Labor holds onto Dunkley seat in ‘crucial by-election’

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says Saturday night was a “great escape” by Labor after they held onto the seat of Dunkley in the “crucial by-election”. “Prior to the by-election, I said a four per cent swing would be effectively a draw with the government to be put on notice – the Opposition made aware it had more work to do to become electable,” Mr Clennell said. “Opposition leader Peter Dutton said a couple of weeks ago on Sunday Agenda such a swing would be a disastrous result for the government.” Mr Clennell said the result appears to confirm the “stage three tax cuts rejig worked for the government”. “They have more to do on cost of living, and the logical next place for that is the May budget, as Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles confirmed ... last night,” he said.