Mr Whan received 48% of the primary vote, while Nationals Candidate David Madew received 39%. Green Candidate and Palerang local Councillor Catherine Moore received 10%. Independent Frank Fragiacomo received 3%.

There some shifting of allegiance between the areas of Monaro. In Braidwood, there was a 2.52% swing towards Labor, and a 4.65% swing against the Nationals. Of 1222 votes cast in Braidwood, Madew received 45.81%, Whan 33.17%, Moore 18.84% and Fragiacomo 2.18%.

In Araluen the National Party suffered a 16.47% swing against it. Mr Whan lost some ground in Queanbeyan but won back ground in Cooma.

The Greens are celebrating a 2.5 % increase on their 2003 primary vote, bringing this year's total up to what is likely to be 10%.

Greens candidate from Charleys Forest Catherine Moore, who has now run for The Greens in Monaro in four consecutive elections, says that 10% was her goal so she is very happy. "The vote was up to 20% at some booths, including Bungendore and Braidwood, which is very encouraging."

The swing to Labor may ring some alarm bells federally, with the marginal seat of Eden Monaro being held by Special Minister of State Gary Nairn. Election analysts were concluding that the Federal Government's Workchoices issue had played a part in the swing to Labor.

Steve Whan said he would like to "thank all the people in the Braidwood region who gave me their support. I was delighted to see a small swing in my favour in Braidwood. Even though we have had some controversial issues in my first term it is wonderful to have gained that support from the community and I will continue to work hard to deliver over the next four years. I remain ready and willing to help with issues whether they be individual State related problems or broader policy issues."