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all Pause It’s happening and reflect By LIAM DURKIN
Anzac Day services were held across the Latrobe Valley last Friday, as locals gathered to pay their respects to the fallen.The Anzac legend has been passed down the generations, and in Traralgon, schoolchildren were on hand to lay wreaths at the town’s cenotaph.
Photograph: Katrina Brandon
WHO WILL WIN?
By LIAM DURKIN
LATE political journalist, Tim Colebatch of The Age perhaps summed up the feelings of most Australians when he said: “I don’t care who runs the country, but I care passionately about how it’s run”. Such sentiments will surely ring true when Australians go to the polls for the federal election this Saturday (May 3). As it stands, Labor and Anthony Albanese are in the box seat of securing a second term, although possibly without a majority government. The Prime Minister has out-performed Peter Dutton in what has admittedly been a pretty boring campaign, with most opinion polls suggesting the Opposition leader hasn’t really given the public much reason to feel inspired about him providing a better alternative. There was an undeniable feeling Australians had an appetite for change around three weeks ago, although that seems to have subsided considerably. It would be dangerous however to discount the Coalition completely, and if recent political history is any indication, nothing is absolutely certain until election night. Labor only has to go back to 2019 to understand this, when their victory appeared a mere formality,
only for Scott Morrison to pull off a miraculous upset. The Coalition has experienced similar fates, notably in the 1999 Victorian state election when Jeff Kennett was rolled as Premier on the same day Carlton beat premiership favourites Essendon in the preliminary final, making for two shock results within a few hours. ABC election annalist, Antony Green said of ‘99: “it looked so unusual I thought something was wrong with the computer,” as results started coming in. Dutton’s nuclear spruik has arguably struck the wrong nerve nationally, while his work from home gaffe will most likely be replayed if the Coalition loses. By contrast, Mr Albanese has stuck to the true and tested playbook surrounding more affordable education and healthcare. With the Australian vernacular in mind, given the Liberals held government for the best part of a decade previously, voters may also feel the Coalition has had ‘their go’, and it is time for the other team to do likewise. Closer to home, a much more competitive election is playing out, at least in one electorate. GIPPSLAND is precluded from the competitive ranks, as it is one of the safest Nationals seats in the whole country. The Nationals have held the seat since 1922,
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and current Federal Member, Darren Chester has held it since 2008. Mr Chester polled more than 70 per cent on a two-party preferred basis at the 2022 election, increasing his margin by nearly four per cent. Labor candidate Sonny Stephens knows the odds are stacked against her, but is hopeful of at least putting in motion a campaign that will create change down the track. One Nation candidate, Greg Hansford attracted nearly 10 per cent of the vote last time around, and will be cautiously optimistic of generating an even greater swing again. Knowing Mr Hansford, this won’t be the last time we see him in an election - be it state, federal, or even on a local board. MONASH is where the greatest interest lies. Much as there is no place for fence sitting in predictions, this one is looking like it will be too close to call. There is a good chance there won’t even be a result on election night. Challengers came after long-standing Liberal incumbent, Russell Broadbent lost his majority in 2022, and only narrowly won on two-party preferred, edging out Labor’s Jessica O’Donnell by just 5600 votes all up, equating to less than four per cent.
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WHEN it rains, it pours. That saying is accurate both in a figurative and literal sense when talking about news of the past week. A huge thunderstorm rolled through the Latrobe Valley last Friday, seeing close to 15 millimetres recorded in just over three hours from 8.15pm. Global news was dominated by the death of Pope Francis, while nationally, the final days of the federal election have seen people flock to pre-poll to cast their votes early. The country paused for Anzac Day last Friday, and the country’s Lions contingent are in Traralgon for a huge four-day convention starting this Friday (May 2). Latrobe City Council also met last Monday night (April 28), and the highly publicised ‘Mushroom Case’ trial began yesterday (Tuesday, April 29). The trial is expected to go for five to six weeks, and provide a somewhat unintentional boost to local accommodation and hospitality businesses. With the usual weekend sporting fixtures on top of all this, there is almost too much news to keep up with. Due to Express printing deadlines, we have been unable to provide full coverage of all these events in today’s issue. Comprehensive coverage will however be provided online and in next week’s issue, detailing all the fallout and analysis from the federal election, and providing extensive coverage of local Anzac Day services especially. Australians go to the polls this Saturday (May 3) to elect the next federal government. Latrobe Valley locals can visit the Australian Electoral Commission website to check where to vote at: aec.gov.au/ election/voting.htm#start The Express readership covers the federal divisions of Gippsland and Monash (interestingly, Trafalgar isn’t even on the Monash map on the AEC website when it’s the third-biggest town in Baw Baw Shire). Candidates for Gippsland are (in ballot order): Sonny Stephens (Labor), Greg Hansford (One Nation), Rochelle Hine (Greens), Darren Chester (The Nationals) and Simon Wilson (Libertarian). Monash candidates are: Kuljeet Kaur Robinson (One Nation), Tully Fletcher (Labor), Russell Broadbent (Independent), Mary Aldred (Liberal), Deb Leonard (Independent), Geoff Dethlefs (Family First), David O’Reilly (Legalise Cannabis), Terrence Steel (Greens) and Alex Wehbe (Trumpet of Patriots). Gippsland incumbent, Darren Chester is again expected to retain what is one of the safest Nationals seats in the country, while Ms Aldred, Ms Leonard, Mr Broadbent and Mr Fletcher are considered the live chances for Monash. Candidate statements - Gippsland (Page 16), Monash (Page 40).