CHALLENGERS to the Coalition-held seats of Mallee and Farrer face one of the toughest tasks in federal politics ahead of the May 3 election.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ended months of speculation on Friday when he announced the election date following a visit to Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The Nationals’ Anne Webster (Mallee) and Sussan Ley (Liberal, Farrer) hold two of the safest Coalition seats in the country with challengers needing a 19 per cent and 16.4 per cent swing, respectfully, to oust the sitting members.
The cost of living looms as a key issue throughout the election campaign with the Coalition needing 21 seats to govern in their own right, and polls predicting a tight contest between the major parties, with minority government looming as a likely outcome.
Dr Webster was first elected to the House of Representatives for Mallee in May 2019 and was re-elected in 2022, while Ms Ley was first elected in 2001, has survived seven subsequent elections and is currently the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
In a brief statement issued following Mr Albanese’s announcement, Dr Webster said the election would be about a Peter Dutton-David Littleproud government offering immediate cost of living relief.
Dr Webster said a 50 per cent cut to fuel excise would make a difference to every driver in Mallee, including mums and dads driving kids to school or sports and pensioners struggling to put fuel in their tank under the Albanese Government.
“By stark contrast, the Albanese Labor Government is seeking another three years after failing to deliver its $275 energy bill relief and is now playing cruel games with taxpayers, offering 70c a day in 15 months’ time,” she said.
Ms Ley said she was “excited” that an election had finally been called.
“It gives the people of Farrer, all Australians for that matter, a chance to change the direction of this nation,” she said.
“As Peter Dutton said last night, we live in the best country in the world, but only if we’re governed well.
“From Albury to Wentworth and across the electorate, I’ve spoken to so many people over the past three years; mums and dads, small and large families, business owners and manufacturers, all who say they are just not getting ahead.
“What the Coalition is offering is a government which will better manage the economy, curb unnecessary spending, wind in inflation and reduce the cost of energy.”
Ms Ley said she planned to make “a number” of local election commitments across Farrer.
“More broadly, our pledge to halve the fuel excise, get affordable gas supply back as part of the nation’s energy mix, support small business and target train your workers for tomorrow are really important to this region,” she said.
“We cannot afford three more years of this bad government, and we certainly don’t need the mess of a hung parliament with Climate 200 Teal independents backing Labor-Greens policies and being parliament’s ‘rubber stamp’ for Anthony Albanese.
“This election is your chance to change the country for the better, and to get you and your family ahead.”
Declared candidates for Farrer electorate:
– Glen Hyde, Australian Labor Party
– Sussan Ley, Liberal Party
– Michelle Milthorpe, Independent
– Rebecca Scriven, Family First
Declared candidates for Mallee electorate:
– Ashleigh Gray, Family First
– Chris Lahy, Australian Citizens Party
– Greg Olsen, Australian Labor Party
– Anne Webster, The Nationals
– Vaughan Williams, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party
– Nicole Rowan, Greens
