Liberal Party Challenges Bradfield Election Outcome in Court

The Liberal Party is launching a legal challenge to overturn the razor-thin federal election result in the Sydney seat of Bradfield, where teal independent Nicolette Boele defeated Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian by just 26 votes. This move, aimed at reclaiming a historically safe Liberal electorate, underscores the party’s determination to ensure every vote is scrutinised, amid concerns over the accuracy of the final count.

Bradfield, a North Shore stronghold held by the Liberal Party since its creation in 1949, slipped from their grasp in the 3 May 2025 federal election following a dramatic recount. Initially, Kapterian led by eight votes, but the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) declared Boele the winner on 4 June after a full recount and the formal distribution of preferences.

Kapterian has refused to concede. On 14 July, she announced her intention to petition the High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns, to review a small number of contested ballots. “Today’s decision is taken to ensure the intentions of the voters of Bradfield are accurately reflected,” she wrote on social media. She emphasised her confidence in Australia’s democratic institutions while calling for a closer look at “line-ball” ballots.

The Liberal Party’s legal push reflects wider frustrations within the New South Wales branch, which was reduced to just six lower-house seats after a difficult election. Senior Liberals, speaking anonymously, say they hope the court may invalidate enough ballots to alter the result in Kapterian’s favour. However, they acknowledge the court could also order a by-election, which would carry political risks.

Polling conducted for Climate 200, the political funding group backing Boele, suggests she could increase her support in any re-run, potentially lifting her primary vote from around 21 per cent to 33 per cent. Although these figures are based on internal data, they have caused concern among Liberal strategists, who fear a stronger result for Boele in a fresh contest.

Critics argue that the legal challenge may make the Liberal Party appear unwilling to accept the result, particularly given the AEC’s thorough process. Ballots were reviewed several times using both machine and manual checks before the final declaration. Supporters of the challenge, however, insist it is about ensuring electoral fairness and properly reflecting voter intent.

As Parliament prepares to resume, the legal battle in Bradfield could shape the broader political landscape for a Liberal Party still recovering from a historic loss. Boele remains the officially declared MP unless or until the court rules otherwise.