image caption 'Davidson boundaries' refers to a visual representation, likely a map, showing the geographical area that constitutes the electoral district of Davidson. This helps viewers understand the specific region represented by the seat in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.

What does the term 'by-election' signify in the context of the 1992 Davidson event?

A by-election is a special election held to fill a vacancy in a legislative body between general elections. In this case, it was necessary because the sitting Member of Parliament, Terry Metherell, resigned from his seat.

What does a 'drop in their primary vote' mean in election reporting?

A 'drop in their primary vote' signifies a decrease in the percentage of votes a political party or candidate receives directly from voters, before any preference distribution occurs. It indicates a decline in direct support compared to a previous election.

What does a 'drop in their two-party preferred vote' indicate?

A 'drop in their two-party preferred vote' shows a decrease in the percentage of votes a party or candidate receives after preferences from eliminated candidates have been distributed, specifically when only two major parties or candidates remain. It reflects a weakening of their overall support base when pitted against their main rival.

What role did councillors play in the 1992 Davidson by-election?

Both the winning Liberal candidate, Andrew Humpherson, and the main Independent opponent, Julie Sutton, were serving councillors for Warringah Council at the time of the by-election. This suggests a connection between local government and state politics in the region.

What is the Electoral district of Davidson?

The Electoral district of Davidson is a region in New South Wales, Australia, represented in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. It is described as a traditionally safe Liberal seat, meaning the Liberal Party typically wins it with a comfortable majority.

What is the New South Wales Legislative Assembly?

The New South Wales Legislative Assembly is the lower house of the Parliament of New South Wales, one of the Australian states. It is where most legislative debates and decisions occur, and its members are elected from specific electoral districts like Davidson.

What is the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)?

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is a statutory body in New South Wales, Australia, responsible for investigating and exposing corruption in the public sector. Its findings can have significant political consequences, as seen in the events following the 1992 Davidson by-election.

What does it mean for a seat to be a 'traditionally safe Liberal seat'?

A 'traditionally safe Liberal seat' refers to an electoral district where the Liberal Party has consistently won elections by a significant margin over many years. This implies a strong base of support for the party within that constituency, making it less likely for other parties to win.

What were the electoral results for the district of Davidson?

The electoral results for the district of Davidson, including the 1992 by-election and other elections, are documented in separate records. This information provides historical context on the voting patterns and outcomes in this specific New South Wales electoral seat.

What is the significance of the 'swing' mentioned in the election results?

A 'swing' in election results refers to the change in the percentage of votes received by a party or candidate compared to the previous election. A positive swing indicates an increase in support, while a negative swing (like the -16.07% for the Liberal primary vote) indicates a decrease in support.

1992 Davidson State By-election Wiki: The Davidson By-Election: A Political Crucible

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The Genesis of the Contest

A Traditionally Safe Seat

The electoral district of Davidson, situated in New South Wales, Australia, had historically been a reliably safe seat for the Liberal Party. It had been represented since 1981 by Dr. Terry Metherell, a figure who would become central to a significant political controversy.

The Metherell Crisis

Dr. Metherell served as a Minister for Education within the first term of the Greiner government. However, his political career was significantly impacted by charges of tax avoidance, which led to his resignation from the Ministry in 1990. Following the Liberal Party's re-election in 1991, there was speculation about his potential return to cabinet. This prospect was diminished when the Greiner government lost its parliamentary majority, becoming reliant on the support of four independent members to remain in power.

Resignation and Reshuffle

Feeling politically marginalized and betrayed by his party, Metherell made a dramatic exit. In October 1991, he resigned from the Liberal Party live on the national television program '7:30 Report', without prior notification to his parliamentary colleagues. Subsequently, the government facilitated his appointment to a position within the Environment Protection Agency. Metherell accepted this role, which necessitated his resignation from state parliament, thereby creating a vacancy in the Davidson seat. This move was widely perceived as a strategic maneuver to engineer a by-election in a seat highly likely to revert to Liberal control.

The By-Election Landscape

The circumstances surrounding Metherell's departure and subsequent appointment set the stage for the by-election. Notably, the Australian Labor Party chose not to nominate a candidate. Instead, a field comprising several Independent candidates and minor parties contested the seat. This fragmentation of the opposition vote, coupled with the Liberal Party's established base, would ultimately shape the electoral outcome, though not without a notable shift in voter sentiment.

The Electoral Outcome

Liberal Hold, But With A Warning

Despite the controversial circumstances and the absence of a Labor candidate, the Liberal Party successfully retained the seat of Davidson. Andrew Humpherson, a Warringah Councillor since 1985, emerged victorious. However, this victory was tempered by a significant decline in the party's electoral performance.

A Swing Against The Incumbent

The primary vote for the Liberal Party experienced a substantial drop of 16%. This trend was further reflected in the two-party preferred vote, which saw a decline of 14%. The main challenger was Independent candidate Julie Sutton, also a Warringah Councillor since 1980, who secured a considerable portion of the vote.

Broader Political Ramifications

The implications of the Metherell appointment extended beyond the Davidson by-election. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) ultimately determined that Metherell's appointment to the EPA had been corrupt. This finding, combined with the threat from the independent MPs to withdraw their support, created immense pressure on the Greiner government. Consequently, Premier Nick Greiner was compelled to resign from politics just a few months after the by-election, underscoring the profound impact of the events surrounding the Davidson contest.

Detailed Election Data

1992 Davidson State By-Election Results

The following table presents the detailed results of the 1992 Davidson state by-election held on Saturday, 2 May 1992.

1992 Davidson by-election
Saturday 2 May 1992
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Liberal	Andrew Humpherson	15,852	49.32	−16.07
	Independent	Julie Sutton	9,489	29.52	+29.52
	Greens	Ross Knowles	1,195	3.72	+3.72
	Democrats	Edna Cunningham	1,156	3.60	−12.01
	Independent	Kevin Begaud	918	2.86	+2.86
	Independent	Michael Evanian	852	2.65	+2.65
	Call to Australia	Bruce Coleman	770	2.40	+2.40
	Independent EFF	Michael Vescio	683	2.12	+2.12
	Independent	Ted Roach	361	1.12	+1.12
	Independent	Janet Fairlie-Cuninghame	357	1.11	+1.11
	Independent	Peter Leney	190	0.59	+0.59
	Independent	Steven Klinger	157	0.49	+0.49
	Independent	William Williams	105	0.33	+0.33
	Independent	Julien Droulers	34	0.11	+0.11
	Independent	Sandor Torzsok	24	0.07	+0.07
Total formal votes			32,143	96.97
Informal votes			1,006	3.03
Turnout			33,149	87.10
Two-candidate-preferred result
	Liberal	Andrew Humpherson	17,352	59.65	−13.04
	Independent	Julie Sutton	11,737	40.35	+40.35
	Liberal hold		Swing	−13.04

Further Information

Related Electoral Information

For a broader understanding of the electoral landscape and historical context, consult the following resources:

Electoral results for the district of Davidson.
List of New South Wales state by-elections.

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not represent the most current or complete information available. It is presented to facilitate academic study and understanding of historical political events.

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The Davidson By-Election

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Genesis of the Contest 📜

🏛️ A Traditionally Safe Seat

⚖️ The Metherell Crisis

💥 Resignation and Reshuffle

🗳️ The By-Election Landscape

The Electoral Outcome 📊

🏆 Liberal Hold, But With A Warning

📉 A Swing Against The Incumbent

💥 Broader Political Ramifications

Detailed Election Data 📈

📊 1992 Davidson State By-Election Results

Further Information 🔗

➡️ Related Electoral Information

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Genesis of the Contest

A Traditionally Safe Seat

The Metherell Crisis

Resignation and Reshuffle

The By-Election Landscape

The Electoral Outcome

Liberal Hold, But With A Warning

A Swing Against The Incumbent

Broader Political Ramifications

Detailed Election Data

1992 Davidson State By-Election Results

Further Information

Related Electoral Information

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice