Nicole Hasham -Mar 28, 2015
Luke Foley and his wife Edel at Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Labor leader Luke Foley has praised the "honourable" Premier Mike Baird and conceded defeat in the NSW election, but says his the party's "heartland has returned".
Speaking at Dooley's Lidcombe Catholic Club in front of the party faithful, Mr Foley said he had phoned Mr Baird to congratulate him on his win.
"Mike Baird took over the leadership of the Liberal Party and the government when his government had entered very stormy waters and he steered the ship to safety," Mr Foley said, referring to the shock resignation of former premier Barry O'Farrell.
"[Mr Baird] is a formidable opponent, he is at the peak of his popularity. He is also an honourable opponent.
"Right through this campaign Mike Baird and I have both ensured it was never personal."
Mr Foley said the majority of NSW voters had decided it was too soon for Labor to return to government.
The party was ejected from power in 2011, the largest defeat in Australian political history, after a scandal-ridden final term.
"I understand their decision and I accept it," Mr Foley said.
"But friends, the people of NSW have breathed new life into state Labor today."
He said the party received half a million votes more on Saturday than at the last election and expected to win about 35 seats – 15 more than it won in 2011.
Mr Foley said a majority of Labor's lower house seats will now be held by new members, including nine or 10 new women in the lower house.
He said the party's "heartland has returned".
"Can I thank the people of western Sydney, the people of the central coast, for returning to Labor today," he said.
"With this result tonight, we've gone from a rump in the state parliament to a real opposition ... I am determined that we will also be a credible alternative government."
He said the next election was "now winnable for Labor … today has been a very important step on the road back to government in NSW."
Mr Foley said he would nominate to lead Labor in the next Parliament.
"Under my leadership the NSW Labor Party will be guided, above all else, by our timeless Labor values," he said, which included "a fair go for all … a helping hand for those who need it in life".