By Luke Voogt
Geelong’s last remaining Liberal MP is preparing to “fight like no tomorrow” for her marginal seat with the Federal Election set for late May.
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson warned voters against electing “wall-to-wall” Labor MPs in Geelong, with recent polls indicating her challenger Libby Coker could unseat her.
“When all Geelong region seats at a state and federal level were last occupied by Labor MPs, we saw some terrible decisions and no political accountability,” she said.
Ms Henderson became the last remaining state or federal Liberal MP in Geelong after Andrew Katos lost the seat of South Barwon in last year’s Victorian Election.
“Holding Corangamite will be extremely tough,“ she said.
“But with every breath in my body, I will continue my fight for the people of Corangamite. On election day, I respectfully ask for their support.”
Ms Henderson said she had secured tens of millions of dollars for her electorate including a $154 million City Deal and a new international terminal for Avalon Airport.A ReachTEL poll of 856 Corangamite voters last December indicated a lower primary vote for Ms Henderson compared to her marginal 2016 election win.
Corio MP Richard Marles said voters having their say was more important than political allegiances of members in the Geelong region.
“No-one deserves a seat. If people choose Labor in Corio and Corangamite it will be because Labor offers the policies that those communities want.”
Mr Marles said he was preparing for a likely election date of 11 or 18 May.
“But we’re ready to go tomorrow if the Prime Minister recognises what everyone else can see: his government is past its used-by date and it’s time for an election now.
“We know we’re in a tight contest, but it’s one we’re up for and one we’re working hard on winning.”
Chief executive officer of municipal alliance G21 Elaine Carbines dismissed fears a Labor-dominated region posed a threat to democracy.
G21 would work “unashamedly” with whoever its voters elected, for the betterment of the region, the former Labor MP said.
Three non-Labor MPs, Stuart Grimley, Bev McArthur and Andy Meddick, were representing Western Victoria, which includes Geelong, in state’s upper house, Ms Carbines added.
