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First to be declared

The Federal seat of Robertson was the first poll in NSW to be officially declared by the Australian Electoral Commission on December 12.

Labor's Belinda Neal finished 184 votes ahead to claim the seat, making it the second most marginal seat in Australia, behind McEwen in Victoria.

Ms Neal said she was pleased the result has been formalised and "looks forward to getting on with the job".

"Now the results are official, my first priority as the new Federal Member for Robertson is work on improving the quality of health care at Gosford Hospital and addressing the waiting lists for elective surgery," Ms Neal said.

"There is no doubt access to quality health care is one of the top concerns for residents of the Central Coast and Labor is committed to providing additional funds to Gosford Hospital to clear the backlog and improve the system.

"I will also get straight to work to pursue Labor's commitment to provide all secondary high school students from Years 9 -12 in Robertson with access to a computer and high speed broadband.

"I have visited a number of schools already to get a feel for the region's needs and I will endeavour to get to all schools in the area as soon as possible.

"This week I also intend to meet with the local and state representatives on the Central Coast which will be the start of a collaborative partnership to achieve the best outcomes for the region."

Ms Neal said she was in the process of setting up an electorate office.

"My contact details will be advised very shortly and in the meantime constituents can still contact me via email, telephone and fax," Ms Neal said.

Ms Neal can be contacted on email at belinda.neal@alp.org.au.

Press release, 12 Dec 2007 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson