By NATALIE GALLENTI
Gorton candidates Brendan O’Connor, Phil Humphreys and Dinesh Jayasuriya will fight it out at the upcoming Federal Election. 103788 and 103755 Picture: SUPPLIED
CITY of Melton residents are preparing to enter the polling booths after the Commonwealth Government announced the Federal election would be held on 7 September.
After five weeks of speculation, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made the announcement that the election would be brought forward a week, meaning the proposed referendum on the status of local government under the Constitution will not take place.
Voters within the City of Melton will get their chance to vote on the seat of Gorton that is presently held by Minister for Education and Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor.
The electorate covers Melbourne’s outer Western Suburbs including Albanvale,
Brookfield, Burnside, Cairnlea, Caroline Springs, Deer Park, Delahey, Derrimut, and parts of Diggers Rest, Exford, Eynesbury, Hillside, Kings Park, Kurunjang, Melton, Melton West, Melton South, Mount Cottrell, Plumpton, Rockbank, Taylors Hill, Truganina and Toolern Vale.
Eight candidates will do battle for the predominantly safe Labor seat including current MP Brendan O’Connor.
The Labor MP told Star he would be campaigning for a new way for the future.
“This election is a choice between a new way for the future – based on positive plans for managing the economic challenges we face – or the old negative politics of the past,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We will continue to keep the economy strong while protecting jobs, maintaining fair wages and conditions and investing in health and education.”
Liberal Party candidate Phil Humphreys said if elected he would provide a strong local voice for Gorton residents and help families get ahead.
“I’ve been campaigning in Gorton for several months now, and people are consistently telling me about how they’re struggling with the rising cost of living,” he said.
“My priorities are lowering the cost of living for families, reducing red and green tape, so our small businesses can grow and growing our local economy so more people can find employment.”
Greens candidate Dinesh Jayasuriya said if elected he would focus on “improving and supporting the education system so that every person has a chance to succeed in their chosen field”.
“As traditionally safe ALP seat, Gorton has not benefited from investment from either party,” Mr Jayasuriya said.
“Each vote for the Greens will be a notification to the major parties that Gorton deserves better public transport and better infrastructure.”
