THE 2018 state election is less than one week away, meaning the end to months of campaigning for prospective politicians all over the state.
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Five candidates in Lowan – each with differing views, policies and opinions – are hoping to be successful to take a seat in the state parliament.
Election campaigns are notoriously difficult on candidates in many different facets, one main area being financially.
In 2014 Shepparton MP and independent Suzanna Sheed showed how much financial commitment was needed for candidates not belonging to major parties.
Her campaign cost $100,000, but it helped her become the first fresh independent in Victorian state parliament since 1999.
Lowan candidates have spent nowhere near that amount, but have still strongly committed themselves to the election race.
Independent Barry Shea was the first candidate to nominate to take on incumbent MP Emma Kealy in the safe Nationals seat in early October.
Mr Shea said the financial cost of his campaign had not taken a big toll.
“I would have spent no less than $1000 all up, all out of my own pocket. The biggest thing for me has been spending time every day campaigning and getting out into the community. For the last couple of months I have been out full time trying to get across my ideas,” he said.
Labor candidate Maurice Billi’s campaign has cost about $3000. Campaign volunteer Craig Wilson said it had been run as a very tight campaign.
“We don’t have that much to work with but we have still been active in various forms of media,” he said.
Mr Wilson said having a strongly-funded campaign was important, but he had also been pleased with Mr Billi’s engagement with the community.
“I am a great believer a well resourced campaign and printed material can win you an election, all you have to do is look at Clive Palmer in the last few years,” he said.
Lowan is tipped to once again be a very safe Nationals seat, with Ms Kealy expected to be re-elected.
Nationals’ Lowan campaign director Hugh Delahunty said the Nationals had a “rough idea” of the cost of Ms Kealy’s campaign but would not disclose what the budget was.
“No matter the situation elections do cost money but we have been able to fundraise for the last four years,” Mr Delahunty said.
Greens candidate Richard Lane and Victorian Socialists candidate Trevor Grenfell were contacted for comment.