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Trent Zimmerman has won the North Sydney by-election, becoming Australia’s first ever out gay MP to be elected to the lower house.

Zimmerman, from the ruling Liberal Party will replace former minister Joe Hockey in the safe Liberal seat, who won despite a 13% swing against the Liberals the since federal election in 2013.

“I want to start by saying tonight that I give an absolute commitment to the residents of North Sydney I will be a hard working, effective and dedicated MP that will work on behalf of all residents in this electorate, whether you voted for me today or not,” the new MP told a crowd of volunteers and media.

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Zimmerman also acknowledged the fact he would become Australia’s first openly gay MP.  “I know that tonight in some ways is a very historic moment for the Australian Parliament and I’m very cognisant of that fact.”

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