ABC News Online Sat, Oct 19 2002 11:01 PM AEST
ALP playing catch-up in Cunningham by-election
The ALP is making up ground in counting in the federal by-election in southern New South Wales but is still behind after the projected distribution of preferences.
The Labor Party is battling to keep the seat of Cunningham centered on Wollongong, after every candidate decided not to give their preferences to the ALP.
The by-election was called after the sudden resignation of Labor frontbencher, Stephen Martin.
Even though the ALP is clearly in front with 37 per cent of the primary votes, the Greens are about 5,000 votes behind with 24 per cent.
An Independent, David Moulds who is a member of the Liberal Party has 13 per cent, while union backed candidate, Peter Wilson has 10 per cent.
Overall, the ALP which has held the seat since 1949, has lost nearly seven per cent of the primary vote.
The Liberal Party decided not to contest the by-election.
After the projected distribution of preferences, the Greens are still seven per cent ahead and could still take the seat.