First, a degree of balance has been restored, with Labor now in a much better position to be a credible opposition. Second, locally at least it has shown a drift from the old, almost tribal party loyalty of old to a much more acute focus on service delivery and policy. Third, it has shown that the electorate appreciates constructive and reasonable qualities in leadership, as personified by Premier Mike Baird.

Outcomes and achievements appear to have triumphed over ideology. NSW is now the country’s strongest economy, leading the way in jobs and growth. 

Locally, the tangible evidence of much-needed infrastructure improvements – and the promise of more to come – has convinced voters to give the Coalition four more years. 

In Kiama the highway upgrade has forged ahead from Gerringong and is now knocking on Berry’s door. In South Coast, motorists are benefiting from the duplication in South Nowra, with the promise of a new bridge over Burrill Lake and a major realignment at Termeil.

But the swing back to Labor in South Coast is a reminder that law and order and policing in the Bay and Basin should be front and centre for Shelley Hancock. It’s a fact she appears to have recognised with her undertaking to prioritise efforts for extra officers and the completion of the promised new police station.

If this renewed focus on outcomes can be maintained over the term of the next parliament, if the re-elected MPs can maintain their post-election vigour, the community stands to benefit. If that does not happen, the electorate has shown it will readily make its displeasure known the next time around.