Safe or marginal, votes not taken for granted

Sitting Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent has said several times since the election was announced six weeks ago that he never takes a vote for granted, whether McMillan is considered safe or marginal.

Mr Broadbent, who has served three consecutive terms since his election in 2004, officially launched his campaign in Warragul on Wednesday night.

As the lengthy election campaign draws down to the final two weeks since the double dissolution of parliament in May, McMillan voters will have eight candidates, all representing political parties, to choose from.

Candidates and their parties in ballot paper order are: Donna Lancaster of Inverloch (Greens), Kathleen Ipsen of Yallourn North (Australian Christians); Norman Baker of Longwarry (Rise Up Australia); Jennifer McAdam of Belgrave (Animal Justice Party); Jim McDonald of Leongatha (Liberal Democratic Party); Nathan Harding of Moe (Family First); Chris Buckingham of Warragul (ALP) and Russell Broadbent of Pakenham (Liberal).

Despite the Liberal hold over the past 12 years, the ALP had held McMillan for 19 of the past 33 years.

ALP candidate Chris Buckingham, has said throughout the campaign it is time to correct what has been in place over the past three terms and “time to make McMillan marginal again”.

Mr Buckingham, who launched his campaign in November last year, hopes to either make McMillan marginal or take the seat from the Liberals.

The Liberals achieved a 7.6 per cent swing at the 2013 election. Mr Broadbent now holds the seat with an 11.8 per cent margin.

Greens candidate Donna Lancaster is confident of improving the Greens vote, hoping to attract 15 to 20 per cent.

If that is so, her preferences will be directed to Mr Buckingham who she has placed second on her ticket ahead of Ms McAdam third and Mr Broadbent fourth.

The minor party candidates believe they will play a strong role in the outcome.

Mr McDonald believes the minor party candidates will be well supported at this election.

“People are getting very disenchanted with the Liberal and Labor parties,” he said.

Mr McDonald also has preferenced Family First and Australian Christians ahead of Rise-Up Australia fourth on his card. Liberal and Labor are placed fifth and sixth respectively.

While the margin is more significant than in previous elections, Mr Broadbent said McMillan was still very much a marginal seat and he would never take any vote for granted.

“It is quite different to defend your ground and defend your record.

“I have never thought of it as safe. I never take one vote for granted and always make sure we do the right thing for our communities,” he said.

Mr Broadbent’s preferences are directed to Family First’s Nathan Harding followed by Australian Christians Kathleen Ipsen and Mr McDonald fourth.

Mr Buckingham is confident there will be a swing back to the ALP and he is hopeful it will be enough to return McMillan to the ALP.

“People know I am taking this seriously and they appreciate it. What people are seeing is a strong and committed candidate for Labor.

“People understand that safe seats are not producing results for the community,” he said.

The ALP, Liberals and Greens have all preferences Rise-Up Australia last on their how to vote cards.

Early voting has begun for voters who can’t make it to a polling place on election day.

Voters entitled to vote early could either vote in person at an early voting centre or by applying for a postal vote.

An early voting centre for West Gippsland is open at 61 Smith St, Warragul.