KATRINA Rainsford has defended criticism over her change of heart on preferences, claiming her move was justified to consolidate the independent vote.
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The Wannon Independent candidate responded to accusations by Labor opponent Judith McNamara that Dr Rainsford reneged on a preference deal to appease the Liberal Party.
Dr Rainsford said the criticism was flattering as it proved she was making a difference in the race for Wannon.
She said she was compelled to respond to Ms McNamara's comments as she wanted to maintain her reputation as a respected veterinarian and Southern Grampians councillor.
"Since the opening of nominations for Wannon when the number of independents grew from two to five, I have changed from not running any preferences to working with two other independents," she said.
"(This will) help hold the independents vote together, so we do make an impact on the major parties in Wannon.
"(We are) running our own campaigns but sharing polling booths and a how-to-vote card."
Dr Rainsford had previously pledged not to conduct preference deals earlier this year.
She had a change of heart after the election was called, drafted a how-to-vote card but has now entered a voting bloc with fellow independents James Purcell and Allan "Swampy" Marsh, who announced their intention to run after Dr Rainsford.
"The first I knew about getting the third preference on the Labor ticket was a call from The Standard," Dr Rainsford said.
"Our draft ticket was out on the pre polling (but) I was made aware that Family First preferences went to the Liberals so I made a change in the lower batting order. I thought it may cause some angst. I have always hated doing preferences and still do. But this election will come down to preferences for the first time."
Dr Rainsford defended her judgement on regional policy and said she was accountable to voters rather than other candidates.
"My goal all along has been to ensure that the man from Melbourne is not the next member for Wannon," she said.
"Liberals support continued tax driven managed investment schemes and now Labor has announced international carbon credits for trees."
