However , following the by - election but before the next general 1981 state election a redistribution severely hampered his chances of winning the up - coming full - term general election .
Curran retained the seat for Labor after a fiercely contested campaign .
Following the by - election but before the next general 1981 state election a redistribution severely hampered Curran 's chances of winning the up - coming full - term general election .
Curran retained the seat for Labor after a fiercely contested campaign .