THE Federal Election is expected to called this Sunday, March 9, after the result of the Western Australian election is known, for Saturday, April 12.
The only spanner in the works is the level of impact that Cyclone Alfred has on south-east Queensland. If it’s severe, which is looking less likely now as the cyclone slows down, it might have been bad form for the Prime Minister to introduce an unwelcome distraction.
But it’s increasingly likely now that he’ll still be heading up Dunrossil Drive to the Governor General’s residence in Canberra this Sunday to ask for the dissolution of the 47th Parliament.
Piece of trivia: According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) they were going to name this latest tropical storm ‘Cyclone Anthony’ from a list of approved names in alphabetical order but given the political situation, opted for ‘Alfred’ instead.
As much as Mr Albanese is likely to make it official on Sunday, it has been “game on” for the main combatants in the unofficial campaign for quite some weeks now.
Locally, in the electorate of Monash, independent Deb Leonard and the Liberals’ Mary Aldred, have been the most active, most visible candidates in the field.
They’ve been out and about meeting and talking to the people of the electorate for months and in recent weeks, there’s been a real sign war going on with the two candidates placing opposing advertising signs directly opposite each other at several locations.
As well as the signs, Ms Leonard has painted up a retro caravan with her photo and messages, doing the rounds at announcements and community events.
Expect everything from corflutes in residential streets to signwriting in the sky as the campaign hots up.
Candidates that have already declared their intention to contest the seat of Monash include:
- Mary Aldred Liberal
- Deb Leonard Independent
- Russell Broadbent Independent
- Tully Fletcher Labor
- Terence Steele Greens
The Nationals, Trumpet of Patriots (UAP), Pauline Hansons One Nation and several others are expected to nominate for the seat of Monash, where the result is expected to go well into the preference count after the sitting member Russell Broadbent, the former Liberal candidate now independent MP, decided to nominate after being passed over for preselection in favour of Ms Aldred.
Ahead of Sunday’s expected announcement we’ve asked all of the candidates to ‘state their case’ in 150 words as an opening gambit.
We’ll publish them as soon as we get them.
Deb Leonard, Independent
The major parties are no longer representing everyday people in our community. Our regional and rural electorate has been ignored for decades when it comes to funding for roads, health services and infrastructure.
I’m running as an independent for Monash because we deserve better representation. As a lawyer, small business owner and working mum, I have spent my life entrenched in our local community, and I’ve seen where we’re missing out.
Policies should be formed by the people of the community, not career politicians. I’ve been listening to people all across the electorate about the issues that are important to them, and that feedback has directly shaped my policies.
I am focused on meaningful action to address rising grocery prices and household bills, to ensuring everyone can afford a home, and to greater investment in our region.
As an independent I can work with both sides of politics to get common sense solutions that suit our community.
Russell Broadbent, Independent
People are fed up with ‘the government’ telling them what to say, think or do.
Whether it’s Labor or Liberal, an ever-increasing number of people are feeling let down and have lost trust in the major parties.
Every day I engage with people from across Monash who can’t comprehend how they work so hard, yet still struggle to make ends meet.
I am here to give a voice to the fed up and disillusioned and to hold government account – especially where they’re spending hard-earned taxpayer dollars.
I’m running as an Independent and funding my own grassroots campaign – that is, I am not accepting any donations.
As a true independent, not beholden to any party, group or individual, I can achieve more for the people of Monash.
More to follow (as they are submitted by the candidates)