A TWO-WAY battle between Australia’s major conservative parties looks set to occur in the ballot to elect a new Federal Member for Murray.
The Nationals – who lost the seat when Liberal representative, Sharman Stone won her first term in 1996 – have indicated the party will pre-select a candidate for this year’s election.
Long-serving Victorian politician, Damian Drum has indicated he will step down as Member for Northern Victoria if pre-selected by the Nationals.
The former Geelong VFL footballer and Fremantle coach swapped the football field for the halls of parliament after being elected in 2002.
“Communities across Murray deserve a choice at the next election and The Nationals are the only party 100 per cent focused on making life better for people in rural and regional areas,” Mr Drum said.
“As someone who was born and bred in the Goulburn Valley, I’m passionate about the future of this region.
“I have served in the Victorian Parliament for 14 years, including time as Minister and now the Shadow Minister for Regional Development, and I have a proven track record of standing up and delivering results for the people I represent. I would like the opportunity to take my skills and political experience to Canberra and deliver for our communities.”
Meanwhile, the Liberals will seek nominees to find a replacement for Dr Stone, who announced at the weekend her plans to retire at this year’s election.
The Murray electorate is one of the Liberal National Coalition’s safest Victorian seats, with Labor needing to gain more than 20 per cent extra votes compared to the 2013 election to claim the electorate.
However, like the ballot for the seat of Mallee – claimed by the Nationals’ Andrew Broad following the retirement of John Forrest – the margin can be much closer when both conservative parties have candidates.
