Opposition Leader Kim Beazley conceded defeat in the 1998 Federal Election at the Warnbro YMCA in Western Australia.
Whilst not all results were known, it was clear that the ALP had achieved a significant swing towards it and the government’s majority was slashed.
At the end of counting, the swing to the ALP was 4.61% and the ALP had a net gain of 18 seats, taking its total to 67. The Howard government retained office with 80 seats.
The ALP increased its primary vote by 1.34% to 40.10%. It won the two-party-preferred vote by 50.98% to the coalition’s 49.02%. Analysis of individual seats showed that the ALP achieved large swings in safe Labor and safe Coalition seats, but failed to achieve the swings it needed in marginal seats.
Text of Opposition Leader Kim Beazley’s concession speech at the Warnbro YMCA in Wanrbro, Western Australia.
Well, it appears that we have won at least 17 seats tonight with 12 hanging there, swinging a bit doubtful. And while I don’t want to formally concede defeat tonight, I do have to tell you it will be difficult for us to reach a majority from that position. And, therefore, I think a win by us is unlikely.