VOTING has started in the Federal Election for 2025 with the opening of early voting centres locally at Wonthaggi and Cowes on Tuesday this week.
And at various stages during the day, it was noticeable that good numbers of voters were taking the opportunity to vote early.
"We're going overseas next week so it's good to be able to get it out of the way before we go," was one comment.
However, a crucial blow had already been struck before Easter with the publication of the candidates ‘How to Vote’ cards featuring an effective exchange of preferences between former Liberal-turned-independent Russell Broadbent and the Liberals’ Mary Aldred.
The disaffected incumbent, Mr Broadbent, who was passed over for preselection by his own party in November 2023 despite winning his seat for the Liberals 10 times in 13 elections, was widely expected to preference independent Deb Leonard ahead of his former party.
But in a deal believed to involve support from minor party candidates in exchange for Senate preferences, Mr Broadbent and Ms Aldred will both be recommending their own supporters give their local preferences to each other ahead of either Labor’s Tully Fletcher and the other live chance in the race for Monash, Ms Leonard.
It’s nothing personal.
The Liberals are preferencing ‘Teal’ candidates second last, only ahead of the Greens’ candidates, in other seats where Teal independents have a strong chance of winning including Zoe Daniel in Goldstein and Dr Monique Ryan in Kooyong, although in that hotly-contested seat the Liberals’ Amelia Hamer is encouraging voters to put Ms Ryan 5th, D Vader (David not Darth) TOP 6th and the Greens’ Jackie Carter 7th.
But the decision by Mr Broadbent and Ms Aldred to encourage their voters not to preference Ms Leonard could be crucial in the final analysis. Whichever one of Ms Aldred or Mr Broadbent gets the higher first preference vote and collects enough preferences along the way will get the benefit of conservative votes flowing their way in the count. Their decision to “gang up” on Ms Leonard may make her task of winning even harder.
Her path to victory may have to come through getting more votes than Labor’s Tully Fletcher, a hard ask given the “rusted on” first preference vote for Labor was almost 25% in 2022.
Leaving that prospect open is Tully Fletcher's how to vote card where Deb Leonard will get the second preference of Labor voters if Mr Fletcher is ultimately counted out when the votes are tallied on election night. Russell Broadbent is number 3 on Tully Fletcher's recommendations, ahead of Legalise Cannabis Party candidate David O'Reilly, the Greens' Terence Steele and Mary Aldred in 6th.
Mr Fletcher was one of the Monash candidates to visit the polling booth in Wonthaggi on opening day.
Of course, how to vote cards are only a guide for voters. They can decide how to vote according to their own preferences.
Ms Leonard said this week that the how to vote card agreement reached between Mr Broadbent and Ms Aldred was an indication they were feeling threatened by her campaign.
“As a community Independent for Monash, I have made the decision not to do preference deals with other candidates or parties. I trust the voters of Monash to make up their own minds about how to number every box on their ballot according to their own judgement and values. You know our community the best,” said Ms Leonard this week.
“My advice to voters is to put candidates you believe will be the strongest voice for our region at the top of your ballot. Don’t feel obliged to follow any ‘How to Vote’ cards handed out on election day – those often reflect murky deals cut by major parties.
“As your independent representative, my only loyalty is to the people of Monash. I aim to always be upfront and transparent, which is why I am making my position on preferences clear.
“In this election, the power is in your hands. I trust you to vote for candidates who will put our community first and deliver action on things we need like cost of living, healthcare, infrastructure and integrity,” Ms Leonard said.
Voters in Monash must however number the boxes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in order of their own preferences.
Early voting starts Tuesday
All will be revealed when voters go to the polls, starting from 8.30am this Tuesday, April 22 when early voting centres open.
You can vote at these locations from this Tuesday, May 22.
* Wonthaggi Senior Citizens Club, 46-50 Murray Street, Wonthaggi
* Phillip Island Masonic Lodge, 92 Church Street Cowes
Opening hours
* Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday, April 24 8.30am–5.30pm
* Saturday, April 26 - 9am–4pm
* Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1 8.30 am–5.30pm
* Friday, May 2 8.30am–6pm
All early voting centres will be closed on Easter Monday, April 23, and Anzac Day, Friday, April 25.
