COP’S SIGHTS ON SPRING ST
A LIBERAL policeman may go head-to-head with Victoria’s Police Minister at next year’s state election.
Police officer and Surf Coast councillor Brian McKiterick this week confirmed he was considering running for Liberal Party preselection in the seat of Bellarine, where he would face Labor’s Police Minister, Lisa Neville.
Liberal insiders say Mr McKiterick is favourite to win preselection in Bellarine, which is expected to take place early next year.
“At this stage I’m considering running for pre- selection, but there are still a few things to consider,” Cr McKiterick told the Addy this week. “Preselection, I believe, will be in February.”
He said his almost 10 years of political experience in the region would make him a strong representative.
“I think having been a councillor for the Surf Coast Shire for nine years, and mayor on two occasions, you get a feel for politics and an insight into politics, and I’m of the opinion that I could make a difference for the Bellarine community — if I ran for preselection,” he said.
“If I run for preselection I’d be privileged to represent the people of Bellarine.”
Ms Neville, who has held the seat since 2002, said she was not fussed who she faced in next year’s election.
“This will be my fifth election, and I’ve had four different Liberal Party candidates in the past, and I’m going to continue to run the campaign I’ve always run and continue to deliver for Bellarine,” Ms Neville said.
Ms Neville said it was “a bit strange” that Cr McKiterick, who is believed to live in Torquay, would consider running for election in Bellarine.
He will be required to resign from the Surf Coast Shire Council if elected to the seat of Bellarine at next year’s state election.