Kerryn Phelps

In the wake of the Wentworth byelection and the debate about its meaning a lot of commentary has focused on the desire for a return to the “sensible centre”.

While the margin by which independent candidate Dr Kerryn Phelps won the Wentworth byelection may not be as great as the election night count suggested, the result in this historically-safe Liberal seat is a major blow for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the federal Coalition government.

Dr Kerryn Phelps, the favorite to win Wentworth, said that while she is 'ashamed' of Australia's refugee policy she did not support allowing the offshore detainees to be resettled here.