NSW Liberals Plan Court Challenge Over Narrow Bradfield Election Loss

The New South Wales Liberal Party is launching a court challenge to contest the extremely close 2025 federal election result in the Sydney seat of Bradfield, where independent Nicolette Boele was declared the winner by 26 votes after a full recount. Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian, who was initially declared the winner by eight votes, is seeking a targeted final examination of a small number of disputed ballots to ensure the voters' intentions are accurately reflected. Despite the challenge, Kapterian has affirmed her confidence in Australia's electoral system and democratic institutions. The legal action will be presented to the Court of Disputed Returns, which can order a recount or other remedies, following precedents such as the 2008 Victorian McEwan election challenge. Boele's win marks the first time in 75 years that Bradfield, a historically blue-ribbon Liberal seat, has been held by a non-Liberal candidate. The dispute highlights the exceptionally tight nature of the race and the Liberals’ determination to reclaim the seat.