Source : Perth Now news
Momentum has well and truly landed in the ultra-marginal electorate dubbed the “gateway to Gippsland,” with a minor party making waves across the region.
One Nation faithful packed into Pakenham’s Railway Hotel on Monday, decked out in the party’s signature orange and blue merchandise, to hear a rousing political address from state leader and local candidate Warren Pickering.
Pakenham, in Melbourne’s outer southeast, is held by Labor’s Emma Vulin, who will not recontest the seat, making it one of the most marginal electorates at November’s state election.
On Monday night, Mr Pickering was confident in the power of the party.
“People from both major parties (are) joining our party and that’s reflective on the whole state more broadly,” he told AAP.
“A lot of people are looking to One Nation, just because they want to see change.
“They feel like voting for the major parties again and again, it’s going to deliver more mediocrity.”
Supporter Russell Vickery told AAP it was important to show support for the party at the event.
He said the declining state of the roads was a big problem facing many Victorians, including those in Pakenham.
“Basically Liberal and Labor, they’re both got very much similar policies and the fact that if we don’t do something the state of affairs, we’re going to be screwed for the grandkids,” Mr Vickery said.
“It’s a case we’ve got so much deficit.”
Primary support for One Nation remains steady at 23 per cent, while the coalition pushed up one point to 28 per cent, according to the latest Resolve Political Monitor, conducted in October and published by Nine newspapers.
Labor continues to trail the coalition in the polls, with its primary vote remaining steady at 25 per cent, while the Greens are at 15 per cent and the independents on nine.
Janie and Duncan Boyle travelled from Wonthaggi in regional Victoria to attend Monday’s event.
The pair told AAP they were very worried about the cost-of-living crisis facing many regional communities.
“People can’t afford rentals. It’s better for a change,” Ms Boyle said.
“Even with hospitals, our grandson had to go down to Yarraville to get an MRI because our hospitals don’t do them.
“He couldn’t even get it done at home.”
The race to November’s election continues to heat up, with fewer than 40 days until polling day.
Victorian Labor on Monday promised a new cap for full fares and a $15-a-week limit for concessions if it is returned to power for a historic fourth successive term.
Victoria’s One Nation unveiled further election promises on Monday, including a plan to crack down on illegal dumping by increasing penalties.
The party said it would, if elected, introduce a higher penalty system for repeat offenders, cost-recovery fines and full liability for clean-ups.
