The Liberal Party has selected a Melbourne-based criminal barrister as its candidate for Mallee for this year's Federal Election.
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Mildura branch president Russell Lamattina confirmed Serge Petrovich was endorsed to contest the seat for the party at this year’s election. The party’s head office made the decision at the weekend.
“While Serge isn’t local to the electorate, we can see that he is someone with experience in the party, with a background in our country flanks and with regards to campaigning,” Mr Lamattina said.
“A lack of people coming forward for nominations would have had an effect on the decision, and on that decision being made by the administrative committee instead of it going to the members to decide.”
The Mail-Times contacted Mr Petrovich for comment, but he declined in favor of a party-issued press release on his behalf.
“I’m humbled and honoured to be a candidate in Mallee, a region that is such an integral part of Victoria,” Mr Petrovich said in the release.
“I’m looking forward to travelling around the electorate and listening to what local issues are of concern to the local residents."
Prior to his legal career, Mr Petrovich was a detective and prosecutor with Victoria Police for 18 years.
Mr Petrovich’s wife Donna represented northern Victoria in the Upper House of State Parliament from 2006 until 2013. In 2015, she nominated to replace former Premier Denis Napthine as state member for the Warrnambool-based seat of South West Coast, but was beaten by Roma Britnell at the pre-selection stage.
An agreement between the Liberal and National parties permits both to contest a vacant seat at elections. In 2019, sitting Nationals MP Andrew Broad is stepping down following a "sugar baby" scandal in December.
Mr Petrovich is the seventh candidate confirmed to be contesting Mallee.
He joins Nationals candidate Dr Anne Webster, Science Party candidate Leigh Firman, Citizens' Electoral council candidate Chris Lahy and three independents Cecilia Moar, Jason Modica and Ray Kingston.
A date for the Federal Election is yet to be announced.