By ALESHA CAPONE
RUNNING as a Liberal Party candidate in a safe Labor seat at the upcoming federal election does not faze David McConnell.
The father-of-three is contesting the seat of Gellibrand – which covers Albion, Ardeer, Altona, Brooklyn, Footscray, Newport, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Yarraville and Williamstown – on 14 September.
The seat is presently held by Attorney-General Nicola Roxon, who won the spot with almost 59 per cent of the primary vote during the 2010 election.
Mr McConnell has contested Gellibrand twice and Lalor once at previous federal elections.
“In all seriousness, my wife asked me the question, ‘You have little chance of winning, why do you do it?’,” he said.
“But I’m determined and passionate to give the voters of Gellibrand a chance to vote for someone who will represent them and their issues a bit more in parliament.”
Mr McConnell said he joined the Liberal Party after becoming concerned at a “lack of government assistance for communities” in the West, upon moving to Seddon 14 years ago.
“For me I think the blindingly obvious issue, not just for Gellibrand but all of the West, is infrastructure and truck traffic coming through the area,” Mr McConnell said.
“I think it’s quite urgent that something gets done about hopefully getting trucks off our streets.”
Mr McConnell said although the State Government promised to fund and build the first part of the East-West Link – which will connect the Eastern and Tullamarine Freeways – at the east end, he would like the decision reversed.
“I would be keen to put a very strong case for the western part to be done first, given the West of Melbourne is the fastest-growing area in Victoria,” he said.
Mr McConnell said he was also keen to help cut the amount of GST and tax paperwork for small businesses.
