By Charlene Macaulay
The Liberal Party is “quietly confident” it has what it takes to win the seat of Werribee in the 2018 state election, an upper house MP has revealed.
Western metropolitan MP Bernie Finn said the Liberals plan to run a concerted campaign to overthrow incumbent member Tim Pallas and secure a seat in Labor’s heartland following the state government’s announcement that it would build a youth detention centre in Werribee South without any consultation with Wyndham council or local residents.
“It’s safe to say Werribee’s now in play,” he said.
“If Tim Pallas is the Labor candidate at the next election, I think we’ll win the seat.
“I’ve never known a member to be so detested within his own seat.
“You can’t treat your own electorate that way he’s treated Wyndham and expect people to vote for him.
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“This whole episode has aroused a great deal of anger among residents… Tim Pallas should be shaking in his boots.”
While nominations for preselection won’t open until later this year, Mr Finn said the party would choose a candidate who lives in the Wyndham area.
Mr Pallas won the seat of Werribee in 2014 by a 15 per cent margin.
Meanwhile, five-time Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke said he’d like to see some fresh, independent faces standing.
“I think Tim has done so much to damage his brand, and Daniel Andrews has done too,” Mr Bourke said.
“I would’ve thought he’d be quite influential as treasurer to say it shouldn’t be there.
“It’s extremely disappointing, and the fight’s just beginning.”
