WHEN the Western District last voted at a by-election in May 1983, only three candidates – from the Labor, Liberal and National parties – stood for office.
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Today, we have 19 nominees to choose from. Eleven candidates are standing in South West Coast and eight in the neighbouring Polwarth.
Some candidates have worked harder for your vote than others. When the by-election race started, The Standard identified road funding, the Base Hospital redevelopment and a fourth rail service as priority projects. Support has flowed forth on all three issues.
All 11 candidates for South West Coast were invited to participate in The Standard’s by-election forum in Warrnambool on Monday night. Nine appeared on the Lighthouse Theatre stage with Animal Justice Party candidate Jen Gamble and Australian Christians candidate Lillian Len did not participate. On several other occasions, they failed to front for group photographs and other events. They do not deserve your vote.
Independent Liberal candidate Pete Smith was the forum’s winner, according to adjudicator Kevin O’Toole. Mr Smith has been the surprise package of the campaign with several interesting policies while independent candidate Roy Reekie has been arguably the most policy-driven contender.
These two have emerged as credible alternatives to the major party candidates.
Country Party candidate Jim Doukas has advocated strongly for rural voters and should do well at Moyne polling booths.
Liberal Party candidate Roma Britnell has covered a lot of ground since her pre-selection and is arguably the most well-known candidate due to her advertising campaign.
Over in the Polwarth electorate, the race has been more of a straight presidential contest between National Party candidate David O’Brien and Liberal Party candidate Richard Riordan.
What has been particularly disappointing about this election is the lack of interest from the Labor Party, particularly Premier Daniel Andrews. Mr Andrews and his government have control of Victoria’s purse strings and have the ability to fund projects that are vital for the region's future development.
The Standard believes our readers are intelligent enough to make up their own minds when they head into the polling booth on by-election day.