By Belinda Nolan
THE heat is on for Brimbank’s 15 declared candidates, as the campaign shifts into full swing less than three weeks ahead of the State Election.
The municipality is divided between four main electorates – Derrimut, Kororoit, Keilor and Footscray – all traditionally safe seats deep in Labor’s western heartland.
Keilor is Brimbank’s largest seat, stretching across 70 square kilometres and covering suburbs such as Keilor, Taylors Lakes and Sydenham.
The ALP currently hold the seat, with a 19.42 per cent swing needed to oust candidate Natalie Hutchins who is hoping to replace retiring MP George Seitz.
She will go head-to-head with Liberal Damon Ryder, Greens Lisa Asbury and independent Wally Walia.
In nearby Kororoit, the election is a three-horse race between reigning ALP MP Marlene Kairouz, Liberal Goran Kesic and 22-year-old Greens hopeful Anastasia Smietanka.
The seat stretches across 62 square kilometres and takes in suburbs such as St Albans, Deer Park and Caroline Springs.
But the newcomers will face an uphill battle, with a 25.57 per cent swing needed to unseat Ms Kairouz.
Meanwhile, Derrimut incumbent Telmo Languiller faces a challenge from Liberal Wayne Tseng and Greens member and former Brimbank councillor Geraldine Brooks.
The trio are hoping to win over voters from suburbs including Albion, Ardeer and Sunshine West.
At least five candidates will contest the seat of Footscray, which includes Sunshine, Brooklyn and the Maribyrnong council area.
Maribyrnong councillor Catherine Cumming is the only independent running for the electorate and will face off against ALP incumbent Marsha Thomson, along with Greens member Janet Rice, Liberal Ken Betts and Socialist Alliance candidate Margarita Windisch.
Ms Thomson is poised to retain the seat, with a 24.68 per cent swing needed to overthrow her.
But more candidates could emerge in the 11th hour, with nominations closing this Thursday for political parties and 24 hours later for independents.
