Hendo already on move

Snub claim as Corangamite MP closes Colac office

CORANGAMITE federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson has been accused of abandoning constituents in the areas of her electorate that will be moved at the next election.

Areas in Colac, Highton and Belmont will be cut from Corangamite on the date of the next federal election — expected early next year — but Ms Henderson’s office has already started redirecting constituents in those areas to MPs in their future electorates.

Corio federal Labor MP Richard Marles said his office had been contacted by multiple Corangamite constituents referred to him by Ms Henderson’s office.

“My office has received calls from residents living in Belmont and Highton (part of Ms Henderson’s electorate until the federal election) after they have been snubbed by Sarah’s office,” Mr Marles said.

“We’ve had people looking for help getting childcare support; help with citizenship issues for their family members; and people looking for help with the tax office.

“Corangamite voters are being told to contact my office in Corio because Sarah doesn’t consider them worthy of her time.

“As far as she is concerned, her constituents in Belmont Highton and Colac have disappeared.”

Ms Henderson confirmed “several” residents had been “mistakenly” referred to Mr Marles’ office.

“I am continuing to work extremely hard assisting my constituents who are moving into adjacent electorates as well as communicating to the new parts of the Corangamite electorate,” she said.

“This includes the northern Bellarine, which has been completely ignored by Mr Marles.

“During this transition period, I will work closely with Wannon MP Dan Tehan, who will take over significant portions of the electorate, on the projects and priorities critical for Colac and district.

“While I will continue to assist Colac constituents, I have closed my second office in Colac because I will not be representing Colac residents at the next federal election.” Ms Henderson last week reportedly posted a sign at her Colac office, claiming the electorate was no longer part of her electorate, despite the electoral boundary changes not coming into effect until the next election.

The Murray St office opened earlier this year, before the Australian Electoral Commission decision to move Colac into the neighbouring electorate of Wannon.