Federal Asher a ‘very good’ fit
LIBERAL candidates shaping up to square off against Labor in the federal seat of Corangamite are due to put their hats in the ring in coming weeks as the race to claim the marginal seat at the next election hots up.
Nominations for Liberal preselection are now open and will run for at least six weeks, before the party’s poll, which is likely later this year.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher, currently on leave, has been mooted for a tilt but on Tuesday did not respond to the Advertiser’s questions.
Last year Ms Asher (pictured), a Liberal Party member at the time, did not rule out running for preselection in Corangamite.
Former Victorian upper house Liberal MP Simon Ramsay, who has twice run for preselection in Corangamite, said while he would not run, Ms Asher would make a strong candidate.
“She’d be a very good candidate and she is ticking all the right boxes … and is well known and well respected,” Mr Ramsay said.
“She’s always been interested in either the federal or state arena.
“I’m not sure if she values her current position over and above no certainty of winning a federal seat or a state lower house seat.”
Mr Ramsay said Ms Asher had not indicated to him if she would run.
Victorian Liberal Party state director Sam McQuestin said it was likely the preselection nomination process would run for at least six weeks.
“There are a few interested in it. It is very marginal. It is a very good opportunity for us,” Mr McQuestin said.
“It is absolutely a winnable seat, there’s no doubt about that. The redistribution doesn’t change it a lot either way.
“The party has massively improved our vetting processes and everyone goes through a rigorous process now.”
The Liberal preselection process comes as the seat, held by Labor’s Libby Coker, is due to shrink from 5441sq km to 1215sq km to ensure equal representation compared to other electorates.
The electorate is also due to be renamed Tucker in honour of Yorta Yorta woman Margaret Tucker because of her significant work “to create a more equal and understanding society for Aboriginal people”.
Mr Ramsay said the electorate should continue to be named Corangamite due to its proximity to Lake Corangamite, and that the redistribution would give Labor a slight edge.