MALLEE’S status as a key part of the Nationals’ heartland will almost certainly be confirmed at the 2016 Federal Election tomorrow.
More interest will focus on neighbouring Murray, where the Nationals are trying to win back the seat from their Coalition partner in the wake of the retirement of former Liberal Minister, Sharman Stone, after two decades in Parliament.
Andrew Broad has served one term as the Nationals’ Member for Mallee. A 23.7 per cent swing would be needed to unseat him from the nation’s safest seat. He won in 2013 with a two-party preferred vote of 73.66 per cent, maintaining Mallee’s status as the safest conservative seat in Australia.
The former Victorian Farmers Federation president succeeded long-serving politician, John Forrest at the 2013 ballot, continuing the tradition of Nationals and former Country Party representatives extending back 67 years.
He faces competition from four candidates.
Mildura health administrator, Lydia Senior has been endorsed by Labor for a second time and has campaigned to make the Mallee electorate a marginal seat to gain more funding for projects and services.
Lake Boga resident, Chris Lahy is representing the Citizens Electoral Council, Mildura business owner, Helen Healy has been endorsed by The Greens and Mildura company manager, Tim Middleton is the Rise Up Australia candidate.
Mallee covers 31 per cent of Victoria.
Most interest in neighbouring Murray is whether the Nationals can regain the seat lost to Dr Stone in 1996.
THE Nationals are confident of regaining the seat of Murray despite Labor preferencing the Liberal candidate.
Only two Nationals or Country Party representatives had held the seat from 1949 until Liberal candidate, Sharman Stone won in 1996 and then was returned at subsequent elections.
Dr Stone served as Minister for Workforce Participation in the Howard Government and has held a number of shadow portfolios in Opposition.
Former builder, Geelong footballer and Fremantle football coach, Damian Drum, resigned as the Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria in the State Parliament to contest the Murray election.
The Coalition agreement enables Liberal and Nationals candidates to contest a seat upon the retirement of the incumbent.
The Liberals have endorsed Prairie sheep and grain farmer and communications specialist, Duncan McGauchie in an attempt to hold the seat. He is also a former adviser to former Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu.
The Murray poll has attracted 11 candidates, but the main contest is expected between the two Coalition partners.
Euroa police emergency call taker, Andrew Bock, Kyabram farmer, Nigel Hicks, Shepparton registered nurse, Fern Summer and retired Shepparton resident, Diane Teasdale are all independent candidates.
Mooroopna irrigation farmer, Ian Christo has been endorsed by The Greens, Coburg truck driver, Jeff Davy is representing the Citizens Electoral Council, Kyabram business owner, Robert Danieli is the Australian Country Party candidate, educationalist, Alan Williams is the Labor candidate and business consultant, Yasmin Gunasekera is standing for Rise Up Australia.
