That means that newcomer Nicolette Boele has already won the seat of Bradfield. She was elected by the hair-thin margin of only 26 votes after the 2025 federal election. Backed by Climate 200, Boele has taken a razor thin lead. After the first count and the distribution of preferences on an unofficial basis, she was the provisional winner, ahead by 40 votes. Her win represents an extraordinary turn in a historically blue-ribbon seat, long held by the country’s old-guard, the Liberal Party.
The contest for Bradfield was particularly closely watched, for it was an ultra-competitive key state electoral battlefield in the federal election. Boele’s victory was the final post-election determined victory in the 2023 election. This only contributed to the growing pressure around the results. Consequently, she will become a member of the crossbench, which is currently made up of 13 members.
Gisele Kapterian Considers Legal Challenge
In that very close result, Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian is considering contesting the count. Kapterian has announced her plan to “thoroughly review the two counts toward deciding [her] next course of action.” This follows her narrow lead in the original count being reversed by Boele’s victory in the subsequent recount.
“This recount has created a different result — while I was ahead at the conclusion of the original count, Ms. Boele is now ahead after this recount,” – Gisele Kapterian
Kapterian’s would-be legal challenge underscores the great stakes of this hotly divided down-the-line election. Almost a decade later, both parties continue to struggle with the ramifications of that race’s result.
Boele Celebrates with Supporters
Boele erupted in joy after her victory before a crowd of jubilant supporters. She shared her appreciation and belief that faith in the electoral process will be restored. She reiterated her focus on advocating for the people of Bradfield, despite inevitable new legal actions to come from her opponent.
“[The] result, whether or not there is an appeal, is not in my power — that’s up to the other side,” – Nicolette Boele
As she prepares to take on her new role, Boele stated, “I’m in the business of getting on with making sure that the people of Bradfield have their interests and their voices heard.” Her commitment to improving the priorities of constituents, rather than pursuing personal projects, reflects a change in priorities in this historically safe Liberal seat.
Implications for the Liberal Party
The Liberal Party faces a crucial decision. If they do, and if they are able to challenge Boele’s narrow victory in court, that is. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has recently appointed Kapterian to an assistant role within the communications portfolio. This decision reflects Ley’s fierce support for her within the party. The eventual result in Bradfield has the potential to significantly shape long-term electoral politics. Parties will have to change their internal dynamics as they overcome this surprise defeat.
