The Liberal Party has opened up pre-selection nominations for the seat of Tarneit 17 months out from the next state election.
Earlier this month, the Liberals put the call out for nominations for the seats of Tarneit, Melton, Albert Park, Macedon, Monbulk, Mulgrave and Sunbury, with applications closing on July 17.
In an email sent to Liberal Party Victoria members earlier this month, state director Simon Frost said the party particularly encouraged nominations for the seats of Tarneit and Melton, “where the failure of local Labor members of Parliament to appropriately represent their communities has caused widespread anger across Victoria”.
Tarneit MP Telmo Languiller resigned from his role as Speaker in February after controversy surrounding almost $40,000 worth of living allowances.
The decision to open up pre-selection nominations in Tarneit so far out from the November, 2018, election is a departure from tradition for the Liberal Party, with nominations usually happening only a
few months out from an election.
Mr Frost said Liberal Party members were very keen to begin strong campaigns against Mr Languiller and Melton MP Don Nardella.
He said other seats, including Werribee, would be considered at the next meeting of the party’s administrative committee in July.
