THE public will learn later today who is vying to represent the National Party for the seat of Mallee at this year’s Federal Election.
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Candidates have until 5pm today to declare their nomination.
The preselection requirement comes after Andrew Broad, who served as Member for Mallee since 2013, announced last month he would not recontest the seat.
It follows a “sugar baby" controversy, where the former assistant minister sent messages to a younger woman with the online alias "Sweet Sophia Rose".
The Party’s state director for Victoria, Matthew Harris, said National Party members who live in the Mallee electorate will choose their candidate at Birchip Community Hall on Saturday, January 19.
“It’s definitely an unexpected circumstance,” Mr Harris said.
“Ideally we wouldn’t do this in the middle of January when a few people will be away with summer and the school holidays.”
He expected hundreds of people to attend the vote.
A successful candidate needs 50 per cent of the vote to win. Before the ballot, each candidate will have five minutes to address members before taking questions.
Mr Harris said he expected an influx of applications across Friday. Only one person had publicly announced their intention to stand for the Nationals preselection when the Wimmera Mail-Times went to press.
Dr Anne Webster, the founding director of a not-for-profit Zoe Support, which has been helping to connect young Mildura mothers with education and job opportunities since 2012, has nominated for preselection.
“What I believe I can bring is an ability to analyse problems and practically and passionately become engaged in the resolution,” Dr Webster said.
“Whether it’s road, rail, water or energy is irrelevant. It is a matter of learning what needs to be learned, engaging the stakeholders and advocating for the right steps forward.”
Dr Webster has a doctorate of philosophy from ANU. She has spent the past week in the Wimmera.
“(I’ve been) meeting with National Party members, mayors, councillors and others – just trying to get more of a handle on what the needs of the region are, and what a successful candidate should be looking to achieve,” she said.
She said she expected Mr Broad to be involved in the transition period.
“My expectation, if I win (preselection) is that I would look to work with Andrew to ensure everything he has promised or set in motion are completed. This is not about Andrew or the next candidate – it’s about the electorate,” she said.
A date for the Federal Election is yet to be declared, but is likely early in the year.
Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
