Election wrap

Despite a growing trend to vote early, the majority of people will cast their votes at polling booths around West Gippsland on Saturday.

As the lengthy election campaign draws down to the final week 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).

It has been an election campaign of few promises in McMillan, with no pork barrelling for any major projects to sway voters.

Despite the Liberal hold over the past 12 years, the ALP has 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, is confident there will be a swing in his favour and is hopeful it will be enough to return McMillan to the ALP.

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

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.

As the sitting member, Mr Broadbent declared early that he would never take any vote for granted.

When the election was announced Mr Broadbent said it was the government’s record on the line and as sitting member it was quite different to “defend your ground and defend your record.”

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

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. Early voting Early voting has been open 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. Postal votes People casting a postal vote must return their ballot papers by 6pm tomorrow.

Compulsory voting means that every eligible Australian citizen (18 years or older) is required by law to enrol and vote. If a person does not vote and is unable to provide a ‘valid and sufficient’ reason, a penalty is imposed.

Candidates Gazette journalists Yvette Brand and Keith Anderson have interviewed the eight candidates standing in McMillan.

The profiles appear in ballot paper order.