MINOR-party candidates for the seat
of Lalor have united to remind voters that they don’t have to vote for
the ALP or Liberal Party at next month’s federal election.
Australian Christians candidate Geoff
Rogers, Democratic Labor’s Michael Freeman, independent candidate
Nathan Mullins and Joe Zappia from the Palmer United Party held a
barbecue for voters on Watton Street last Saturday.
Mr Freeman said they wanted to let people know what they stood for so voters could make an informed decision on September 7.
Eleven candidates will contest the election in a bid to become Lalor’s first new MP since 1998.
“It is good to let people know there is an alternative and we thought it would be good to pool our resources together and give people a chance to meet some of the candidates,” Mr Freeman said.
“Minor parties often don’t have a platform. For the DLP, it was about letting people know we are a force again.”
Mr Rogers said it was important
people viewed voting for a minor party as a chance to influence the
decisions of the ALP and Liberals.
“A lot of people in Werribee would vote for the ALP, but we are
giving them a chance to vote for the Australian Christians and send a
signal to the major parties that they want them to support our core
values of family, faith and freedom,” he said. “They can tell the major
parties that they should take a stand on certain issues.”
The order candidates will appear on
the ballot paper was determined by the Australian Electoral Commission
last Friday, with divisional returning officer Terrie Page conducting
the draw. Rise Up Australia Party candidate Marion Vale secured top
spot, while Family First’s Daryl Pollard will be listed last.
